A “Sample Letter To Tenant For Breaking Lease In Chicago” is a document. Landlords use it. It addresses a tenant who broke their lease agreement early in Chicago. This situation arises when a tenant moves out before the lease officially ends. Maybe they got a new job. Or, maybe they have family matters to attend to.
Writing such a letter can be tricky. You need to be clear and professional. Landlords must outline the lease terms. They must also explain financial responsibilities. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
We will share templates and examples. These “Sample Letter To Tenant For Breaking Lease In Chicago” samples will help. They will make writing your letter easy. You can tailor them to your specific situation.
Sample Letter To Tenant For Breaking Lease In Chicago
[Your Name/Company Name]
[Your Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Date]
[Tenant’s Name]
[Tenant’s Address]
[Tenant’s City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Regarding Lease Termination at [Property Address]
Dear [Tenant’s Name],
This letter addresses your notification to terminate the lease agreement for the property located at [Property Address], Chicago, Illinois, before the agreed-upon expiration date of [Lease End Date].
As per the lease agreement you signed on [Lease Start Date], breaking the lease results in certain financial responsibilities. These typically include, but are not limited to, continued rent payments until a new tenant is found and takes possession of the property, or until the lease expires, whichever occurs first. You are also responsible for any expenses incurred in securing a new tenant, such as advertising costs.
We will make reasonable efforts to find a suitable replacement tenant for the property. We will keep you updated on our progress. We are required to mitigate damages and find a new tenant in a timely fashion.
Please be aware that you will remain responsible for the rent and associated costs until a new lease is in effect. We will provide you with a detailed accounting of any costs incurred as a result of your early termination.
Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name/Company Name]
How to Write Sample Letter To Tenant For Breaking Lease In Chicago
Subject Line: Clarity is Key
- Be upfront. Use a subject line something like: “Lease Termination Notice – [Property Address]”.
- This avoids any ambiguity and ensures your tenant understands the letter’s gravamen immediately.
Salutation: Professional Courtesies
- Address the tenant(s) by name. Avoid “To Whom It May Concern”.
- Example: “Dear Mr./Ms. [Tenant’s Last Name] and Mr./Ms. [Co-Tenant’s Last Name],”
- Maintaining a professional demeanor, even during an irksome situation, is paramount.
Acknowledgement of Lease Breach: State the Obvious
- Clearly state that you acknowledge their intent to terminate the lease prematurely.
- Example: “This letter acknowledges your notification, received on [Date], regarding your intention to vacate the premises at [Property Address] prior to the lease expiration date of [Date].”
- Don’t mince words. A straightforward declaration is crucial.
Recitation of Lease Terms: Refresh Their Memory
- Remind the tenant of the original lease term and the penalties for early termination.
- Include specific clauses they are violating. For example: “Paragraph X of your lease agreement stipulates that early termination will result in forfeiture of the security deposit and liability for rent until a suitable replacement tenant is secured.”
- Be precise; cite the exact lease provisions they’re contravening.
Mitigation Efforts: Demonstrate Diligence
- Explain your plan to mitigate damages, i.e., find a new tenant.
- Detail actions you’ll take, e.g., “We will immediately begin advertising the property and showing it to prospective tenants.”
- Assure them you’re not simply standing idly by, accruing charges against them.
Financial Repercussions: Spell It Out
- Outline the financial implications of breaking the lease.
- Explain potential charges: unpaid rent, advertising costs, and any other expenses.
- Example: “You will be responsible for rent until a new tenant occupies the property, plus any costs associated with re-renting, such as advertising fees and brokerage commissions, if applicable.”
- Clarity here is indispensable to prevent future disputation.
Closing and Contact Information: End on a Constructive Note
- Maintain a professional tone.
- Example: “We hope to resolve this matter amicably. Please contact us at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] to discuss this further.”
- Include a formal closing: “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,”
- Your Name/Property Management Company Name
- Always keep a copy of the letter for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions: Breaking a Lease in Chicago
This section provides guidance on drafting a sample letter to a tenant for breaking a lease in Chicago. It addresses common queries and offers insights into the legal considerations involved.
What are the tenant’s rights when breaking a lease in Chicago?
Under Chicago law, tenants may have options to break a lease, such as providing proper notice and paying applicable fees, finding a suitable replacement tenant (subletting), or if the landlord violates the lease terms.
What information should be included in a notice of lease violation letter?
The letter should clearly state the lease violation, provide a deadline for correcting the violation, and outline the consequences of not addressing the issue, which may include eviction.
What are the potential costs for a tenant breaking a lease?
Tenants may be responsible for rent until the unit is re-rented, advertising costs incurred by the landlord, and any lease break fees stipulated in the lease agreement.
How much notice must a tenant give when breaking a lease due to domestic violence?
Illinois law allows victims of domestic violence to terminate a lease with 30 days’ written notice, along with supporting documentation such as a protective order or police report.
What is the landlord’s responsibility when a tenant breaks a lease?
The landlord is legally obligated to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the property. They cannot simply let the property sit vacant and charge the former tenant for the remaining rent.
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