Renting in Tempe
Tempe is home to Arizona State University's Tempe campus, so many of its renters are students, and many leases follow the academic year, often starting in August.
That makes Tempe a busy place for lease takeovers. When one student leaves in the middle of a lease, other students and summer interns are often looking for a unit with the same dates.
Your options in Tempe
| Option | Ends your responsibility? | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Lease takeover | Yes, once the landlord signs the new tenant | Lease takeover vs sublease |
| Sublease | No | Lease takeover vs sublease |
| Negotiated release | Yes, if in writing | How to negotiate a lease break fee |
| Moving out and paying | No | What happens if you move out early |
What Arizona law says
Leases in Tempe fall under the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the same state law that applies everywhere in Arizona. Two provisions matter most when you want out:
- If a tenant abandons a unit, the landlord must make reasonable efforts to rent it at a fair rental, and your agreement ends on the date a new tenancy begins (A.R.S. § 33-1370).
- A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault in the dwelling can end the lease early with written notice and the right documents (A.R.S. § 33-1318).
The full picture is in our guide to getting out of a lease.
Timing in Tempe
Takeover demand in Tempe tends to follow the school calendar. If you're graduating or leaving for a semester, start two to three months early. Ask your property for its relet process and any cutoff date.
How Dryft works in Tempe
Dryft finds a replacement tenant to take over your Tempe lease, working through your property's own takeover process. Search for your property on the quote page to see your price. 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.
Looking for a lease instead? Dryft lists leases other renters are leaving in Tempe: see available leases in Tempe.
Frequently asked questions
Can I break my lease in Tempe?
You can end a lease early if your landlord agrees, a replacement tenant takes over, or a legal exception applies. Otherwise you stay responsible for the rent. A lease takeover is the usual route, and Dryft finds the replacement tenant.
I'm an ASU student. Can I get out of my Tempe lease if I graduate early?
Graduating isn't usually a legal reason to end a lease, but a lease takeover lets you leave without paying for empty months. See our guide for ASU students.
Does my Tempe landlord have to re-rent my apartment if I leave?
In Arizona, if a tenant abandons the unit, the landlord must make reasonable efforts to rent it at a fair rental (A.R.S. § 33-1370). It doesn't stop you owing rent for the months it sits empty.
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.
Sources
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.