Most rental agreements in the Commonwealth of Virginia have a section regarding the renter breaking the lease agreement. While there is also likely a section or several sections regarding when the leasing agent can evict the renter, the section on breaking the lease should be of particular interest to those who might be in a position to have to break the lease some day. Renters should understand these contract terms so they can make an informed decision. Additionally the renter should consider all costs associated with breaking the lease. This includes both financial costs as well as emotional costs.
I can't go back to yesterday - because I was a different person then. -Lewis Carroll
Understand the Contract Terms
Renters should review their rental agreement carefully before signing the lease. Your lease is a legally binding contract which should be given proper consideration before entering into the agreement. This is important because understanding these terms will be essential if the need to break the lease becomes a reality.
Rental agreements typically do allow the renter to break the lease but not without some form of penalty. This penalty usually comes in the form of requiring the renter to give a specified amount of notice before the contract is up and also requires the renter to pay a sum of money to break the rental agreement. A notice of 30 days and a lease break amount equal to one month’s rent are common penalties associated with breaking a lease, however, individual leasing agents may impose penalties which are either harsher or less severe.
Consider the Costs of Breaking the Lease
As previously mentioned there is typically a fee associated with breaking a lease. This fee is often set equal to one month’s rent. While paying this fee may seem excessive there are some instances in which it is an economically good decision to break the contract even though there is a financial penalty imposed.
Consider the example of a homeowner who is the process or relocating due to a job change. The homeowner may opt to rent an apartment in the new state while the house is put up for sale in the previous state. If the renter enters into a 12 month contract under the supposition that it will take this long to sell the old house and purchase a new house, he may be surprised if his other house sells quickly and he finds a home in his new state rather quickly. This may all occur within a matter of 2-3 months.
The renter has the option to stay in the apartment until the rental agreement nears expiration and then start looking for a home. However, this option runs the risk that the home he previously found will not likely be available. The renters other option is to place a bid on the new house and plan on breaking the lease if he is able to close on the new house. In this case, the renter would be saddled with both a rent and a mortgage for 9-10 months. This will likely be significantly more expensive than the price the renter would pay to break the lease.
Breaking the Lease is Not Always a Financial Decision
The decision to break a lease is not always completely a financial decision. There are sometimes emotional components which factor into the equation. For example a renter may have only 1-2 months remaining on his rental agreement when he is offered a dream job which will require him to relocate immediately. Although breaking the lease that late in the agreement is usually not financially wise, the renter may make this decision to avoid missing out on a dream job.
Rentals in Focus
Step into this inviting townhome where beautiful hardwood floors greet you at the door, adding warmth, light and elegance to the space.
The kitchen boasts a breakfast bar that opens to the family room, creating a seamless flow for entertaining and everyday living. With a 2-car garage, parking is a breeze, and additional storage space is a bonus. Unwind in the cozy rec room in the basement, complete with a fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings and gatherings with loved ones. The sunlit owner's suite is a peaceful retreat, offering abundant natural light and a tranquil atmosphere to relax and recharge. Conveniently located in Alexandria, VA, this townhome offers the perfect combination of comfort, style, and functionality. [Governors Hill - $3,900]
Beautifully landscaped and well maintained this 4 BR 3 BA home is perfect for enjoying a quiet neighborhood and easy commuting options.
Hardwood floors through out the main and sleeping levels. Main level includes a wood fireplace, eat-in kitchen and living room. The kitchen is spacious with plenty of storage and views into the large backyard. On the sleeping level you will find 3 BR and 2 BA including the master. Each BR is spacious with a large closet. Master BR has an additional closet and it's own Master BA. 4th BR is located in basement along with another Full BA. [Fairchester - $3,500]
Available for RENT May 1st, 2024.
Beautiful furnished, day light basement level apartment with private entrance, 750 sq ft, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchenette, washer/dryer included. Stainless steel appliances, carpet and tile floor, newer bathroom, storage, plenty of parking. Close to Tysons and Reston town center, I-495, Toll Rd, I-66. Great for a corporate traveler. 1 month security deposit. NO PETS. All utilities included, High Speed Wifi, cable. RentSpree application $40 per person. Minimum 6 months lease. [Wolftrap Meadows - $1,895]
Rare opportunity to rent a well maintained studio in the fabulously located Eclipse on Center Park! Convenient to the Pentagon, DC, Old Town, and *walkable* to Reagan DCA; this unit w/existing murphy bed offers incredible turn-key livability with phenomenal geographic access.
Building features full gym facilities, outdoor pool, concierge and secured entry, as well as a residents lounge/party room with fantastic rooftop views. Unit conveys with a garage parking spot and separate storage unit! Pets considered on a case-by-case basis [Eclipse On Center Park - $1,695]
Available for showing April 27th
PARTIAL FURNISHED - READY FOR NEW TENANT! Great location in Alexandria with great views.
ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED IN RENT....(OPTIONAL) No need for furniture as it is PARTIAL FURNISHED with Living Room, Dining Area, Bedroom furniture including a sleeper sofa. On site, unassigned parking for 2-cars. Community amenities: recreation room and swimming pool. Easy access to shopping areas and I-395. Buses to the Pentagon and metro just across the street from the condo building. Just minutes commute away from Joint Base Fort Myer - Henderson Hall, the Pentagon, and Fort Belvoir. [Pavilion On the Park - $1,500]
Classy, brick, end-unit townhome offers 3 levels of quality, finished living space--4 Bedrooms and 3.
5 Baths. Nestled in a private community with established trees and green space, this home still has all the benefits of the city. It is conveniently located in Falls Church just minutes from the metros, Pentagon, Amazon HQ2, and Washington D.C. It is just ½ mile to commuter biking trails (Arlington Loop) as well as wooded hiking trails and creeks at nearby Long Branch Nature Center. Multiple grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping nearby. This open-concept home is bright and spacious with new windows, carpet over hardwood floors on main and bedroom levels, and designer luxury vinyl plank flooring in the entry foyer and powder room. The large kitchen features plenty of counter workspace and abundant storage including pantry cabinetry. A sliding glass door opens to the entertainment deck/patio below in your private, fenced backyard. Side yard access along a concrete sidewalk pathway links the front sidewalk to the rear gate for easy transfer of bikes and trash/recycling bins. The kitchen offers upgraded appliances including a Bosch Dishwasher and a Maytag Range and microwave, maple cabinetry, and Corian Countertops. The living room features a bright bay window overlooking a gorgeous landscaped open space in front of the home. The upper level features an expansive master suite with bath and an oversized walk-in closet. Rarely do townhomes offer this much space and storage. The upper level also has two additional spacious bedrooms. The hall bath is updated with decorator granite, tile flooring, and a shower area. Lower-level family room has a centrally located gas fireplace The lower level includes a carpeted private home office/4th Bedroom as well as a laundry room with a washer/ dryer. There is an Abundant storage area with a walkout to the rear yard. Additional storage in the attic space with pull-down stair access. The roof was replaced in 2008, and the HVAC system interior and exterior units were replaced in 2019, with an Aprilaire humidifier and Air Scrubber air cleaner. Community Amenities including tennis court, open space, tot lot, dog run, 2 assigned parking spaces, as well as trash and recycling included in the monthly rent. This home mixes location, quality, and price to offer you the finest rental opportunity in the area. Available for occupancy starting on June 10th owner will consider a 2-year lease. Pets on a case-by-case basis, good credit, and verifiable income required. Please use the RentSpree application online. [Carlyn Square - $3,350]
Stylish & Modern 2BR, 1.
5BA beautifully updated townhome in sought after Fairlington Towne*Great curb appeal greets you as you walk through front door*Bright & open, main level features hardwood floors, neutral paint tones & ample sunlight through large bay window in living room*Dining area & powder room lead to stunning renovated kitchen featuring quartz counters with complimentary subway tile backsplash, ample white cabinetry & stainless steel appliances*Upper level features hardwood floors, large primary bedroom with ceiling fan & second bedroom generously sized with ceiling fan both share updated full bathroom*Enjoy city living while entertaining on your private outdoor patio*Pets allowed on a case by case basis*Free parking*Centrally located & commuters dream with easy access to 395, DC, Old Town, Pentagon, route 7 & MARC center*Walk to Popular Shirlington, for shopping, dining, entertainment, grocery stores, Starbucks & post office* [Fairlington Towne - $2,300]
INCENTIVES FOR AGENT & TENANT FOR LEASE SIGNED BY 5/5/24.
GORGEOUS 4-LEVEL LUXURY TOWNHOME 3 Bedroom; 4 Bath (two half) w/ attached garage w/ inside access just steps from the Huntington Metro! Enjoy living in this stunning NEW CONSTRUCTION TOWNHOME (built 2022)! Enjoy nearly 2100 sq ft of living space. Bright and airy main level features spacious open concept living/dining room with trendy luxury vinyl plank flooring, half bathroom, and beautiful modern kitchen offering all stainless-steel appliances, granite counters, double oven, premium backsplash, and large island. The upper-level features two generously sized bedrooms and full bathroom, while the third level boasts an expansive, private primary suite w/ attached bathroom featuring double vanity, walk-in shower, as well as huge walk-in closets. STORAGE galore. Enjoy many premium upgraded features such as enhanced Wi-Fi, smart programmable thermostat, Ring Doorbell, smart washer/dryer, smart water shutoff valve, and more! Home can have EV charger installed! Parking is a premium at this community and this TH has 2 spaces. (Attached Garage & Driveway) FANTASTIC LOCATION! One block from the Huntington Metro Station (Yellow Line). 5 sops to Pentagon (Yellow line). Less than 1 mile from Old Town Alexandria. Seller offering discount off first month rent.The owner pays the monthly Condo & HOA fees. Pets Considered on a case-by-case basis. [Huntington Crossing - $4,900]
Move-in Ready! Freshly painted and professionally cleaned.
2 year lease is preferred. FANTASTIC LOCATION! 2 level townhouse offers 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathoom. Main level offers a Kitchen with breakfast nook, a half bath and large living room leading to bricked patio with a fence backing to woods. Upstairs offers 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. 2 assigned parking space are just in the front of the house. Plenty guest parking and street parking. Close to Mosaic District shopping and many restaurants. Minutes to I-495, R-50, Tyson's corner. Why rent an apartment while you can afford a townhouse with outdoor living! Pet case by case. Pet rent $100/per month, pet deposit $500. Application fee $55/per adult. Please ask listing agent for online application link. [Lee Landing Park - $2,500]
Will is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and Condo Alexandria. He is licensed in anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but focuses on those communities found in and around Alexandria, Arlington, Mount Vernon and Springfield/Franconia.
Will has been involved in real estate management, sales and investment for more than twenty years. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. While in the army, he studied Russian at Monterey's Defense Language Institute. He is also a "veteran of the dotcom wars" and built most of the sites associated with NesbittRealty.com
Will currently resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Old Town, overlooking New Alexandria. He is a former president of the Mount Vernon Youth Athletic Association and founded the Alexandria Fun with Friends Group. Will is the author of BattlestorM, a tabletop fantasy game, which was published by Ral Partha Publishing in the late '90's, and Arthur's Realm, a boardgame available at the Gamecrafter.
