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Can we start moving out of our house and into another, if the lease isn't up yet?
House & Home / 11:30 AM - Friday November 20, 2009

Can we start moving out of our house and into another, if the lease isn't up yet?

My husband and I are expecting a baby in February. So we found a newer and bigger place and plan on moving in by mid to end of December. We want to make sure we are settled into the new house before the baby comes. But, the only dilema is that the lease at our current house doesn't end until the end of January. That would be way too late to move while nearing the end of my pregnancy.
Is it okay to move out of the current house into the new house? The rent has already been paid for the month of January and our landlord told us, that if she can find a tenant or buyer for the house by then, that we would get the rent money back for the month of January plus our security deposit back.
We already have first months rent plus the security deposit paid at the new house, is this breaking the lease? Or is it okay because the rent is paid?
Please help, don't wanna lose any money, but we wanna be settled in before baby arrives.

- Asked by alocksgirl2005, A Creative, Female, 26-28, Baltimore, Who Cares?

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As long as your rent is current, then you are alright to move.

May I share a personal story as a word of caution? When our family moved into our current home, we left the rental about 3 weeks prior to the end of the lease. I left the rental home very clean and paid to have the carpets professionally cleaned. When we returned with the landlord for the final walk-through, a significant red wine stain was on the family room carpet and a broken screen window. Apparently, the home was discovered vacant and then broken into by some teenagers who had a party there. My advise is it make certain that the vacant home is left secured and checked-on occasionally.

Congrats on the addition to your family! Babies are such a true blessing.














- Response by WAPenPal, Female, 46-55, Self-Employed

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you can move into the new house as soon as you want. because you have paid for January on your current lease, you have not broken the lease... it's only when you move out and not pay the remaining months of the lease; that would be considered breach of contract.

- Response by kungfudewd, A Hip Hop Guy, Male, 29-35, Financial / Banking

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According to your facts, you may do whatever you wish. Your obligation is only through January, and you have already met it.
Congrats on the new arrival!........:B)

- Response by beemerdoc, A Mr. Nice Guy, Male, 56-65, Technical

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You did not break your lease. Your contract is to pay rent until Jan. It doesn't matter if you occupy the house or not. I would still put some effort into finding a replacement to lease the house you are moving out of so you could get your Jan rent back AND your deposit. You already should be awarded back your deposit at the end of Jan if you didn't trash the house. The deposit is to cover the landlords rearend if you bail bc they still needs to pay morgtgage. In most cases anyhow.

- Response by zinerva, An Engaged Girl, Female, 29-35, Dallas

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It should be fine since the rent has been paid.

- Response by dragontulip, A Cool Mom, Female, 36-45, Therapist

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