What are the legal consequences of a tenant breaking a lease?
In North Carolina, the legal consequences for a tenant breaking a lease can depend on the specifics of the case. Generally, the tenant will have to pay the remaining rent payments that were due under the lease agreement, plus any extra damages the landlord may have suffered as a result of the breach of the lease. These damages could include loss of rent if the landlord was unable to re-rent the apartment to another tenant. The landlord may also be able to collect other costs, such as attorney’s fees or court costs, if they had to file a lawsuit against the tenant in order to enforce the lease. The landlord may also have the right to pursue a money judgment against the tenant if the unpaid amounts are significant. This could mean that the tenant’s wages may be garnished or a lien placed on their property. In addition, if the tenant breaches the lease, they may not be allowed to enter into a subsequent lease with that particular landlord in the future. At the same time, the tenant also has certain rights. They may be entitled to a return of all security deposits and prepaid rent that they paid at the beginning of the lease. The tenant may also be able to negotiate a settlement with the landlord in which the tenant agrees to pay a certain amount of money in exchange for not being taken to court or having a money judgment entered against them. Ultimately, the specifics of the case will determine what the legal consequences are for a tenant breaking a lease in North Carolina.
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