Breaking a Lease and Moving in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know

When You Need to Move Before Your Lease Ends

Life changes — job relocations, family emergencies, safety concerns, or buying a home — sometimes force you to move before your lease expires. In Massachusetts, tenants have specific rights and obligations when breaking a lease. Understanding the law can save you from paying months of unnecessary rent.

Massachusetts Lease-Breaking Laws

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, landlords have a legal obligation to mitigate damages. This means your landlord must make reasonable efforts to re-rent your unit rather than simply charging you rent until the lease expires. Key points:

• You are responsible for rent until the unit is re-rented or the lease expires, whichever comes first
• Your landlord cannot collect double rent — if they re-rent the unit, your obligation ends
• Military deployment and domestic violence are legally protected reasons for early termination
• Your security deposit must be returned within 30 days of move-out, minus legitimate deductions

Steps to Take Before Breaking Your Lease

1. Review your lease for early termination clauses — some include a buyout option
2. Give your landlord written notice as far in advance as possible
3. Document the condition of the apartment with photos before moving out
4. Help find a replacement tenant to minimize your financial exposure

Planning Your Move

Once you have decided to move, book your local movers early. If you are relocating out of state, our long-distance moving team handles interstate moves along the entire East Coast.

Ready to plan your move? Get a free quote from Boston Best Rate Movers.