Buying a house is an exciting milestone, especially for first-time homebuyers. But what happens if you’ve already signed a lease on your current rental? Can you break your lease just because you’re purchasing a home?
Can You Break a Lease If You Buy a House?
Yes, you can break your lease if you buy a house. No one can force you to keep living somewhere once you’ve decided to move, but ending a lease early may come with consequences. These often depend on the terms of your rental agreement and the willingness of your landlord to work with you.
When Can You Break Your Lease After Buying a House?
Most leases include terms that explain what happens if you leave before the agreement ends. As long as you follow those terms, you can move out without facing consequences. These provisions exist to protect the landlord, since they don’t want to be left with an empty property and little time to find a new tenant.
If you’re considering buying a home for sale in Louisiana, you’ll want to look at your lease agreement carefully to understand your options for ending the lease early. There are several common clauses that could help you do so.
Early Termination Clause
The early termination clause allows you to end your lease before the term is up, but there are usually conditions. You may have to give the landlord a certain amount of notice (typically 30 to 60 days) and possibly pay a fee. This could be an amount equal to one or two months’ rent or the remaining rent due for the lease term. This clause is common for renters in New Orleans.
Buyout Clause
Some leases have a buyout option, where you can pay a set fee to end your lease early. The buyout fee is different from lease to lease, and this clause can be helpful for those who need to move quickly due to purchasing a home.
Subleasing Clause
If you’re not able to break your lease early, you might be able to sublease the property to someone else for the remainder of the lease. This lets you move out without completely breaking the lease, and the subtenant would take over the rent payments.
Military Clause
If you are in the military and are buying a home due to a transfer or permanent change of station (PCS), many leases have a clause that allows you to break your lease without penalty. This is a legal right for military personnel, so be sure to check if you qualify.
Get Help Navigating Breaking a Lease When You Buy a House
Whether you’re breaking a lease to purchase a house or exploring rent-to-own options, Home Helpers makes the homebuying process easier. We offer support at every step, from credit assistance to customized financing solutions. With our guidance, you’ll gain access to programs designed to remove common obstacles and open the door to real homeownership.
Fill out our home application today and take the first step toward making your dream of owning a home a reality.
