How to End an Apartment Lease With Military Orders
Military service can change your housing plans quickly. Here's when the SCRA lets you end an apartment lease early, what to send your landlord, and how to find the end date.
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Check your situation
The apartment must be for you or a dependent to live in. The SCRA covers these common paths:
- You signed the lease before entering military service, then entered service.
- You signed while serving, then received permanent change of station (PCS) orders, separation or retirement orders, or orders to deploy for at least 90 days.
Tell your landlord in writing
Send written notice with your orders or a commanding officer's letter. Keep a copy of both and note when your landlord received them.
Find your end date
If you pay rent monthly, the lease ends 30 days after the first rent due date following delivery of your notice and orders. There is no early termination fee.
Find your lease end date
For monthly rent, use the day your landlord received both items and the first rent due date after that.
What happens to rent?
Rent owed through the end date is prorated. If you paid for days after that date, your landlord must return that amount within 30 days.
What else changes with your move?
Your phone plan, other service contracts and professional license may need a separate review. Each has its own conditions.