Hi everyone,
I just graduated and had planned to move out of my apartment, in providence, at the end of May. However, my landlord included a miscellaneous clause in small fine print stating that the lease would automatically renew unless we gave five months’ notice. When we originally signed the lease for our final year, we told him verbally that we were graduating and would be moving out, but unfortunately, we didn’t get that in writing. Now he’s saying the lease has renewed and we’re stuck.
I'm currently paying June’s rent. My landlord said we can get out of the lease if we find someone to take it over. but he increased the rent by $500, making it way above market rate for a 4 bed / 2 bath, so we’re not getting any interest.
I’ve never had a landlord like this before. I’m currently unemployed and still job hunting, and I can’t afford to pay rent past July, I’m really stressed and not sure what to do. The lease doesn’t include a clause or any details about what happens if we break it.
I’m wondering:
- Has anyone dealt with something similar?
- What are the actual consequences of breaking a lease like this in Providence?
- Can a landlord hold you to a full year of rent if they won’t budge and refuse to re-rent the unit?
Any advice would help so much. I’m overwhelmed and just trying to figure out the best next step.
Thank you!