Can I exterminate A Lease If I'm Being Forced To Live In Unsanitary Conditions?

Question

I still have a year on my lease. We have been here for two months, and already, the plumming has gone haywire in the building TWICE. The neighbors entire home was flooded in feces... someone washed their clothes in feces, and, I (right now as well as the first time) have feces coming through the toilet, the sinks, and the tub. I cant wash my hands, take a shower, wash dishes, cook, give the dogs water, and the worst part of all of it? I have a 4 month old baby... I CANT WASH BOTTLES OR GIVE HIM A BATH! On top of this, the carpet is SO CHEAP that is CONSTANTLY sheds. So much fiber goes through the vacuum that the vac bag gets completely full after using it once! And, my baby wont stop sneezing. Also, our roof started leaking a week ago. It looks like the ceiling might fold in. They came in and spray-painted my off-white walls with white spray paint to cover it up! (as I type this, Im listening to the plummers gag and heave at what they're facing)

Answer 1

Not only should you terminate the lease...you should report this dwelling to the authorities!! Call the health department....help prevent someone else from living in this type of condition!!

I am so sorry for you.....

Answer 2

Call your local Building and Safety Department, which is usually with the city government, but may be with the county government, depending where you live. Have them send out a code enforcement officer right away. He will work on your behalf to get your landlord to correct these problems.

You probably should consult with an attorney if you want to terminate your lease. If you don't, you might have a court judgment entered against you for the unpaid rent because the landlord was not properly notified and given the opportunity to make repairs.

If you need to move out for several days until the repairs are made, you may be able to seek compensation from your landlord for the cost of a hotel room. An attorney can advise you about the applicable landlord/tenant laws of your state.

Answer 3

Its sounds like they are trying to correct the problem if the plumbers are working.I would take the child to my mothers or some other relatives house untill the issue is resolved.Give it a day or two to see how the workers progress.In the meantime get the little one out of that place.If the issue is not resolved you can contact your local couthouse to find the building inspecter or whoever takes care of these type situations

Answer 4

Go see an agent with the County health and welfare department or the Rental department. Most larger cities have them.
I would also say it's safe to say they broke the lease a long time ago. I would notify them of my intentions, give them ten days but, start looking. Get your baby out of that mess.

Answer 5

I believe you can & should, immediately. If they refuse to let you out of it, call your local health dept. and/or housing dept. Don't threaten them that you'll do it, just do it. That's an extremely serious health risk, especially to your baby.