A number one mistake that anyone can make to damage their credit is to break an apartment lease and vacate early. Never do that, whatever situation you're in. Why? Because the next time you have to rent an apartment, this will come up as a 'broken lease' on your credit report and no apartment complex will accept you for years to come.

An apartment lease is a legally binding agreement that a tenant signs, promising to pay monthly, by the due date. If you think there will be no consequences if you break the lease and leave - you're mistaken. It may haunt you for years to come.

There are many ways to avoid breaking a lease. One of which is to find a replacement tenant on your lease, which will legally let you off the hook and you'll a free person of any legal responsibilities.