CLEVELAND -- Apartment owner and manager Goldberg Companies, Inc. and its southeast subsidiary, GCI Residential, have devised a creative way for apartment hunters to alleviate a mountain of potential worry and stress.

The "Layoff Proof Lease" allows anyone rents an apartment at a GCI property and subsequently loses a job to be given two months to find a new job rent-free. If at the end of the 60 days, the tenant still does not have a job, GCI will terminate the lease with no future obligation.

"All of our markets have been deeply affected by these difficult economic times," said Jordan Goldberg, senior vice president of GCI. "We know people are looking for a new place to live, but many are afraid to commit to a lease because they aren't sure they will still have a job in a year."

Here's how the program works:

• It is available to all qualified residents who sign at least a one-year lease or renewal along with the Layoff Proof Lease addendum.
• If there is more than one resident in an apartment, rent will be abated proportionally.
• The resident must have made at least three monthly rent payments and not be in default of the lease obligations.
• If the resident is laid off or loses a job due to lack of work, upon verification of unemployment by management, the rental abatement period will begin on the first day of the next month.
• The resident must notify GCI immediately upon finding a new job, and resume paying rent.

While a few companies around the country currently allow termination of a lease if the tenant loses a job, none forgive two months rent to help the tenant regain stability.

"We want to remove the "fear factor" associated with moving to a new place," said Marcia Woznicki, vice president of GCI.

GCI has over 50 years in the commercial and residential real estate market and prides itslef on being a responsive owner and manager.

"Uncertain times require creative solutions," concludes Goldberg. "I think this may be the way for all of us to win."

GCI owns 15 luxury apartment communities across Northeast Ohio, and 10 communities in North Carolina, Florida and Texas totaling over 8500 units.

The Ohio properties include:

• Beachwood Villa - Beachwood, OH
• Big Creek -Parma Heights, OH
• Clarkwood Greens - Warrensville Heights, OH
• Cobblestone Court - Painesville, OH
• Coppertree - Mayfield Heights, OH
• Four Seasons - Beachwood, OH
• Granada Gardens - Warrensville Heights, OH
• Huntington Green - University Heights, OH
• Hunters Hollow - Strongsville, OH
• Liberty Hill - Solon, OH
• North Park Terrace - Shaker Heights, OH
• Pepperwood - Mayfield Heights, OH
• Pine Ridge - Willoughby Hills, OH
• Settlers Landing - Streetsboro, OH
• The Village at Pine Ridge - Willoughby Hills, OH

For more information, visit layoffprooflease.