Negotiating To Get Out Of A Lease

[singanddance]

What about breaking a lease simply because you were stupid?

I have 18 months left on my lease and housing prices have fallen to the point where I think I can buy a house in my school district and save loads of money (more than half my almost $1000 rent). I never thought I could possibly do that, that's why I asked for the long lease.

I live in a complex, which is owned by a corporation that owns many complexes locally. They've always been very nice and responsive. If I approach them simply to ASK for an adjustment on the lease... say to six more months or something... will they likely become hostile? I'd be willing to pay more per month. Certainly don't want to be unreasonable.

Is it ever a bad idea to approach them and try to negotiate? Could it completely ruin any goodwill I have with them? I could wait it out, I suppose, but boy it just seems like a long and punishing wait. Besides, I'm coming to hate my apartment.

[Mr. Knowitall]

I personally would try to negotiate a buy-out, acceptable notice period for moving despite the continuing lease, or even a rent increase associated with a conversion to a month-to-month tenancy.