I live in Owings Mills, MD. My car has been hit multiple times outside of my apartment. Also the other night my fiance caught a man trying to break into my car. I also recently got a new job and find it extremely inconvient to live in the current conditions. I need strong legal advice and serious help PLEASE! I don't have money to pay multiple months of rent.
2007-11-23 14:37:39 · 13 answers · asked by Jazipoo 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
it should say somewhere on your lease agreement about breaking your lease. normally they ask you to pay a fee but contact the owner and tell him/her your situation and try to work something out.
2007-11-23 14:43:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you have on street parking or an assigned parking spot in the complex? What does the apartment manager say he is doing to protect you and the other tennants in the apartment? Were police reports filed? You may have some leverage with the apartment complex if you can prove that the security is inadequate and you feel unsafe, but if you signed a lease, and living in the present location just doesn't work with your new job then you are probably liable for the months that remain in your lease agreement., and you will be expected to pay.
2007-11-23 14:48:07 · answer #2 · answered by Mama Mia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read your lease. It's an odds-on bet that it explains the penalty for breaking the lease. If it does not, then you are liable for the entire term of the lease or until the landlord places a new tenant. (And if the landlord can't find a tenant willing to pay the same rent as you are, you're liable for the shortfall for the remaining term of the lease.)
The break-ins in your cars is not sufficient reason to break the lease for cause. And frankly, as long as the doors and locks on the apartment are up to code, even break-ins of the apartment itself aren't reason either. The landlord isn't responsible for physical security beyond what is set out in the local building codes -- unless of course the landlord is the one breaking in.
The courts in many jurisdictions have held that 2 months is sufficient time for a landlord to place a new tenant, however local conditions may swing that figure either way. If you can't afford to pay at least 2 months worth of rent to break your lease, you'll just have to tough it out or take the hit on your credit that a judgment would cause.
Your best bet would be to contact the landlord and see if he is willing to negotiate a penalty that you can both live with. If you do come to an agreement, get it IN WRITING. Since you have a written lease, any changes MUST be in writing; verbal agreements will NOT stand up in court if it comes to that.
2007-11-23 15:58:32 · answer #3 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't have the legal experience in this question, but I must say that you should chalk it up as a major learning experience. When renting, check out the neighborhood and even the neighbors before committing into a contract. The landlord cannot be liable for your neighbors actions. If you live next to a bar for example, you are gonna have to expect some beer bottles thrown in your yard. Do your research next time...and good luck.
2007-11-23 14:43:27 · answer #4 · answered by Double B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have no valid reason to break a lease here. It is not the landlord's fault that your car has been hit or been broken into. You can check your lease to see if there is a clause which allows you to terminate with a specific monetary penalty. If there is not, you are bound to the lease for its duration.
2007-11-23 20:46:57 · answer #5 · answered by acermill 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you can beg and plead with your land lord or you can just ride it out until the lease expires and then move out. Or you can do what some people do and just move out anyways and let them put it on your credit report which will lower your score. Your idea is not stupid, I understand that you live in a bad area..it happens sometimes
2007-11-23 14:42:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless your landlord is the one messing with your car...then I doubt you have any case to break your lease without a penalty.
2007-11-24 00:24:25 · answer #7 · answered by LILL 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Danny has given you the best advice. You can not be forced to love where you don't want to be. You will pay fee's and probably loose your deposit, but you aren't stuck for the duration of the lease.
2007-11-23 16:54:22 · answer #8 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No you cant break your lease unless you want a ding on your credit report and rental history. I think its a stupid idea. Just hold off until your lease is up.
2007-11-23 14:42:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes! Get away from there! You can break your lease. Call the renters association in Maryland. They can help you for free.
2007-11-23 14:41:18 · answer #10 · answered by Ro b 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋