What are the legal consequences of a tenant breaking a lease?

In Tennessee, breaking a lease can have serious legal consequences. Depending on the terms of the lease, when a tenant breaks a lease, the landlord has the right to demand the remaining rent payments for the duration of the lease. Additionally, the landlord can sue the tenant for the remaining rent payments in court. The landlord can also sue the tenant for damages sustained due to the tenant breaking the lease early. This could include lost rental income and the costs associated with finding a new tenant. The tenant may be responsible for any real estate commissions, advertising expenses, and other costs related to finding a replacement. The tenant is also responsible for returning the unit in the condition it was in before they moved in, minus reasonable wear and tear. The tenant may be expected to pay for repairs unless they can prove the landlord was responsible for the damage. If the tenant does not pay these costs or return the unit to its original condition, the landlord may report them to a credit reporting agency, resulting in a lower credit score. This could mean difficulty renting from another landlord or getting a loan in the future. Breaking a lease is therefore a serious legal matter and should not be taken lightly. Before breaking a lease, the tenant should ensure they are aware of the legal implications and are willing to bear any associated costs.

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