Many couples find themselves feeling trapped in relationships due to financial commitments such as shared leases or joint financial obligations. These situations can create a sense of helplessness and strain on the relationship. As a Gottman Level 3 trained licensed marriage and family therapist, I specialize in helping couples navigate these challenges. My practice focuses on empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their relationships, ensuring both emotional and financial well-being.

While shared leases can create challenging transitions, remembering the temporary nature of the situation helps maintain perspective. With clear communication, established boundaries, and forward planning, this period can be navigated with minimal additional stress.
Financial entanglements like a shared lease can create a false sense of obligation to remain in an unfulfilling relationship. What’s truly needed is honest communication about both parties’ needs and boundaries. Creating a practical exit strategy that addresses lease obligations can help transform what feels like being ‘trapped’ into an empowering transition plan that respects both partners.

I was named a local expert on ApartmentGuide. Read the full article here: Stuck In a Relationship Because of a Lease? Here’s What Experts Prescribe. https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/stuck-in-a-relationship-because-of-a-lease/

ApartmentGuide is a subsidiary of Redfin.com

In today’s housing market, financial practicality often means couples move in together earlier in relationships than previous generations. While this arrangement works beautifully for many, it creates unique challenges when relationships end but lease agreements don’t. The emotional complexity of a breakup becomes intertwined with practical housing considerations, creating a situation where many feel “stuck” in proximity to an ex-partner.

As housing costs continue to rise in metropolitan areas, this scenario becomes increasingly common. According to recent surveys, nearly 40% of adults have continued living with a partner after deciding to end their relationship, primarily citing financial constraints and lease obligations as the determining factors.

This blog explores strategies for maintaining your emotional wellbeing while navigating the practical realities of shared leases during relationship transitions.

Breaking a lease typically involves financial penalties but provides the cleanest separation.

Considerations:

• Review your lease agreement for early termination clauses
• Calculate the total cost of breaking the lease (typically 1-2 months’ rent plus security deposit)
• Determine if either party can afford to take on this cost alone or if it will be shared
• Consider whether the emotional benefits outweigh the financial penalties

Many lease agreements allow for subletting or assigning the lease to new tenants, with landlord approval.

Considerations:

• Review lease terms regarding subletting and assignment rights
• Understand the process for landlord approval of new tenants
• Determine who will move out and who will stay
• Address how the security deposit will be handled
• Establish clear timelines for the transition