What to Do When a Roommate Moves Out Early: Sublet vs Lease Termination
When a roommate breaks a lease 5 months early, should you replace them with a subletter or negotiate an early termination? Calculate the best option.
Roommate Out: Break vs Sublet
When a roommate breaks a lease 5 months early, should you replace them with a subletter or negotiate an early termination? Calculate the best option.
Why this calculation is mathematically fair
Evaluates joint-and-several liability. Breaking the lease incurs $6,000 in early buyout fees, while assigning the departing roommate's room to a verified sub-tenant preserves the lease and saves thousands.
Frequently asked questions
Are remaining roommates liable for a roommate who leaves early? +
Yes, under joint-and-several liability clauses standard in US residential leases, the landlord can demand the entire rent from any remaining tenant on the lease.
Customize this preset calculation
Adjust bedrooms, bathrooms, rent total, and utility rates in the interactive calculator.
Explore more Lease Break Calculator scenarios
Monthly rent is $2,200 with 4 months left. Compare a 2-month buyout fee ($4,400) against finding a vetted subletter with a $200/mo rental concession.
Job Relocation: Lease BreakRelocating for a job with 6 months left on your lease? Compare early termination buyout fees and concession paybacks against subleasing and assignment.
1 Month Left: Buyout vs RentMoving out with only 1 month left on your lease? Compare a 2-month early termination penalty ($3,600) against simply paying out your remaining month.
Washington: Early Lease Break & Mitigation CalculatorCalculate the true cost of breaking a lease in Washington State under RCW 59.18.310 landlord duty to mitigate vs. early termination buyout fees.
Illinois: Early Lease Break & Mitigation CalculatorCompare Illinois early lease termination fees against landlord duty to mitigate under 735 ILCS 5/9-213.1 and subletting options in Chicago.