Breaking a Lease Agreement VIC: What You Need to Know
Breaking a lease agreement can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for tenants in Victoria. It’s important to understand your rights and obligations, as well as the consequences of breaking a lease.
Here are some things you need to know about breaking a lease agreement in Victoria:
1. Reasons for breaking a lease: There are several reasons why you may need to break your lease agreement, such as job loss, relocation, or personal circumstances. You’ll need to provide evidence to support your reason for breaking the lease.
2. Notice period: You’ll need to give your landlord written notice of your intention to break the lease. The notice period varies depending on the reason for breaking the lease. If you’re breaking the lease due to hardship, such as job loss or illness, you’ll need to give 14 days’ notice. If you’re breaking the lease for any other reason, you’ll need to give 28 days’ notice.
3. Costs of breaking a lease: If you break your lease, you may be liable for costs such as rent until the end of the lease or until a new tenant is found, advertising costs, and the landlord’s reletting fee. You may also forfeit your bond.
4. Mitigating your losses: To minimize your costs, you can try to negotiate with your landlord to find a new tenant to take over your lease. You’ll need to advertise the property and show it to potential tenants. Once a new tenant is found, you’ll need to obtain written agreement from the landlord to end the lease.
5. Disputes: If you can’t reach an agreement with your landlord, you may need to attend the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to resolve the dispute. VCAT can make orders to end the lease, determine the amount of rent owed, and decide on any compensation or damages.
Breaking a lease agreement can be a complex process, but it’s important to understand your rights and obligations as a tenant. If you’re unsure about any aspect of breaking your lease agreement, seek advice from a qualified legal professional or consult the Victorian Residential Tenancies Bond Authority website.