Tenant broke lease, can I charge remaining months rent

[John Gach]

So say the tenant broke the lease and basically packed up and left. They didn’t damage the place, landlord collected first/last/security when they signed the lease. Are you allowed to put it in the contract that if the tenant breaks the lease they have to pay the remaining months rent? Also if that is allowable by New York State law, how do you go about collecting on that, are judgements the only option, does it effect the tenants credit?

This questions is more for my brother who actually was a tenant at an apartment complex and just up and left which wasn’t the smartest decision. The complex is trying to collect what appears to be around $3,000.00

My brother is trying to buy a house and is worried it would effect his credit?

Thank you

[Nathan Gesner]

You need to learn NY Law. I know people are going to try to help you on BP but you can't always trust the advice you get. Unless it's coming from me, of course!

CLICK HERE for one source.

I recommend your brother contact the Landlord and try to negotiate something. Perhaps he can pay 50% of what is owed and the Landlord will let the rest go. It's worth a try. he should definitely clear that up before trying to buy a house.