Check Your Lease: Domestic Violence is One Way Out of Your Agreement

You didn't anticipate that your partner was going to act like a fool!  He or she acted threatening and then before you knew it you were struck by this person who once claimed they loved you so much.  OMG!  Yeah, so what are you going to do?  Well here's what you don't want to do that will mess up your credit and possibly cause additional problems that you simply can't afford.

1) Pack up and move without saying one word to your landlord.

2)  Fail to report damages in the apartment.

3)  Lie to cover up your part in the dispute to authorities and to get out of your lease.

4)  Kick your roommate or partner out without letting the leasing staff know what occurred.  Now you are short rent.

5)  Forget that your abusive partner has a right to his or her belongings in the apartment as long as he or she remains on the contract.

There are more and more leasing contracts being drafted to make it easier for domestic violence victims to get out of their agreements.  However, there is also an influx of liars.  Therefore, if there is no police report, court hearings, and other information to validate a legitimate reason to get out of the contract, you will still be bound to your lease.  You don't have to live there, but without proof of abuse, you are still obligated.

Nicholl McGuire is the author of Too Much, Too Soon Internet Dating Blues and other books.