When your tenant signs a lease agreement in Colorado, they are promising to occupy the property and pay rent for a certain period of time. However, sometimes unexpected events arise and they might need to break a lease. Whether it’s the loss of a job, the transfer of a job to another state, the purchase of a home or even a death in the family, what do landlords need to know about tenants who want to break a lease early?

What Are the Legal Repercussions?

In Colorado, if a tenant chooses to break a lease, they are breaching the landlord-tenant agreement. If they are leaving early, they must give you notice in advance signaling their intentions. Because the tenant said that they would commit to paying rent for the entire term, they could be held responsible for the unpaid amount. For example, if rent was $1,000 a month and they signed a 12-month lease, they committed to pay $12,000. If they leave after 6 months, there will still be $6,000 that they need to pay unless they meet certain criteria.

When Can a Tenant Break a Lease?

There are some reasons why a tenant might be able to break a lease without being liable for unpaid rent. These include:

• A property that has become uninhabitable or unsafe (doors that don’t lock, electrical problems, no heat or hot water, leaky roof, etc.)
• Being called up for military duty if the orders take the tenant away further than 50 miles from the apartment location
• Demonstrating that you (the landlord) have become intrusive or invasive (regularly conducting inspections without notice, coming into the property for no reason without the need for a repair, etc.)
• The tenant moved out from the property and it is vacant and able to be rented

If you are not sure what your options are if you have a tenant break a lease, All County Denver South Property Management can help you determine the best path forward and find a new tenant.

All County Denver South Property Management Can Help Fill Your Vacant Property

All County Denver South Property Management is here to help property owners get the best return on their investment through knowledgeable and trustworthy property management services. From managing tenant relationships to lease enforcement, we look forward to working with you to see how your rental property investment can be a long-term, stress-free asset. We work with landlords throughout Lakewood, Englewood, South Denver, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Ken Caryl and Aurora. For a complimentary quote, call us today at (720) 664-4550.