My landlord failed to disclose mold damage and repairs on our main bathroom until the day we moved in. The bathroom was unusable (door taped shut) for the first three months we lived there but we continues to pay rent. When I asked him about when the bathroom would be fixed, he yelled at me and told me that if we didn't like it, we could move out. Well, we stayed. (stupid, I know)
I notified him again, in writing, over 30 days ago about additional repairs that need to be made. He assured that they'd make the repairs asap but has done nothing.
Now my husband is getting transferred out of state and we are only six months in to the lease. The landlord is threatening legal action if we break the lease unless we find and screen a new tenant.
Hasn't he already broken the lease several times? Can we get out of it? If we go to court, what are our chances? We have documentation and pictures of all repairs needed in the condo.
Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks! (we're in CA)
2007-03-13 04:05:18 · 4 answers · asked by Get a life 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
I believe it is called a breach of contract on their part. Also see if their is a Tenant Landlord Center in your area. They are free and have a lot of helpful advise.
Good luck
Landlords can be aholes
2007-03-13 04:14:35 · answer #1 · answered by meforu1955 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say, get legal advice from your state, but you should be able to break your lease because your land lord did not fulfil his end of the bargain.
Kudos to you for documenting the repairs. That is a big plus in your favour.
A lawyer will be able to better advice you, but you've given notice in writing about the actions he is required to take to make your appartment right, and he has failed to do that.
Oh, and by the way, What does your lease say on the terms of if you should need to leave early. Is it written in there that YOU have to find a new tenant? That sounds off for me. Exspecially if your bathroom is under major repairs. How on earth are YOU going to sublease an apartment that is not even ready to lease.
2007-03-13 04:16:58 · answer #2 · answered by Melissa B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
what state do you live in? I think in Virginia and DC if the landlord does not make needed repairs, you can take the landlord to court. You can have your rental payment sent to the court and they will hold it until the repairs are made.
I would call the health department and take them the pictures.
It is not up to you to find another tenant for him. You can take you chances with just leaving.
2007-03-13 04:20:29 · answer #3 · answered by Plus Size Panther! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that you should contact a lawyer. Your rights have been violated and you should be able to break the lease, but you need legal advise. Documenting with photos, etc. was a smart move.
Most cities have legal aid groups if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Good luck - you deserve better!
2007-03-13 04:12:00 · answer #4 · answered by SJR 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋