Can I get out of a lease if my name is spelled wrong on it?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Can I get out of a lease if my name is spelled wrong on it?
I’m in a lease with 2 roommates who I’m rather not fond of. I’ve lived here for some time and have paid rent several times. But, after reviewing the lease contract, I see my name is spelled very wrong. Is it possible for me to pressure my property management company to letting me out of the lease without paying the fee’s and whatnot since my name is wrong? I have signed the lease with my proper signature.
Asked on February 6, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, a mispelling has no legal effect. All that is necessary for a contract, in terms of naming or identifying the parties, is that the proper parties be identifiable. A mispelling does not prevent the proper party--you--from being identified, and therefore held to the lease. This is especially so since 1) you indicate the signature is correct; and 2) you have been living there, so clearly you are the correct person on the lease. There is, from what you write, no doubt but that you are the party on the lease.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.