What do tenants need to know to break a lease without penalty?

Tenants in Maine need to be aware of their rights and obligations under lease agreements so they can understand what is required to break a lease without penalty. Tenants should know that the landlord is only able to charge a penalty under very specific circumstances. The tenant must have violated the lease in some way, and they must have done so despite being given a reasonable amount of notice and time to rectify the issue. For example, if the tenant has not paid rent and the landlord has given them 30 days to make the payments and the tenant still fails to do so, then the landlord may be within their rights to charge a penalty. The landlord must also prove that the tenant was aware of their violation and that they had been given the opportunity to correct the issue. If the tenant is terminating a lease early, they may need to provide the landlord with written notice and proof that they have found another place to live, or that they have legitimate grounds for early termination, such as a job transfer or housing needs. If the tenant is able to provide this information, the landlord may not be allowed to charge a penalty. Finally, the tenant should be sure to contact the landlord in writing to inform them of the terminate the lease and to provide any necessary documentation. This will help protect the tenant from being charged a penalty and will leave a written record that can be useful should the tenant need to enforce their rights in the future.

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What do tenants need to know to break a lease without penalty?

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