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Breaking your lease in Florida if buying a house.?

My husband and I are looking into buying a house. We've been told by different people that if you have proof of buying a house you can break your lease without penalty. Does anyone know the laws about this? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. I don't think that's true. I mean maybe if you went through a agency or so. But a landlord would care less. You either have to pay the fine or pay it out. I hope things work out for you.
2. I don't think you can do this. I haven't found any law that says you can do this. Florida Landlord-Tenant Laws can be found here: http://lawdigest.uslegal.com/landlord-tenant/lease-termination/1297/ http://lawdigest.uslegal.com/landlord-tenant/lease-termination/1305/ http://lawdigest.uslegal.com/landlord-tenant/lease-termination/1293/ http://www.cafelaw.com/renters.html Here's someone else's post about it: http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-16317.html See if your landlord is willing to allow you to break the lease, after you find the house, for a termination fee (maybe one month's rent?).
3. It depends what your lease says. If there is a clause pertaining to that, then yes you can. Otherwise, you are on the hook for the entire lease. I would be up front and honest with your landlord about your situation. Agree to pay the lease until he/she gets a new tenant. That would be fair. Remember that many landlords are counting on that rent check to make their mortgage payment... not just to line their pockets. Don't agree to find a new tenant for the landlord (since you don't have their criteria/qualifications/etc.) If you can't afford to do this, then you need to wait until you are near the end of your lease before you look for a house to buy. You may have better luck finishing your lease out and then asking to go month-to-month until you close on a house. That might be more economical for you.
4. A signed contract is a signed contract, the landlord could care less "why" you're breaking your contract. Now, the landlord could sue you, true. But if you give them notice, try to find someone to rent the place and work with the landlord, you probably won't have that problem. Work with them, tell them what's up. Most people are reasonable and will work with you. Remember, you entered into a contract, just like when you entered into a contract to buy your house. You will most likely lose your security deposit, and you will be liable for the balance of your rent through the end of your lease of the place doesn't rent out. Good luck!
5. Since you asked about the laws in Florida here are links you can search Florida General Provisions Property Laws includes tenant/landlords isssues http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0715/ch0715.htm LANDLORD TENANT ACT: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm Landlord tenant main site: http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0083/titl0083.htm&StatuteYear=2004&Title=%2D%3E2004%2D%3EChapter%2083 Landlord tenant handbook: http://www.floridapirg.org/consumer/renters/rrpage1.htm Landlord tenant brochure: http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/hr/forms/25/5025_750.pdf Consumer Services landlord tenant explanation: http://www.800helpfla.com/landlord_text.html HUD Senior Housing Section 8 http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=fl&topic=renting HUD: Florida Landlord Tenant Laws http://www.hud.gov/local/fl/renting/tenantrights.cfm Good luck with your research
6. Those people would be wrong, but you should check your lease to see if there is any clause to that effect in there. Some landlords are more generous than others.