Can a landlord affect my credit rating if I terminate the lease early?

I'm in the middle of a lease but I would like to break the lease early. I don't want to bother with the hassle of a sublet, and my landlord hasn't been too responsive on either re-negotiating the lease terms or fixing up problems in the apartment. I've always paid my rent on time, been a good tenant, etc. However, my landlord has being somewhat neglectful of problems that I've reported (e.g. electricity not working, leaks, etc.) and refuses to talk about these problems and get back to me. I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried staying without paying rent (until they've used up their security deposit) and then left. I'm pretty sure that if I'm a good tenant and provide early notice, I will probably never see my security deposit again. But at the same time, I don't want to risk getting my credit damaged if my landlord tries to get me back. Can anyone out there share their thoughts on this? Thanks.

Can a landlord affect my credit rating if I terminate the lease early?
This doesn't sound like a reputable landlord.





1) Document your problems.


2) Document your problems.





Send certified letters to the landlord requesting things be addressed. This in and of itself may entitle you to break your lease. You may need to talk with an attorney if your really want to protect yourself.





Not everyone reports to the credit reporting agencies. It cost money to do so, but it also (obviously) carries more weight. If you just randomly (without documentation and a lawyers opinion) terminate the lease, you may be on the hook for the remainder and it will shred your credit for the foreseeable future. That is just the fact. If they report, your hosed. Then, later on, they'll sell it to someone else, so they get SOME money back and that new collection agency will re-report it and hose you again. Pay your rent or get an attorney.





Best of luck.





Joe...
Reply:you can terminate a lease any time you like,provided you pay any penalties and adhere to the terms of the lease regarding termination.if you leaveowing rent it can get on your credit record as a negative.


with regard to the repairs,you had the option to leave if you did not like the service.


and it is not a good idea to leave and let them use your security deposit for rent as this is not the intention of a security deposit which is usually to repair damages you caused,but not wear and tear, and for cleaning,sanitizing etc.


even if you have been a good tenant you can ruin all that good


stuff by your final hasty or irresponsible actions.


its better to leave on good terms and morally correct to fulfill your obligations.


once you have done you bit the landlord has no reason to withhold you security deposit.


if he does you can sue him in small claims court and have a clear conscience,which is a good feeling.honor is a rare but worthwhile quality.
Reply:If at all possible, try to stick it out. Your lease is a binding contract between you and the landlord and he/she can make you pay out the remainder of it. A security deposit is given for damages that may occur and is refunded if there are no damages. It is not to be used for rent. Your landlord is perhaps being stubborn because of the problems with the apartment and trying to get back at you. You have the right to ask for repairs, but all landlords don't go about it too swiftly. If you refuse to pay rent, this will land you in court and will go on your credit. Be nice and ask again, you may be surprised. Good luck
Reply:It would depend on what is stated in your lease. Most of the time unless your landlord takes you to court, and then reports the results, it won't affect your credit rating.
Reply:go to the rental board..send a registered letter with the artifacts that need to be done advise the landlord that ur apt is not in living standards. the rental board will advise u of how o go about it. i do nto suggest u break a lease because he/she can take u to court for skipping out on rent and then u would have that on ur file.