I lost my job and had to break my lease because i could not afford the rent...?

the leasing office said that it would cost me $3000 to break and asked if i had the money -- my rent was $850/mo. so, of course, i didn't have that much. (who can afford to pay 3x any bill after losing their job?) i paid for the months that i was there. i realize that there are many people who stretch the truth to get out of rental agreements and such, and leasing companies must account for the dishonest; but, i live in an at-will state and found myself suddenly without a job for no fair reason. i have a special needs child so this was especially devastating. several years later, i'm at a point where i may be able to gradually pay back $3000, but i wonder how leasing companies are able to get away with this? i was facing homelessness, and it felt like the leasing office was price-gauging. if i didn't pay $3000, my credit would be damaged and i wouldn't be able to get an apartment elsewhere. like raising the price of gas during an evacuation. this just doesn't seem fair.

You were in Breach of Contract. That is how they "got away with this", you signed a contract.

The contracts are binding on both ends, not just the tenants.

Have you been sued? In collections?

I am not sure what is fair, you agreed to the terms before you broke the contract, not after the fact.

Many people loose jobs, they do not get a free pass from their legal obligations and bills because of it.

it's not fair. sometimes you can break a lease for life-changing events. perhaps if you had to move out of town? hint hint...

Was this a judgment against you from the courts? If it wasn't, you should've let them sue you. The judge would've probably been a little more lenient considering your problems.

As for the fairness of it all...these places are in business to get your money. They'll do it by any means necessary. It isn't fair. Unfortunately, you probably signed a lease agreeing to pay this. And another unfortunate problem with leasing is you cannot rent anywhere without signing one.

If it had been me and I couldn't pay that amount, and I didn't go to court. I would've called whomever was in charge of leasing those apartments and try to bargain with them. Sometimes they'll understand. You could've asked to pay until they had someone else rent the apartment.

It is totally unfair to have someone move in to your old apartment and pay, yet you're still paying as well. I know, too little, too late in your situation. Believe me damaged credit won't affect your renting possibilities like you think. Things like that matter when it comes to purchasing a home. If you would've had that problem in trying to rent again, your explanation would've been okay with them. Again, too little, too late I know. But there's little or nothing you can do about it. That's the power of a contract. If I were you, next time you sign a lease, do it for 6 months if you can do it with minimal or no extra fees.

I live in Alabama and the gas prices here are over $3, and minimum wage is $5.15/hr. Now that's pitiful. Politicians are in bed with oil corporations, so we'll never get a break there.

Luckily I'm moving to the UK in 2 days so no more crappy healthcare or the government not taking care of its citizens. That's not why I'm moving, but it's certainly a plus.

Good luck.

Edited to say: Running away from your problem won't help it. Your credit follows you everywhere. Stop thumbs downing me :((

I was once in your situation. Don't worry, everything will work out for you =)

A year ago I found this organization that gives people up to $1500 in renter or mortagage assistance! They operate in most US cities, I highly suggest you try to get some of this money.


http://www.mortgage-and-rent-assistance....

Good Luck!