Going through a breakup is one of the hardest things anyone has to deal with. It is disappointing to realize that all the time, emotional energy, and vulnerability that you may have invested in a relationship with someone else is all for naught. However, of course, there are lessons to be learned in times of transition, painful though they may be. And it is important to remember that while you may be lamenting your emotional investments, it won’t help the situation to neglect or abandon your financial investments, such as a lease that you may have signed with your former partner. Properly handling a lease after a breakup can help you feel more grounded and in control of what may otherwise be an unfortunate and uncomfortable place in your life. Tapping into your inner wisdom and making responsible choices is a good way to re-establish and strengthen your relationship with yourself, so that you can move on from the breakup (and eventually, from your lease) with your head held high. It never hurts to leave a bad situation with grace rather than slinking away in shame or making choices that you might later regret. 

Tips for Handling a Lease After a Breakup

Know what you are dealing with. It is important to do your research, and the best way to start is to read your lease closely so that you are sure you understand the terms. Who is on the lease? Is it just you, both you and your ex-partner, or just your partner? If it’s just your partner, then you need to be sure you have a safe place to live and make the arrangements needed to move. If it’s both you and your ex-partner, you’ll need to work out an arrangement with your landlord to update the lease if your ex is moving out. If it’s just you, then you’re in luck. You’ll have full control of the situation which is the best position to be in following a breakup. 

Keep your landlord informed. Without including any unnecessary detail, it is wise to go ahead and briefly inform your landlord of your breakup, especially if your ex-partner was also cohabitating with you in the leased property. As mentioned above, keep in mind to whom exactly is on the lease. If you are worried about an ex who isn’t on the lease but may be tempted to stalk you or otherwise lurk around the property when you aren’t home, your landlord may want to be aware of this, as well. And of course, if you need to remove your ex from the lease, your landlord will appreciate a heads up rather than a last-minute request or worse–a missed rent payment. 

Plan for the future realistically. Understand that although your leased property may be painful to stay in following a breakup, you’ll need to remain there until your lease is up. Use this time of transition to give yourself a chance to plan for the future from a realistic perspective. You may not be able to make all the changes you’d like to see in your life immediately, but you can begin to move the puzzle pieces of your life to line up for a bright future. Responsibly fulfilling the terms of your lease will only help you in this endeavor. 

The knowledgeable members of the Apartment Hunters team can help you every step of the way as you deal with a breakup that may affect your lease. We can answer questions so that you aren’t trying to figure out complicated issues alone. And, if you find yourself in need of a new place to live, we are ready to help you get into a place that’s right for you. Call us today if there’s any way we can help.