What are the legal consequences of a tenant breaking a lease?
In Missouri, the legal consequences of a tenant breaking a lease can vary depending on the situation. Generally, the tenant will be liable for any unpaid rent through the end of the lease term in addition to any other damages the landlord may suffer due to the tenant breaking the lease early. For example, the landlord may be able to sue for lost rent they would have otherwise received if the tenant had stayed through the end of the lease. In addition, the tenant may also be responsible for the cost of re-leasing the property. This means that if the landlord has to spend money advertising or showing the property to potential new tenants, the tenant who broke the lease may be required to reimburse the landlord for those costs. Finally, it is important to note that if a tenant breaks a lease early and the landlord re-leases the property to a new tenant at a lower amount, the tenant who broke the lease may still be held liable for the difference between the rental amount specified in the original lease and the new lower amount the landlord was able to get. In general, it is important to remember that breaking a lease is a serious matter and can have significant financial consequences for the tenant. Therefore, it is important to speak to an attorney if you are considering breaking a lease to understand your rights and responsibilities.
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