[lisadf]

Hi guys,

So, I have a lease on a place until the end of August. However, for various reasons, I want to move out. I know that finding someone to take it over is an option. But someone told me that I can break the lease hastle free by using my deposit/bond as my last two months rent, and then move out end of feb with no more strings attached to my lease.

Is this true? Anybody familiar with this kind of stuff? Any ideas/suggestions on the different options I have, so that I don't lose my deposit?

Thanks!

[kristof]

In the contract you can not do that, that is ripping off the landlord, they can ask you to leave the day you stop paying and not give u 2 months.
If you have a strong reason to move out or leave HK then you might try to negociate with the landlord, depends on the person.
Finding a new tenant seems like a good option

[lisadf]

That's what I thought!

[discobay]

There have been similar posts links to which you can find at the bottom of this page.
You could speak to the landlord and make an offer.

[lisadf]

Thanks guys. I'm young, and new at this, so all your help is really appreciated!

So, if I talk to the landlord and she agrees to let me use my two months deposit as my last two months rent, should I get that in writting? So she can't come back and get me or something later?

[kristof]

I'd be surprised if she agrees to that as she is supposed to keep the deposit until you leave in case you steal/destroy something etc.
You can get her to sign something which says she allows u to leave earlier with no penalty on your deposit, but I think you'll have to negociate an amount of money she will keep as a compensation.
Well she might be super nice and say ok no problem, but I'd be surprised

[KnowItAll]

Depends on when the lease was signed and the rent being charged.

If the market value has gone up, the landlord might be happy to let you go and find a new tenant. Do you research and see if the market value of your apartment is now higher.. and use that as a negotiating point with the landlord.

[lisadf]

oh dear. I don't know anythign about researching if the value in my flat has gone up. All I know is that I pay $3,4 a month, and share with one other. The complex is fairly new, I think we're only the second pair to live in it. It's a really nice complex close to all sorts of busses...who wouldn't want to live in it? It's like living in a resort. I don't think she'd have much of a problem, but I don't know.