Can a lease be broken if a crime was commited in a rental property?

Question

My family and I were victims of a home invasion where weapons were used and property was stolen and destroyed. A next door neighbor was an accessory to the crime and other neighbors witnessed the attack and did nothing to help, not even call the police. We decided to cooperate with the police and four assailants have been identified, arrest warrants issued and one has been caught. Needless to say my family and I are living in fear as retaliation is a very real possibility. Also given the the neighbor's involvment we don't feel safe on the block. For peace of mind and safety concerns we feel it would be best to move. My landlords owns many other properties & I have asked to relocated at my expense to one of those but have yet to receive a response. Under the circumstances would I have a legal right to terminate my lease once another home was secured.

Answer 1

I'm not sure on the leagal issues, but your first priority is your family. If you feel unsafe, there's a good reason behind it. I would feel unsafe in the same situation.

I would check your lease (or have a lawyer check it) to see what it says about vacating early.The worst your land lord can do is not give your your deposite back or charge you a peanalty.

Answer 2

I'm sorry for your ordeal and the feelings your family is having about it.


a good tenant law atttorney in your area knows how to handle this.


GL

Answer 3

talk to your landlord and tell him to let you out of the lease they usually r pretty understanding or sublet the apartment.