What you can end up paying
| Cost | What it is | How to reduce it |
|---|---|---|
| Rent until re-rented | Rent for the months the unit sits empty after you leave | Bring the landlord a qualified replacement tenant early |
| Early termination or buyout fee | A fee some leases name for ending early | Ask whether it can be reduced, especially if you give lots of notice |
| Relet or re-letting fee | A fee some properties charge to process a new tenant | Ask your property manager for the exact amount before you start |
| Security deposit deductions | Landlords may apply the deposit to unpaid rent and reasonable costs | Leave the unit clean and document its condition |
| Collections and credit | Unpaid amounts can be sent to collections and affect credit and future rental applications | Settle in writing before you leave |
A worked example
These numbers are illustrative, not a prediction. Say your rent is $1,200 a month and you have 5 months left on your lease.
- If you move out and the unit is never re-rented before the lease ends, you could owe all 5 months: $6,000.
- If the landlord re-rents it after 2 months, you could owe about 2 months: $2,400, plus any fees your lease names.
- If you find a replacement who signs before you leave, your rent can stop on the day their lease starts, so you owe little beyond any relet fee.
That last case is why landlords and tenants both prefer a lease takeover. Under Arizona law, when a landlord rents the unit for a term that starts before your lease expires, your rental agreement ends on the date the new tenancy begins (A.R.S. § 33-1370).
How to pay less
- Read your lease for an early termination clause, relet fee, and notice period before you do anything else.
- Tell your landlord as early as you can. Every extra week of notice is a week they can use to re-rent.
- Offer a replacement tenant instead of just asking to leave. See how to find someone to take over your lease.
- Ask for any release or fee agreement in writing.
- Use a service that does the sourcing for you if you don't have time. Dryft finds the replacement tenant and refunds you if it doesn't.
What Dryft costs
Dryft's price depends on your property and your move-out date, and it is based on the rent you would otherwise still owe. You see the exact price in an instant quote before you pay. 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
What is the typical fee to break a lease?
There is no universal number. Many leases name a fee or a number of months' rent in an early termination clause, and others have none. Read the clause in your own lease, and ask your landlord what they would accept.
Do I lose my security deposit if I break my lease?
Not automatically, but a landlord may apply the deposit to unpaid rent and reasonable costs caused by your leaving (see A.R.S. § 33-1370). If a replacement tenant takes over and the unit is in good shape, there is usually less to deduct.
Will breaking a lease hurt my credit?
Breaking a lease does not itself affect your credit, but unpaid rent or fees that go to collections can. Settling the amount in writing before you leave avoids that.
Is a lease takeover cheaper than breaking my lease?
Often, because a replacement tenant can stop your rent from the day they move in, instead of leaving you paying for empty months. You may still pay a relet fee or a service fee, so compare the numbers.
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.