Cost to Break a Lease Calculator
Estimate what it costs to break a rental lease early — an early-termination fee versus paying the remaining rent — plus any forfeited deposit.
How it works
Pay-out route = rent × months left + forfeited deposit + other fees · Termination-fee route = rent × fee months + forfeited deposit + other fees · Likely cost = lower of the two
Breaking a lease usually means one of two things: paying an agreed early-termination fee (commonly one to two months' rent) or being on the hook for the rent until the unit is re-rented — up to the full remaining term. Most leases spell out which applies. Landlords in many states must make a reasonable effort to re-rent, which can shrink the pay-out route, but you may still forfeit the deposit and owe advertising or cleaning costs.
Worked example
With $1,500 rent and 6 months left, paying out the term is 6 × $1,500 = $9,000, plus a $750 forfeited deposit and $200 in fees = $9,950. A 2-month termination fee is 2 × $1,500 = $3,000 plus $950 = $3,950 — the cheaper route, so plan on about $3,950.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay all the remaining rent?
Often not. Many jurisdictions require the landlord to try to re-rent the unit (to "mitigate damages"), so you owe rent only until a new tenant moves in. But if the lease has a flat termination fee, that fee usually applies instead.
Will I lose my security deposit?
Frequently yes — landlords may apply it to unpaid rent or re-letting costs when you break early. This calculator lets you include a forfeited deposit so the estimate reflects your worst-case cash outlay.
Are there ways to break a lease for free?
Sometimes: military relocation, documented unsafe conditions, domestic-violence protections or an early-termination clause may waive penalties. Read your lease and local tenant law before assuming a fee applies.
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Educational estimate, not financial advice.