Read the early exit clause before you sign

Plans change during a lease: a job move to another country, a growing family, a need to live nearer relatives. Before you sign, read what the contract says about ending early. Look for the notice you must give, any amount payable, what happens to cheques that have not yet been presented and how the security deposit is handled. If the clause is missing or vague, ask for clear wording before signing. Example: you sign a one-year lease in Masdar City and receive a job offer elsewhere after five months. A clear clause tells you your options and their cost at once, so you can plan rather than negotiate under pressure. If any wording is hard to interpret, a qualified adviser can explain it before you commit. Prepared by Masterpiece Property.