Topic: Can military servicemembers break lease/no penalty
I am military and rented my townhouse to another servicemember. They signed a 12 month lease(which was written according to the leases/information on this board-we thought it was a "lock-tight" lease). The lease clearly states the conditions under which the security deposit would be returned,with the first stipulation being that the full term of the lease is fufilled. Well, they just gave me 30 days notice they have decided to move into military base housing(which they had to have put themselves on the waiting list when they signed the lease, knowing they wouldnt fufill IT..)and that they are ending the lease 8 months early! The militart housing department at the base is stating that they can do that legally because FL state law has a stipulation that service people can break a signed lease if they CHOOSE to go into base housing! I am floored. They knowingly signed a lease they knew they wouldnt fufill and never told me they had put themselves on the housing waiting list. Can I at least keep their security deposit since the lease clearly states that stipulation 1 for getting a returned deposit is completing the term of the lease?
Posted by: snicotera Florida Panhand Relevant for: State Specific Post Florida 1 Replies 505 Views

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Posted by:mmanelis Oregon296 Days Ago

I don't know the law in Florida, but in California you could keep charging them rent until the unit rents again. If the amount goes over their deposit you charge them the difference. I also do not know about a clause for the military, I would contact an attorney to assist you.

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