Legal Talk

The advice of a good attorney can be expensive but an attorney's knowledge can be priceless when applied in the correct situation.  Do you have a question about a legal matter and want answers?  Go to www.newspaperattorney.com and submit a question to be answered by an attorney licensed to practice law in the state of Kansas.  Your question may just end up getting answered on this blog!  Remember the Law Office of Brandan Davies LLC does not represent you in any manner until a formal representation agreement has been executed.  The following information is not legal advice and is for entertainment purposes only.  If you need specific legal advice concerning your own legal issue consult with an attorney directly. Ask Away!

Q: My freind from high school and I wanted to go away for college.  We left home and moved in to an apartment and we both signed a lease.  We didn't really read it we just signed where the apartment lady said to.  Now my buddy is wanting to move back home.  I can't afford the apartment all myself.  How do I get out of the lease?

A: You may end up learning a couple of good lessons from this ordeal.  First, always read what you are signing. Second, be careful who you live with and enter into contracts with.  You need to go to your landlord and get a copy of the lease you signed then look it over carefully.  A lease is a contract, if you agree to a contract and ratify that agreement with your signature, you will most likely be obligated to fulfill your side of the agreement barring a few exceptions.  The lease may have provisions for early termination, but don't count on it.  If you don't understand the lease, take it to a local lawyer who does landlord/tenant work and ask him/her if you can get out of the lease.  Make sure to ask the lawyer if he represent the apartment complex before you ask your question. You also need to talk to your friend and tell him/her that depending on how the lease is worded, they are probably liable for the rent just like you.  If they leave early and don't fulfill their side of the agreement then the landlord could sue them for damages, and that you may also be able to sue them for damages.  If all else fails and there is no early termination rights you could always go to your landlord and explain the situation maybe they will be willing to work something out.  Good luck!