Now before I begin, I am well aware that when I moved in I signed a contract. Now to my situation. I moved to Boston a few months ago to continue my education. I live with one of my best friends, who is also studying at the same university. We have only been living here for about 4 months. We have a place in Somerville and rent is 1300 a month, no utilities included. We have a great landlord who happens to have a daughter who goes to the same university as us and he has been most helpful and friendly. My roommate just informed me that his mother is very sick and he has to return to Paris and theres a possibility he will not return. Now I cannot afford the rent by myself. Even with work and all. The Lease I signed is the RHA Standard Form Apartment Lease Fixed Term (2000/2001 Edition).
As for breaking the lease it says the following:
Lessee’s Covenants in Event of Termination Clause The Lessee covenants that in case of any termination of this lease, by reason of the default of the Lessee, then at the option of Lessor:
(A) the Lessee will forthwith pay to the Lessor as damages hereunder a sum equal to the amount by which the rent and other payments called for hereunder for the remainder of the term or any extension or renewal thereof exceed the fair rental value of said premises for the remainder of the term or any extension or renewal thereof; and
(B) the Lessee covenants that he will furthermore indemnify the Lessor from and against any loss and damage sustained by reason of any termination caused by the default of, or the breach by, the Lessee. Lessor’s damages hereunder shall include, but shall not be limited to any loss of rents; reasonable broker’s commissions for the re-letting of the leased premises; advertising costs; the reasonable cost incurred in cleaning and repainting the premises in order to relet the same; and moving and storage charges incurred by Lessor in moving Lessee’s belongings pursuant to eviction proceedings.
(C) At the option of the Lessor, however, Lessor’s cause of action under this article shall accrue when a new tenancy or lease term first commences subsequent to a termination under this lease, in which event Lessor’s damages shall be limited to any and all damages sustained by him prior to said new tenancy or lease date.
Now I understand that it is basically saying that if I break the lease I am responsible for all the rent of the months I have not payed or the time that it is vacant. Now my question is, if I find someone else to move in and take over the contract, does that mean I am not liable anymore? Contracts are contracts but it also says I take over repairs or additions and that I need to inform him of any thing and so far he didnt care what I did. He installed new locks for free, etc. I would love to stay here but I do not want to default and be evicted because I cannot pay rent. Any help or experience would be greatly appreciated!
So far thank you for the help! Some of the best I’ve seen in all the questions asked. I am obviously trying to do it the right way. I don’t want him or myself to suffer financially and I’d rather pay two months in rent when I am not living here to help him find a new tenant, than pay for the rest of year. I will do what I can to help him, when the time comes. Any more help is greatly appreciated!