Right to break a lease if there's a meth lab downstairs?

Question

My downstairs neighbors are making (or at least doing) meth in their apartment. I've talked to the police, who can't do anything about it other than keep an eye on the place. The apartment managers haven't done anything about it either, even though unlike the police, they don't need a warrant to check it out. I've made it clear to them that I am very concerned. 3 days later, they still haven't addressed the issue. My question is, do I have any legal right to break my lease? It seems so unfair that my apartment building is full of tenants that aren't even aware that they're being exposed to an extrememly hazardous and toxic situation. I don't even want to go home because I'm afraid of the building exploding or having the neighbors confront me for reporting them. So is it fair that I have to continue paying rent? It makes me so mad that there are laws to protect the stupid meth addicts from having their privacy invaded, while everyone else's health and safety is at risk.

If there is a meth lab right below me, that would be considered unfit and hazardous living conditions. I have to have some right to get out of there if they won't take care of it. Maybe I need to talk to a lawyer?

Buster- I told the police that the tenants have a huge collection of empty coleman fuel containers piled up on their balcony and offered to take pictures. (And that's only one of the signs) Still not enough evidence I guess and they said not to take pictures for my own safety.

It's not that the cops aren't being helpful or sympathetic. They just can't legally search their apartment just off of my complaint I guess. But the apartment manager can. Then if they inform the police, it's enough evidence. Problem is, the apartment managers are taking their sweet time like it's not that big of a concern.

I don't know if they're making it or just smoking it. I can smell it, hear them talking about it and see piles of flammable trash on their balcony. I'm not familiar enough with the drug to know if they're actually making it there.

Answer 1

Yes, I believe you should be able to break your lease. The landlord is preventing you form experiencing the "quiet enjoyment" of your property, a catch-all phrase meaning you have minimum legal expectations of safety and comfort.

Good luck.

Answer 2

A side way to do it is to call the health department and tell them there is a smell comming from the apartment.

Also you can call the gas company and tell them you smell something like natural gas comming from their apartment. Tell them you smell it at different times and that you haven't seen the people that live there in a while.

I don't like telling you to technically lie but if you really feel there is a meth lab there and the landlord is not doing anything you are in danger. Meth labs have a habit of exploding which could be disasterous in an apartment building.

The problem is you can't break your lease until you prove there is a meth lab...meaning the apt manager finds out and does nothing or the person is tried in court.

Hopefully the health department or gas company can get inside the apartment and then see the equipment and report it legally.

Answer 3

You can probably get a free consult with a lawyer if you call the local bar association for a referal.

In the meantime, the next time you smell the meth being burnt I wonder if the fire department would be more responsive. Seriously, I agree with you that it is a dangerous situation. Maybe call a city councilman or other elected official.

Geez, this it's getting me mad to think the police told you they couldnt do anything about it. And yet we have a system where people get arrested because they look like Muslims and they took pictures of a bridge.

Answer 4

The reality is that rental laws vary from state to state. Most of the people who have answered your question probably aren't even attorneys, let alone someone from your state. You really need to consult a local attorney rather than rely on the advice here.

You also have to realize that whatever the landlord does, they must do in accordance with the law. The landlord can't just tell someone to move out by the end of the weekend. The must have legal reasons to evict the tenant and proof that will hold up on court they do agree to take action. The

Answer 5

Talk to a lawyer for the specifics but there are more laws protecting tenents rights than privacy rights. If your safety is concerned then you have the landlords nuts in your hand legally. Might be able to get a class action suit with your fellow tenents. At the very least you can break your lease. The landlord has to provide a safe living area, if he doesnt then he has already broke his end of it.

Answer 6

You are assuming that they are doing meth unless you actually saw them use the drug. STOP being a busy body, mind your own business, and for God's sake stop reporting them it can only cause you more grief. It really isn't your right to terminate your lease whenever your feel like it, it's a contract. I'm sure you could offer to pay off your lease and move out without any problems however.

Answer 7

harmless till shown in charge. You for sure did not have adequate info to offer to the police, what greater info are you able to offer to the owner? till there is evidence that your friends are breaking the regulation your landlord won't be able to truly do something that can assist you you. as quickly as this "meth lab" is busted your existence will bypass returned to commonplace and you may proceed living on your residence. If the police are gazing your development that's incredibly all you may ask for till you may supply greater info. What do you assume the owner to do? Knock on the door and say "hi, i want to come returned in and see in case you're working a meth lab." communicate approximately strolling everywhere in the neighbor's rights if your accusations are unfounded.

Answer 8

Have you told the apartment managers that the whole building could go up in flames and that you have voiced your concerns to relatives who will make sure their insurance company will be told about them? Just a thought.

Answer 9

So, are they making it or doing it? Doing meth doesn't necessarily mean there is a lab down there. If there is a lab, I'd imagine the police would be right on top of it, as they are in our town. It sounds to me that you're accusing people of having a lab without the proof.

Answer 10

A lease is a contract, unless there is a clause in this contract specifying it, then it would be a breach of contract on your part.