getting out of lease before it starts

[cblock]

I just got a job in NYC and signed a lease on a Brooklyn apt for 8/1/02. Since then, I was offered a job in San Francisco and would rather go out there. What are my rights if my lease hasn't started yet? Can I get out of it and get any money back - broker's fee, security, 1st month's rent? Would I be expected to sublet even though the lease hasn't started? Help! Need advice ASAP! Thanks, Christie

[ChrisG]

you're gonna have to talk to your landlord and see if they'll just let you out of the lease. if you signed it, it's a binding contract, but since you never moved in they may be willing to let you out of it. but i bet they'll keep the deposit as a penalty. but i guess that's better than making you responsible for the rent for the term of the lease.