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
Beautiful Condo located near Seven Corners! This unit features 1BD & 1BR with Large Walk-In Closets, Ceiling Fan and Large windows which allows lots of natural light.
ALL UTILITIES UNCLUDED IN RENT except Electricity. Bus Stop is located right in front of the building. Short walk to Shopping, Restaurants, Convenient Stores, Parks and Entertainment. 1 guaranteed parking with permit and lots of free street parking available in front of the building. *MOVE IN READY* Must See! [Hollybrooke - $1,750]
Charming Cape Cod in an excellent location.
Minutes from 495 & I95, close to both the Van Dorn St. Metro & Franconia-Springfield Metro stations, Kingstowne Shopping Center, Springfield Town Center, Restaurants, and more! 2 bedrooms on the main level with full bath, Master Bedroom on the upper level with private full bath, 2 lower level bedrooms with half bath. Sitting on over half acre lot, fully fenced backyard with a detached two-car garage with storage and ample parking in the oversized driveway. Nicely appointed with hardwood floors throughout the main and upper levels, tile flooring in basement with two additional bedrooms and a half bath. 24-36 months lease preferred, pets allowed on a case by case basis. [ - $3,000]
This 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom, sun-drenched top floor condo is a perfect Rental Opportunity! Nestled just minutes from Old Town Alexandria and within walking distance of the Van Dorn Metro, this bright, beautiful home boasts an abundance of natural light.
The home includes a private balcony with a tree-lined, southern facing view allowing mornings, afternoons, and evenings of tranquility.
The newly installed laminate floorings throughout invite a warm and welcoming feeling and an aesthetically-pleasing transition into the kitchen, which includes a newly installed refrigerator, convection oven/microwave combo, and dishwasher.
The primary bedroom features significant space that fits a king size bed with large furniture, a spacious walk-in master closet, and a full bath in the hallway highlighting new, modern tile.
The second bedroom could be a perfect office, with plenty of storage in two spacious closets, large windows, and beaming sunlight.
You will also find a full-size washer and dryer, 8.5ft ceilings, a wifi capable smart Ecobee thermostat, and Level bolt safety smart lock.
You can enjoy the community with your friends and family with two reserved parking spaces in an enclosed parking garage just steps from the unit, two guest visitor tags, and generous community amenities.
The Exchange at Van Dorn community has no shortage of activity with a dog park, outdoor pool, playground, and a clubhouse that features a fitness gym, office center, game room with pool table, library, and indoor half basketball court.
This home is a renter’s and commuter’s dream with various options to get around – take an easy 10-minute stroll to the Van Dorn Metro, enjoy the free rush hour shuttle to Eisenhower Ave Metro (Yellow Line) and Van Dorn Metro (Blue Line), a Free DASH32 line bus (across the street), close access to I-95, I-495, and I-395 and only minutes from several restaurant and grocery options.
This Alexandria Gem will not last long!
Renters Insurance is required and can be uploaded & purchased through rent spree. [Exchange At van Dorn - $2,300]
Available: 07/01/2024.
Explore the rental at 10009 Five Oaks Road in Fairfax, a spacious single-family house with three bedrooms, available with a furnished option if desired. The house is beautifully maintained, featuring plush carpeting upstairs and polished hardwood floors on the main level. The family room has updated laminate flooring, and both the kitchen and bathrooms have been tastefully updated. The game room offers additional living space.
Enjoy the outdoors in the large, fenced, and paved backyard, ideal for gatherings and barbecues. Relax in the enclosed porch and take in the views of your well-maintained front and back yards. The property's location is a standout, within walking distance to Vienna Metro Station and Oakton High School—rated among the top high schools in Fairfax County, one of the wealthiest and highest-rated school districts in the United States. [Cyrandall Valley - $3,700]
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION & IMMACULATE!!! RARELY AVAILABLE 3BD/3.
5BATH w/OVER 2,000 SQFT, BRICK-FRONT TWO-CAR OVERSIZE GARAGE TOWNHOUSE IN SOUGHT-AFTER KINGSTOWNE***TOWNHOME w/3-LEVEL BUMP-OUT IN THE REAR***OPEN FLOOR PLAN w/LARGE EAT-IN KITCHEN, QUARTZ COUNTERS, NEW APPLIANCES, NEW RESILIENT FLOORING & SPACIOUS FAMILY ROOM AREA***BEAUTIFUL TREX DECK w/RETRACTIBLE AWNING***FULLY FINISHED LOWER LEVEL w/FAMILY ROOM AND OFFICE w/BUILT-INS & FULL BATH***LUXURIOUS OWNER'S SUITE w/VAULTED CEILINGS & SEPARATE SITTING AREA & RENOVATED MASTER BATH w/STANDALONE LUXURY TUB***GENEROUS SIZE SECONDARY BEDROOMS***NEWER HVAC***WALKING DISTANCE TO KINGSTONW VILLAGE, EASY ACCESS TO 95, DC, PENTAGON, SHOPS, RESTAURANTS*** [Kingstowne - $4,000]
Welcome home to this inviting rental, boasting two bedrooms and two bathrooms, complete with spacious walk-in closets for ample storage.
Newer hardwood floors throughout, perfect for pets. Includes 1 parking spot, with a 2nd available to rent. This condo offers both style and practicality for a cozy living experience. Nestled in a convenient location, it's just moments away from the metro and public transit, ensuring easy access to all your favorite destinations and an easy commute. [Palazzo At Park Center - $2,480]
Welcome to 560 E Nelson Ave! This bright and charming brick end unit townhome is situated sought after Del Ray.
The home is painted in neutral colors throughout. Hardwood flooring flows throughout the traditional floorplan. The living room connects to the dining area, which features a charming corner built-in china cabinet. The kitchen is charming with a pop of color - royal blue cabinetry, Corian countertop, tile flooring, and convenient shelving. A bonus back room with built-ins provides additional functionality and opens up to the backyard, complete with a side garden boasting an irrigation system, shed, and stone patio. Upstairs has two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The finished lower level expands the living space with built-ins, a storage area, full bathroom, and laundry room. The basement rec room, with its own bath and legal egress, offers versatility and could serve as a bedroom. Parking is available out back and the home is located just two blocks away from dining, shopping, grocery stores, and entertainment options on The Avenue and Monroe Avenue. Additionally, walk to the Braddock Road Metro, making commuting breeze! Welcome Home! [Del Ray - $3,500]
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY! Step into luxury living with this stunning contemporary townhouse nestled in the highly sought-after Mosaic District.
Enjoy the convenience of walking distance to restaurants and shops, making every day a breeze. Spread across 4 finished levels, this home offers 3 bedrooms, including a private loft with a full bath, 3.5 baths, and a den. Quick access to the Dunn Loring metro is made easy with the free Mosaic shuttle, conveniently stopping right on Stella Blue Lane. With a two-car garage and ample reserved street parking for guests, parking is never an issue. Plus, access privileges to the Avalon pool and fitness club, just around the corner, are included. Perfectly situated near major transportation routes such as I-495, 50, and 29, as well as the Metro, commuting is a breeze. The renowned Inova Campus is also nearby, offering world-class medical care. Inside, the main level boasts gorgeous hardwood floors and a gourmet kitchen with white cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances.
Upstairs, the owner's suite features a walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom with a double vanity and tiled glass shower stall. The second bedroom includes another generous closet and an attached full bath, with a convenient laundry room nearby. The top floor offers the third bedroom, a third full bathroom, and a den – perfect for a home office or additional family room. Enjoy direct access to the rooftop deck, overlooking the park and ideal for watching beautiful sunsets and fireworks. With easy access to restaurants, shops, coffee, groceries, movies, and fitness in the park, as well as nearby transportation options, this home offers the perfect blend of convenience and luxury living. Don't miss out on this opportunity to call the Mosaic District home! ***NO PETS*** [Mosaic District - $4,200]
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]
Spacious 2BR + Den, 2.
5BA unit on perfect level in the Monroe at Virginia Square in North Arlington*Conveniently located across from Virginia Square Metro*Parking Space #77 and Storage Space #63 do convey*This home features neutral paint tones, lots of natural sunlight, crown molding, recessed lighting & beautiful hardwood floors*French doors lead to private office/den*Updated Kitchen with ample cabinetry, granite counters & sleek stainless steel appliances & kitchen bar pass through to dining area*Large living room with sliding glass doors leading to 12'x3' balcony*New carpets in each bedroom + den*Primary Bedroom off living room features large windows, expansive walk in closets & spa-like bath with soaking tub, large tiled floors, frameless shower & granite dual-vanity*Nicely sized second bedroom with walk-in closet & updated ensuite bathroom*The Monroe has a large rooftop terrace with a grill and community garden*Condo amenities include concierge every day except Sunday, a fitness room & a party room/library*Convenient to DC, Amazon's HQ2, Airport, Old town, Ballston Quarter & Tyson's* Just steps to Virginia Square Metro (Orange & Silver line), FDIC, Giant Food, Central Library and restaurants including Medium Rare, Rocklands BBQ and Starbucks*You are next to Quincy Park where you will find tennis and+ basketball courts*Elevator Fee required by COA is refundable* Available for lease 5.7.24* [Monroe - $4,200]
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.
