13 replies to this topic

[jdcs167]

Wanted to know if anyone had some info on a 1yr lease agreement. I signed a 1yr lease agreement and have been living at the property for about 4 months now. I just came across a pretty good deal on another property with no lease agreement and a lower rent amount that would save me $$$. I originally left the 1st months rent, deposit and something for not having a co-signer or something. Can I get out of this agreement ? would I loose all the money I put down i.e deposit and co-signer stuff ? I dont mind loosing the money I put down, but I just dont want them to make a bigger deal than that. Do I have to pay them for the rest of the year lease or how does it work ? Any info would be great as I dont want to tell them anything unless I know I can do something that wont screw me over.

[Chiquito]

Legally you have to pay the entire agreement. Realistically there is very little they can do if you are not Mexican. It all depends on the landlord. Talk it over with them. If it's an easy place to rent then they may let you out of it. If it's a hard place and they know they won't find another sucker, they'll give you a hard time. I've been in both situations. The landlord I ran out on threatened to take me to court in the US, too funny.

[Ryu]

I'm no expert on this but I've heard of many Mexicans who just disappear one day and never returned. The security deposit is gone of course but many don't expect it back anyways since most use it for thier last month's rent. Also forget about cleaning the place. Of course that's for Mexican's, if oyu're a gringo, things might not be the same.

[jdcs167]

Well the lease is not under my name, but its under my wife's name and I think they took down her parents address and references in TJ, since she is from TJ. So I think running out on them is probably not the best choice. I will have them talk to them and come up with a sob story see if that helps.

[George Costanza]

No need for a sob story, you would be surprised on how many landlords in TJ don't mind shortened leases. In some cases the place can be rented out within the month.
I know 2 people in Otay who cancelled their leases and both times the landlord thanked them for letting them know and not just getting up and leaving.

[jdcs167]

Thanks for the info. I dont think they will have a hard time renting the place, its in a pretty nice area next to the Hipodromo/Caliente next to Lomas De Aguacaliente. I will see what happens. The only thing im sweating is that its not an accual landlord its a rental property company that seems to have everything well organized.

[Ryu]

The only time I think you will encounter problems is if you rent from American owners.

[BajaGringo]

Talk to the owners and let them know what is going on. Most will work with you. Be a nice guy - clean the place up before you go even if they dont give you back the security deposit. Its not their fault you want to break the lease.

[GaryN]

Last year I told my landlord I was planning on moving to Tijuana. Not only did he beg me to stay but he laid down a new proposal if I paid 6 months in advance he would give me the 7th month for free. When I first moved to Rosarito my rent was $400 now it $450.00 but I get 2 free months every year!

[PLAYAZ]

The only time I think you will encounter problems is if you rent from American owners.

what sort of problems? what can they possibly do to the person on the lease> in the USA if the property is in Mx...?

[Ryu]

No offense against my fellow countrymen but if the owner is an American and you also happen to be an American, although he's ok with a Mexican skipping out on him (no offense to my Mexican friends and neighbors either) he used to it, it's Mexico, you know. But for Americans dealing with Americans, he might expect you to "know" better and "behave" more accordingly. That means sticking with your lease or paying a break the lease charge in addition to cleaning up the place when you leave and returning it to sometimes more prestine condition than when you rented it. JMO.

[bluejeans]

No offense, but that does say a lot. No offense. Probably true too.

[Daniel]

My apartment complex is managed by local law firm the specializes in real estate law. So far nothing has happened to those who break their lease.

[bluejeans]

To go after someone in TJ for skipping out a few mo. early on a lease is probably more costly & trouble then it's worth. They can just rent it again in a short time.