Question
I just rented an apartment.. paid the agency fees and gave a 2 months deposit. It’s a ONE year contract renewable. It says I can end the contract anytime after 6 months giving a 60 days notice to the owner.
My question is, what if I leave before? Like within 3 months? Do I ever get my deposit back at some point? I wonder because I got a job offer in another city after the summer and I don’t know what to do.
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
“No, you wouldn’t get your deposit back as explained in your contract.”
“You signed a 12 month lease with a 6 month commitment. If you break it before then you will lose your deposit and depending on the contract also be liable to pay missed months rent.”
“You signed a contract with a 6 months commitment. If you leave earlier, e.g. 3 months, you still have to pay the missing 3 months. That’s what a commitment is about.”
“I believe that if you leave before the 6 months are over, you will need to pay for the entire year. It’s a shame people don’t inquire about these things BEFORE signng the contract.”
“You’re liable for 1 year… Many people in your situation would sublet it but you’re probably not allowed and it should be stated on the contract so you’d carry that risk. If you sublet just make sure it’s someone you know, not on airbnb even though you could even make a lot of money that way… The city fines are astronomical and Colau has launched a genuine witch hunt against this. Also, worth mentioning, most people dont even get a full deposit. Local landlords charge you for every single minor detail you could possibly think of. This is one of the reasons why I rather rent the apartment I own on airbnb and I was lucky getting a license years ago, now it’s impossible. I also prefer as both tenant and landlord flexible agreements and short stays: less drama and more money.”
