I reside in our fine nation's capital where crime is a problem, but has been under control in my neighborhood for 2 years now. We just signed another 1 year lease in September. Since then both my house mate and myself have each been assaulted/battered and threatened ("We gonna end you!"). We've filed reports, followed-up, spent a ton of time and cell phone time trying to find a solution. I don't want to cut and run, but it's just not good for us to live here any longer. To further complicate the situation, our landlords reside in Kabul, Afghanistan! Is there any way to get out of a lease due to measures as extreme as this? Also, whether it helps or not, I can provide a doctor's note that it is "unsafe and unhealthy" environment for me to reside in. Thanks to all who respond.
2007-11-05 07:59:44 · 12 answers · asked by gary t 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Who collects the rent? There must an agent in the DC area that you can contact (?).
I would not pay the last month's rent (assuming you will clean and haven't damaged anything) to cover your return of deposit, send a notarized statement to the agent or the owner including the letter from the doctor, and plan to move. I did this when I (inadvertently) moved in with a psycho last year (no kidding, it was horrible) and I got notes from my doctor and my pastor. I moved but did leave the security as I left rather suddenly. If they try to negatively impact your credit rating, I would be prepared to fight it.
2007-11-05 08:05:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anna P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good Question!!! I think you should review the terms of your lease first. The Landlord has the responsibility of providing you a safe, clean, and a place of residence that is free of hazards. The fact that your exposure to crime is not a direct result of the premises but more the location, I dont believe that you can break a lease based on the neighborhood crime activity. The terms and conditions of your lease will prevail in any subsequent legal action that your landlord may or may not choose to take against you.
If you are able to speak with the landlord or his representative and explain the situation, they may release you from the lease. Worth a shot.
2007-11-05 08:07:58 · answer #2 · answered by plan_ner 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as the landlords living in Afghanistan or from there dont even try that one,it aint going to fly.Talk to the person you give the rent to and see what their reaction is and state that you have been getting sick due to the stress.September is not long ago and that shouldnt complicate matters im assuming this just occured after you signed the lease and never any problems before.Make sure you have copies of police reports and stay safe,nobody can force you to stay in an unsafe enviorment and due to the fact you have been threated bodily harm no judge is going to go against you,providing again there are reports after September and not prior.
2007-11-05 08:11:00 · answer #3 · answered by Chiboy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
From your post it appears you are renting from a private person. If you were renting from a management company/apartment complex and the crime was happening onsite of the complex, then the management company has a direct responsiblity to try and keep the area safe.
However, with a private person, they only have to make sure that the actual house is safe (ie locks, etc).
Of course it's not a safe and healthy environment, but is the landlord responsible for items out of their control.
NO. You can't break your lease and just walk away.
2007-11-05 08:06:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
First I have to say I'm embarrassed by how many people don't know where "our nation's capitol" is.
I live in the DC suburbs.
Go over your lease with a fine tooth comb. Then read it again. You may be able to give them 60 days notice but you will have to pay for anytime that the property is vacant. Also see if you can sublease the property. That may be a way out.
When you refer to unsafe or unhealthy that refers to your actual apartment. The landlord didn't create the crime so it's not his fault.
Call our nation's finest over and over again till they get so sick of hearing from you that they patrol all the time.
And what about our obnoxious media. They love this stuff.
Good luck.
2007-11-05 08:20:35 · answer #5 · answered by Sharon 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sorry to say that you do not have any valid reasons to terminate a lease early, unless the landlords are specifically not providing adequate security measures for your unit. However, as long as they have adequate locks on the doors, that suffices.
Your doctor's note will be of no avail. (If those notes worked, everyone would have one to break a lease.)
You are advised to check your lease agreement to determine if there are provisions for early termination, such as a two month's rent penalty to end the lease. Aside from that, you are bound to the terms of the lease until its expiration.
2007-11-05 08:05:10 · answer #6 · answered by acermill 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not a legal reason to break your lease.
If you do move out, the landlord can hold you liable for the rent until a replacement tenant is found, as well as any costs that he incurs due to your breach, such as advertising costs, agent fees, etc.
2007-11-05 08:48:48 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a legal argument to terminate your lease. You will need to have proof that you attempted to contact your landlord, and leave as soon as possible because the longer you wait the less of an argument you have, Also you must give your landlord notice and leave the place in good condition.
2007-11-05 08:05:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gee what nation are you in?
I feel real bad and feel they should oblige but I do not think there is a rider in the lease that says you may move if there is crime in the area.
best of luck.
2007-11-05 08:05:12 · answer #9 · answered by Linda S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why didn't you think about this before you signed a new lease? The problems did not start just yesterday, did they? You may be out of luck.
2007-11-05 08:08:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋