An agreement allowing a tenant to terminate a residential rental agreement before its natural expiration is a financial arrangement between the tenant and landlord. This arrangement typically involves the tenant paying a negotiated sum to the landlord in exchange for being released from the obligations of the lease. For example, a tenant facing a job relocation might offer a sum equivalent to two months’ rent to be relieved of the remaining ten months on their lease agreement.
This type of arrangement provides flexibility for both parties. For the tenant, it offers an exit strategy when circumstances necessitate a move. For the property owner, it ensures some compensation for lost rental income and allows for re-renting the unit to a new tenant. Historically, such agreements were less common but have become increasingly prevalent in dynamic rental markets where tenant turnover is frequent.