Side by side
| Landlord buyout / break fee | Dryft | |
|---|---|---|
| How you get out | You pay the landlord's fee and they release you | A replacement tenant signs the property's lease |
| Cost | Set by your lease or your landlord | A service fee, shown in an instant quote |
| Certainty | High, if the landlord offers it | Depends on a tenant being found |
| Speed | Can be immediate | Takes as long as it takes to find and approve a tenant |
| If it doesn't work out | The fee is usually paid | You can request a full refund before the incoming tenant signs |
| Availability | Only if your lease or landlord offers it | Through the property's own takeover process |
When a buyout is the better choice
If you need to be out now and the fee is small compared with the rent you'd owe, a buyout is simple and final. Get the release in writing. Read how to negotiate a lease break fee first, because many landlords will reduce it.
When Dryft is the better choice
If the buyout fee is high, your landlord doesn't offer one, or you have time to wait for a tenant, a takeover can cost less. If Dryft doesn't find a replacement tenant, you get your money back: you can request a full refund for any reason until the incoming tenant signs the official lease.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lease buyout cheaper than a lease takeover?
It depends on the numbers. Compare the buyout fee with the cost of a takeover, including any relet fee and a service like Dryft. Ask for both in writing.
Can I do both?
Yes. Some renters start a takeover and keep a buyout as a backup if a tenant can't be found in time.
What if Dryft can't find a replacement tenant?
You get your money back. Dryft's Service & Refund Agreement lets you request a full refund for any reason until the incoming tenant signs the official lease, and the service is risk-free until then.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws and lease terms vary, so check your own lease and talk to a lawyer or a tenant rights organization about your situation.