Students express annoyance and disappointment over breaking leases
Leases seem to be an inevitable step towards independence, but some find them to be more struggle than serenity. Is it possible to make leasing less of a headache?
Many students find that breaking the lease, finding a six-month lease or finding a sublease is the most challenging part. For some, the seemingly momentous task continues to haunt them after graduation.
“The biggest problem I face is no alternative ways of breaking the lease,” said Jerzi Johnson, a December graduate. “My apartment is a student apartment, and there is no way to break the lease.”
Johnson said one of the hardest parts of the process is trying to find someone to take over her lease.
“I've had multiple people message me about wanting my lease over these few months,” Johnson said. “I've had a few people ghost me in the middle of the process.
“There’s been a couple times where someone has started an application for my sublease and decided right before they submit it and pay the application fees that they just don’t want it anymore.”
Johnson only wishes there were more options.
“I knew I would be moving in December right after graduation,” Johnson said. “I could not find anywhere that would offer me a six-month lease.
“Student apartments especially I wish would offer these to people. I just graduated and had to move out of Troy for my new job, but now I'm stuck paying $630 a month for an apartment I don't live in anymore.”
Finding a six-month lease is a struggle shared by many.
“The only trouble I would say I had in the past with previous leases was my landlord deciding that he did not want to allow me to sign a lease for six months,” said Katelyn Henderson, a December graduate. “I would be moving home after I was done with school, so I did not need to stay in an apartment for the extra six months in the new year, which would’ve required me to pay six months of rent for an apartment I wasn’t even living in.
“My landlord’s way of explanation was that he would have no one to fill that spot leaving him out of the money, so unfortunately, I struggled finding somewhere to live in Troy for the fall semester that wasn’t over $1,200 a month for a six-month lease.”
Henderson said the biggest problem with leases is that landlords are expecting students to pay a huge amount of money for little in return regarding the newness of the apartments, as well as not allowing more flexible options when it comes to the amount of time they would be staying in that lease.
“I think some of these problems could be solved with agencies and landlords being more reasonable as to how long these college residents are going to actually be staying in Troy,” Henderson said. “I think they know it’s very hard to get someone to sublease the apartment, and it leaves the renter in a very tough position of having to decide: ‘Do I want to sign over for that next year when I know I’m going to have to sublease, or do I just want to pay the extra six months of rent and be out all that money when you’re not even living in the place?’
“I know at the end of the day, all they care about is getting their money, but in my mind, most people [residents] are going to have to decide what works best for them, and most are going to decide with saving the money.”
Brooke Harris, the marketing manager for Foshee Residential, which manages the University Corners Apartments, said struggles are common but largely solvable.
“Ending a lease doesn't have to be difficult, but it's important to read and be familiar with the terms of your lease. Don't wait until the last minute to make a decision.”
Harris said it’s no wonder why lease termination can feel like navigating a minefield, but that the answer lies in understanding the lease agreement inside and out. By carefully reviewing the terms, students can prepare themselves for the financial responsibility of breaking a lease.
Harris also said asking questions is crucial to understanding.
“For those who are feeling anxious about signing a lease, remember that asking questions is not just okay — it’s crucial! Don’t hesitate to seek clarification on anything that seems unclear. You should fully understand any legally binding commitment.”
Harris leaves students with the advice to take the time to schedule a property tour and visit in person. This opportunity allows students to get a genuine feel for the community, see the apartment first-hand and interact with the leasing staff directly.
“It’s all about finding a place that feels like home. So, get involved, ask questions, and take the time to explore your options — your future self will thank you.”
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