Breaking an apartment lease

[Lsura]

Ok, a little background-

I moved to Atlanta in November 1999, and found an apartment. I got a great move in special, which meant that the apartment was reasonably priced. It's in a great part of town, very convenient, and so forth. BUT, I resigned the lease in November 2000, for 18 months. At that time there was an increase in the rent of about $100 a month, so that I am spending most of one paycheck each month on rent.

Well, with the increase in rent I am finding that it is very difficult to get by-I'm living on peanut butter at least one week a month. Now, I have found an apartment in another part of town that will cost me $400(a 50% drop) less in rent each month, and that's for a bigger apartment. The area is not as upscale, but I can live with that. Honestly, I'm afraid that if stay the course of the lease, I'll end up in bankruptcy court, because I'm just not making ends meet.

Now, to the general question. What is the best way for me to break this lease? I know there is a penalty clause, but is there any way to avoid paying the penalty(2 months rent)? Or might the current complex let me space out the penalty over the course of 3-4 months, so that I can pay it with what I save in rent? Can the complex do anything to me besides the penalty for breaking the lease?

[bare]

Each individual state has different laws regarding apartment leases. Look up your state laws.

Whatever security deposit you put down will apply to the penalty after any deductions for damage or cleaning.

[handy]

You'd have to ask the people you wrote it with. If you can come to an agreement of the minds, you might be able to save some money. Like if they have someone that would take it right away.