What are the legal consequences of a tenant breaking a lease?
When a tenant breaks a lease in Pennsylvania, there can be serious legal consequences. Depending on the situation, the landlord can take the tenant to court and sue for damages. The tenant is legally responsible for paying the full rent amount, even if they have vacated the property early. The landlord has the right to sue for the remaining balance due, which can include court and collection fees. Additionally, the landlord can sue for future rent that they would have received if the tenant had fulfilled the lease agreement. In some cases, the landlord may be able to sue for punitive damages or for the payment of the costs of re-renting the property. The tenant may also be liable for other expenses, such as the cost of repairing any damage that they caused to the rental unit. The tenant may face additional consequences, such as a damaged credit score due to unpaid rent. Moreover, a foreclosure or eviction on their record could prevent the tenant from securing future housing. If possible, the tenant should talk to the landlord beforehand about breaking the lease and attempt to negotiate a solution. In the event that the two parties cannot agree, the tenant should seek legal advice from a lawyer before making any decisions.
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