What Happens If I Break My Lease?
Breaking a lease before its end date has financial and legal consequences. This article explains what to expect if you need to leave before your lease term is up.
Notice Requirement
If you need to vacate before your lease end date, you must provide written notice to PPM as soon as possible. The required notice period is specified in your lease — typically 60 days. Early notice minimizes your financial exposure.
Early Termination Costs
Breaking a lease typically results in financial responsibility for:
Rent for the remaining lease term or until the unit is re-rented, whichever is less (PPM has a duty to mitigate)
An early termination fee if specified in your lease
Costs associated with re-renting the unit (advertising, showing fees)
The exact terms depend on what is stated in your lease agreement. Review your lease or contact PPM to understand your specific obligations.
PPM's Duty to Mitigate
Under New Jersey law, PPM is required to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit after you vacate. You are only responsible for rent until a new qualified tenant is placed, not necessarily for the full remaining term. However, you remain liable if the unit sits vacant due to factors within our reasonable marketing efforts.
Legal Exceptions
New Jersey law allows tenants to break a lease without penalty in certain limited situations, including:
Active military deployment (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act)
Domestic violence (with proper documentation under NJ law)
The unit is deemed uninhabitable and PPM has failed to address it
If you believe one of these exceptions applies to you, contact PPM and consult an attorney.
Questions?
Contact us at [email protected] or (973) 646-4422 to discuss your situation before taking any action.