Can a landlord demand all future rent even after renting the space again?

Question

Can a landlord demand all future rent even after renting the space again?

Anonymous Jul 1, 2015 4 views 2 answers

I broke a lease on a failed business 10 months early because I simply ran out of money. It's been just over a month since I left and I noticed a new business owner moving in and setting up shop (even having put up a new sign). I was surprised to see an email in the same evening from the landlord, demanding that I am still responsible for the full 10 months rent and that I need to figure out a way to pay the amount in full right now. I've always heard that once a place is rented again, the responsibility for those months gets waived. Is this always true or are there exceptions (or have I just misunderstood)? Can my ex-landlord demand payment in full if a new tenant has taken over?

Benjamin James BorengasserCriminal Defense AttorneyLake Saint Louis, MO · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T15:15:21+00:00

There may be a provision in your lease that sets a specific (liquidated) damages amount. If not, then the landlord would presumably be entitled to recover whatever cost it incurred to get the place re-rented plus any deficit between the amount you would have paid under your lease and the amount the landlord collects from the new tenant for the period of your lease.

Howard Clifford HoytDUI / DWI AttorneyLees Summit, MO · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T15:15:21+00:00

He has a duty to mitigate or lessen damages by re renting the place. He is not entitled to double rent. He is entitled to months that the place was empty or other expenses that were still under your lease time.

Can a landlord demand all future rent even after renting the space again?

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