Do I have to honor a lease that was signed based on claims that weren't true?

Question

I was told the following when showed my apartment: 1. I can get DSL internet. (very important - most of my classes are taken online. Turns out, I cannot get DSL and there are no phone lines set up and I will have to pay $95 to run each line, one for phone and one for internet.) 2. We will be splitting the bills 3 ways. 1/3 per unit and I was led to believe that it would be myself and my 10 month old son in one unit, the single female owner in the second and largest unit, and a married couple in the third. (Turns out the owner's adult daughter, adult grandson, and teenage grandaughter and either 6 or 7 dogs live with her. I can't tell how many for sure - atleast 6.) 3. There is a washer/dryer. (Turns out she charges 40/month to use it. Not optional.) 4. She said there was a satellite dish if we chose to use it. (Turns out I have to use it because cable company doesn't service there.) She asked for bill money right away-not based on usage unless more. I was told this 2 wks after I moved.

I do not have most of it in writing. I do, however, have plenty of evidence and witnesses to show that they have a load of bodies in that house who aren't mentioned in the lease. Why then would I be paying 1/3 of all utilities?

Also - I left my porch light on (two seperate times, intentionally) while at work because I knew I'd be coming home after dark with my baby and she turned if off on me to conserve the bill I am already over paying for.

Its awful.

Answer 1

Well, the lease sounds OK to me. Sorry. You can get DSL, so that part was true. You are paying 1/3 of the utilities, so that part is true. Unless names are listed 1/3 is simply 1/3, the details you list do not matter. There is a washer and dryer, so that is true. You have the option of using the satellite or not, so that one is true as well.

She is also within her rights to ask for an upfront deposit on the bills, as long as she credits you somewhere along the line.

Answer 2

A lease is a legally binging contract. You should ask an atty. Usually consultations are free and you can get some sound advice from someone that will know what the laws in your state are. Be very careful where you get your legal advice from. A broken lease can ruin your credit for 7 years even if you are in right.

Answer 3

if you were induced into entering the contract on the basis of these claims, then you can get out of the contract on the basis of misrepresentation, even if those claims are not within the document you signed. a misrepresentation is a false statement of fact which induces a person to enter into a contract and makes the contract voidable- or able to be avoided. you may go to court asking for a declaration that the contract be avoided and claim damages for the losses you suffered for entering into the contract, such as the extra payments you have had to make, the loss of the opportunity to find a more appropriate dwelling. alternatively, serve out your notice, use your deposit as the last rent and flee!

Answer 4

You should have a copy of your lease so read it over carefully and see what it says about these things. If it is not covered in your lease, in writing, then I would talk to your landlord and let her no that these were not the terms you agree upon and you'd like to terminate your lease without penalty. If she gives you a problem tell her your lawyer will be contacting her within a few days. If she still doesn't cooperate you might need to contact an actual lawyer.

Answer 5

If the lease states that you can get DSL, or it states that you have use of certain amenities, but does not signify a charge or cost, it should in turn void the lease.

If it was not in the lease itself, you'll have to find actual written proof, or witnesses who can vouch for you.

Answer 6

You have a case as to not honoring your lease -if- you have any of those issues you're disputing in writing.

Property management companies are notorious for not honoring verbal promises, and in particularly, not returning security deposits. They generally operate of bullying tactics and when $$$ are invloved, quite often turn to collection agencies - which are about as much fun as a tooth ache.

Stand strong, don't be intimidated, and if necessary obtain legal assistance. this, if for no other reason to "turn the tables" on them via a legal threat.

If all else fails and you're "stuck." just excersice patience and chalk this up to an expensive, but valauble lesson. Life, after all, is really one ongoing learning experience.

And most of all.........Good Luck.

Answer 7

you may call the community housing authority, and record the owner. they'll choose for reproduction of hire. you additionally can pass to shopper affairs of the state lawyer ordinary's place of work. If it replaced into finished via a Realtor, then you definately can record it to the genuine assets fee. this may well be a bait and turn. They get you to sign a hire, later say that's no longer accessible, and then attempt to get to to pass to a stronger cost assets. if it rather is so, plainly like fraud. you will desire to record this. that's no longer basically for your self. they may well be attempting to do this to different individuals.

Answer 8

No you do not have to honor the lease agreement if what they told you was written in the lease. if it wasnt then by law they do not have to give you any money that would be owed to you- if you leave the unit before the lease is up. your word is against theirs- you would need proof.

Answer 9

You can take this to your local magistrate who will likely role in your favor and dismiss the lease. You must do this legally, walking away is not an option

Answer 10

If you cannot prove that these claims were made, you may very well have to honor it. It is important to get everything in writing for this reason.