About a month ago I asked to break my current lease three months early (in February of 2010 instead of May 2010) so I could move out of state. The owner of the building/management company agreed on the condition of them finding a tenant to replace me. A few weeks later they sent me an email saying that because I was breaking the lease early, I would be responsible for any broker fees they incurred. About a week ago I started receiving many phone calls from unrecognizable numbers. As I don't usually answer numbers I don't recognize, I didn't answer them. Three days ago I finally answered one and it was a realtor. The realtor was asking if the apartment was still available to rent. I was extremely confused as to how the realtor got my name and phone number and after a few moments hesitation I told the realtor that I was the tenant, not the manager or landlord. There was a pause and then the realtor said, "oh. The facts sheet I have makes it look as if you're the one to contact." My management company provided my name, phone number, and email address to all brokers that received information sheets. What I need to know is:
1. Was my landlord/owner in the right? Are they able to give out my personal information (name, phone number, email) without my consent?
2. Is it a common thing to charge an existing tenant the broker fees when breaking a lease?
3. If their actions were illegal, does this give me some sort of ground to have the fees eliminated?
All advice is appreciated. Thank you.
1. Was my landlord/owner in the right? Are they able to give out my personal information (name, phone number, email) without my consent?
2. Is it a common thing to charge an existing tenant the broker fees when breaking a lease?
3. If their actions were illegal, does this give me some sort of ground to have the fees eliminated?
All advice is appreciated. Thank you.
