The Renter's Ledger

What could leaving your lease early cost?

Estimate buyout charges, notice-period rent, possible vacancy exposure, and moving expenses.

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Lease Break Cost Calculator

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Estimated exit exposure

$6,700

Planning scenario only. This estimate does not determine liability or permission to end a lease.

Check this assumption: Both rent periods are included. Confirm that additional vacancy months begin after the notice period so the same month is not counted twice.

Notice-period rent
$2,400
Additional non-overlapping vacancy
$2,400
Buyout and other costs
$1,900

Change any input and calculate again to compare another scenario.

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Check your lease

Compare the estimate with the written terms.

The cost of leaving a lease early can include a contractual buyout, rent during a required notice period, possible rent while the unit is vacant, lost deposits, and moving expenses. This calculator creates a financial planning estimate; it does not determine whether you may end the lease or what a landlord can recover.

Need help finding the relevant clause? Review it with LeaseGuard.

How the math works

Estimated exposure = buyout + notice rent + additional non-overlapping vacancy rent + other exit costs.

  • Notice and additional vacancy periods are entered as whole months.
  • Additional vacancy months should begin after the notice period so the same rent period is not counted twice.
  • Legal protections, landlord breach, mitigation, military status, and other facts may change exposure.

What to keep in mind

This is a planning estimate based on the numbers you enter. The lease, timing rules, and local requirements may affect the real amount or deadline.

Change an input and calculate again to compare another scenario.

Worked examples

Two-month buyout

At $2,000 rent, a two-month buyout starts at $4,000 before moving and other exit costs.

Model a range

Compare zero, one, and two vacancy months instead of treating a single estimate as guaranteed.

Lease break cost questions

How much does it cost to break a lease?

It depends on the lease, notice requirements, buyout terms, vacancy period, deposits, and applicable law. Model each cost separately.

Do I owe all remaining rent?

The answer depends on the lease, facts, and jurisdiction. This tool estimates scenarios and does not determine legal liability.

Should I include my security deposit?

Include only the portion you reasonably expect not to recover, and keep it separate from fees to avoid double counting.

Last reviewed August 8, 2026 · This calculator provides an informational estimate and is not legal, financial, tax, or housing advice.