Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

What action can a leaseholder take if the terms of a lease are not being honored?

1. File a lawsuit without prior notice

2. Negotiate an amendment

3. Terminate the lease and seek damages

4. Contact local law enforcement

The correct answer is: Terminate the lease and seek damages

When a leaseholder finds that the terms of a lease agreement are not being honored, one viable action they can take is to terminate the lease and seek damages. This course of action is rooted in the legal principles of contract law, where all parties involved are expected to adhere to the terms established in the agreement. If one party fails to fulfill their obligations, the other party has the right to seek a remedy for the breach. Terminating the lease is a significant step, as it officially ends the contract and releases the leaseholder from any further obligations under that lease. Additionally, seeking damages can provide compensation for any financial losses incurred due to the breach of the lease terms. This might include lost rent, costs for finding a new place, or repairs that were the landlord's responsibility but were not completed. While other options may seem plausible, they often do not address the issue effectively or could complicate the situation further. For instance, negotiating an amendment can be beneficial in some cases but may not resolve a breach that requires immediate action. Similarly, filing a lawsuit without prior notice may not be a strategic approach, as most legal processes involve communication and attempts at resolution prior to formal legal action. Contacting local law enforcement is generally not applicable unless there are