Most landlords prefer to sign one year leases with their tenants. And for most tenants, living in one place for a year will work with their own schedules as well. But whether you are planning on staying for the entire lease term, or if you already know of life plans that will require a move, it is good to know what the options are for getting out of your contract.
Before you sign a lease, make sure to review it and talk to the landlord to understand what the expectations are for getting out of that lease. Are you allowed to sell your contract? What's the process? Is there a contract transfer or sell fee? Is there a lease buyout option? Can you sublet your lease? All of these are good questions to ask, as some landlords allow a contract sell where others only allow a sublet and vice versa. And for the trouble of switching things around, many landlords may charge a fee. Being aware of these details before you sign could save you a headache in the long run.
