Early termination of lease with 2 months notice

[Jen Girard]

As a landlord am I required to allow a tenant out of a lease (minus damages, cleaning fees, re-rental costs) if they notify me 60 days early?   I'm assuming I cannot continue to charge them rent after they leave and charge the new tenants rent............essentially "double dipping"  

[Nathan Brown]

As I read your question, no you're not required to let them out of the lease. Contracts are a two way street and they're just as responsible for the duration of the agreed upon term, as you are. That said, I agree with the above that there may be times when it's in both parties' best interest to re-negotiate. Regardless of what the lease says, your local laws will dictate how you approach the issue of double dipping. In my lease, I charge an early termination "fee" which is the equivalent of two month's rent. This is specifically not called "rent." That way if I find a new tenant in the meantime, I can still charge the new tenant rent as usual and don't have to worry about legalities.