questions & answers

Question: I am 80 years old and I have to move, but the rental costs are so high (I have applied to HUD 2 yrs ago but nothing available) I can hardly buy food, and I don't get food stamps in Florida My question is If I just walk away from these debts what can the creditors do to me. I don't own anything but an old car.

Answer: In Arizona ARS 33-361 describes the action a landlord may pursue in the event that a tenant simply breaks a lease by abandoning the residence. For example, the landlord may file a lawsuit for remaining rent due.

If the landlord files a lawsuit and succeeds, the amount of the judgment and interest (often 10% per year) can be collected for at least five years (Arizona Rules of Procedure For Eviction Actions) and can negatively affect credit history. In other words, breaking a lease can have long-term consequences. Ideally, you can work out a compromise with your landlord…especially if the lease provides for a lesser payment for “Early Termination”. Also see other discussions and articles in this website.