AITAH for breaking my lease?
In the heart of New York City, where freedom and convenience should be a given, one tenant faces an unimaginable new reality: the simple act of riding an elevator now comes with harsh limits and looming fines.
What should be a routine part of daily life has transformed into a source of stress and indignity, sparking a quiet rebellion against the oppressive rules imposed from above.
Caught between newfound fortune and the suffocating restrictions of his current home, he chooses to break free, igniting a storm of accusations and disappointment from those left behind.
His decision isn’t just about leaving a place—it’s about reclaiming dignity, autonomy, and the basic right to move without penalty in a city that never sleeps.
So I signed a lease for a place in NYC a while back, and things were going fine. Recently, though, management decided to "upgrade" the elevators.
Now you have to scan your keycard every time you use them, and here’s the kicker—you’re limited to three rides a day. If you go over, you get a warning for “excessive elevator use.” And you can be fined.
Seriously. In a high-rise. In NYC. Here’s the thing: I came into some money recently (got super lucky) and decided to buy my own place. I figured, why stick around with all these restrictions?
So, I gave notice, and now my roommates and the management are flipping out. They’re saying it’s selfish and irresponsible, especially because it’s so last minute.
But like, I don’t see why I should stay and deal with these ridiculous rules. Three elevator rides a day? No thanks.
I get that it’s probably a hassle for them, finding a new roommate or dealing with the vacancy, but this elevator stuff is absurd.
If they’re gonna throw all these weird restrictions at us, I feel like I’m within my rights to peace out. I’d rather deal with the costs of breaking my lease than put up with that nonsense.
But yeah, now everyone’s acting like I’m the bad guy here.
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THIS STORY SHOOK THE INTERNET – AND REDDITORS DIDN’T HOLD BACK.:
The thread exploded with reactions. Whether agreeing or disagreeing, everyone had something to say — and they said it loud.
JTBlakeinNYC - :- The 3x/day limit on elevator usage would be illegal for any apartment above the 5th floor. You should tell your roommates to contact an attorney.
KnivesandKittens - :- "I did not sign a lease in a place that limited my access to my flat. You changed the rules and I do not agree to them. You broke the lease by limiting elevator usage. I am leaving and it is on you.
Sue me." And to the roommates , the same but explain you know it isn't their fault, but it makes the flat not work for you. You didn't change the rules, the landlords did but you don't agree to them.
Little_Attempted - :- NTA. That elevator rule sounds absolutely ridiculous, especially for NYC!
Limiting elevator rides in a high-rise is just asking for people to be frustrated, and it’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to deal with that on top of everything else.
You came into some money and found a better living situation—why would you stick around with unnecessary restrictions when you have a way out?
Your roommates being upset is understandable, since they’ll have to deal with finding someone new, but at the end of the day, you’re not responsible for staying in a situation that’s no longer working for you.
It’s not like you planned this out of nowhere—they made the place unlivable with weird rules, and you had the opportunity to leave. It sucks for them, but you gotta do what’s best for you!
ActionThaxton - :- IANAL but i have a feeling that elevator rule would null the need to pay to break the lease.
Content_Print_6521 - :- I'm a rental agent and I get these questions all the time. The thing is, by restricting elevator use they are completely changing the nature of your tenancy.
I, for example, work at home and manage some of the properties in the building, as well as showing vacant properties to prospective tenants.
I don't like elevators and I avoid then when I can, but even so I may use the elevator 4 or 5 times every day. And I don't consider it excessive use.
I have to take trash downstairs, I have to get mail, I have to take my compost out to the community compost stations.
If I have appointments I have to go downstairs to leave the building and if I'm grocery shopping, that's another trip.
Seems like your building has been having elevator problems, and they are probably trying to reduce usage to prevent breakdowns. But in a high-rise, 3 times a day?
It's ridiculous and I wouldn't be surprised if it's illegal. And so, since they have changed the conditions of your building use, I believe you are justified in breaking your lease and leaving.
RacingWomen - :- NTA, tf you should lease even if you have the money to buy a house?
You should have stayed in the house of 3 rides a day to not be an "asshole", think about yourself first and if people call you asshole is probably because you're not doing what they want you to do.
elletaylxr - :- Honestly, this is ridiculous. The elevator rule alone is a dealbreaker, and it’s insane that they would enforce such a silly restriction in a high-rise in NYC.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for wanting to leave a situation that no longer serves you, especially when it’s being made worse by absurd management decisions.
You’ve worked hard for your money, and now that you have the means to upgrade your living situation, why would you stick around to be treated like that? Sure, it’s inconvenient for others, but that’s not your problem. You’re allowed to put your happiness first!
The individual felt compelled to leave their living situation due to severe, unexpected restrictions imposed by the building management.
This action, while understandable from the perspective of personal freedom and avoiding unreasonable rules, has caused significant disruption and negative reactions from roommates and management.
Was the decision to break the lease immediately after an unexpected financial gain, in response to highly restrictive building rules, a justifiable exercise of personal autonomy, or did the abruptness of the departure make the action irresponsible toward existing agreements and housemates?