What it usually means
Most leases require you to pay rent through the end of the term unless the landlord re-rents the unit. Some leases add a fixed penalty on top of that, often called an early termination fee, which is typically one to two months of rent. A few leases allow you to exit early for specific reasons — job relocation, active military orders, or a serious habitability problem — without a penalty. If none of those exceptions apply, your liability depends on how quickly the landlord finds a new tenant, because most states require landlords to make a reasonable effort to re-rent rather than simply collect from you.
What to look for
- Whether the clause lists a fixed fee or ties your penalty to the remaining rent balance.
- How much written notice you must give and when the notice period begins.
- Any permitted early-exit reasons such as job relocation, domestic violence, or health conditions.
- Language about the landlord's duty to re-rent — phrases like "re-let the premises" or "mitigate damages."
- Whether the security deposit is applied toward the termination fee or treated separately.
- Forfeiture language that tries to keep the deposit regardless of how quickly the unit is re-rented.
Before you sign
Ask whether the landlord will add a buyout option that lets you exit for a flat fee and a set notice period. Confirm in writing how the notice must be sent and who it goes to. If you think you might move for work, check whether the lease includes a job-relocation exit clause or whether you can negotiate one before signing.