Comments on: How to Break a Lease http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html Renters guide to solving problems, saving money, and living better. Sat, 7 Nov 2009 20:08:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Justin Danyus http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-13441 Justin Danyus Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:47:57 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-13441 , Here is my situation. I moved into my apartment January of last year so it was very cold outside. All in all the place seemed ok, but it just didn't feel right. My girlfriend really wanted the place so we signed a 13 month lease. As soon as the weather got nice we have a bunch of 30 and 40 somethings out drinking all day everyday in the parking lot. They all speak spanish so when you walk by them they stare at you and speak spanish thinking that I can't understand them, well I'm a conversational spanish speaker. Some serious creepshows. They harass my girlfriend when I'm not around and it is just getting ridiculous. That's not the worst part. The bathroom ceiling started leaking and we complained for weeks, finally we had the city inspect the apartment and they gave the landlord 48 hours to fix it. Well they "fixed" it alright. Three weeks later the leak got so bad that we now have black mold growing and part of the ceiling is falling. Not to mention a nice little roach problem from our disgusting neighbors. Arbors at Eastland Bloomington, IL STAY AWAY!!! , Here is my situation. I moved into my apartment January of last year so it was very cold outside. All in all the place seemed ok, but it just didn’t feel right. My girlfriend really wanted the place so we signed a 13 month lease. As soon as the weather got nice we have a bunch of 30 and 40 somethings out drinking all day everyday in the parking lot. They all speak spanish so when you walk by them they stare at you and speak spanish thinking that I can’t understand them, well I’m a conversational spanish speaker. Some serious creepshows. They harass my girlfriend when I’m not around and it is just getting ridiculous. That’s not the worst part. The bathroom ceiling started leaking and we complained for weeks, finally we had the city inspect the apartment and they gave the landlord 48 hours to fix it. Well they “fixed” it alright. Three weeks later the leak got so bad that we now have black mold growing and part of the ceiling is falling. Not to mention a nice little roach problem from our disgusting neighbors. Arbors at Eastland Bloomington, IL STAY AWAY!!!

]]> By: First Time Apt Dweller http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-12146 First Time Apt Dweller Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:29:08 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-12146 Hello everyone, first time apartment dweller here! I just started at a university and I moved here a couple months ago. Well, I am very unhappy with the apartment I chose. To make a long story short, I was so incredibly excited to be moving away from home that I hastily chose one of the first available apartments I found. I even signed the lease without even seeing the actual unit I was going to get. The reality set in once I did my first walk through, but I told myself I could live with it. Now, I can just barely stand it. Everything in the apartment is old and run down. Things break quite often, although the maintenance does come within a timely manner to fix things. The apt has a strange and unpleasant "old" smell to it, I don't know how to explain it. The circulation is horrible, and the ceilings are very low. The mirror came with an ugly black streak on it. I feel the management kind of lied to me because they told me I would not need air conditioning. Yet it is very hot and stuffy in the apartment even with the windows open when it is only in the 70s outside. The walls are paper thin. I can hear everything my upstairs neighbors do, every single little footstep or dish bang. My neighbors below me smoke, and I can smell it up here quite strongly. I live next to a stairwell and I can hear footsteps all day going up and down, up and down. The worst part of it all is that I live right next to a busy street and the noise is terrible even with the windows closed. I just have to leave this place by my December school break, I can't stand it much longer. The thing is, I don't have any "legal" reason for leaving. I also don't want to hassle management too much because the things that bother me aren't necessarily all their fault. My parents have agreed to help me break the lease, but I don't want to hurt their credit. They have agreed to pay extra money to break the lease legally. I have looked on my lease and this is what it says in regard to breaking a lease: 12. BREACH OF CONTRACT/EARLY TERMINATION: In the event of termination by Lessee prior to completion of the original term of Lease, Lessee shall also be responsible for lost rent, rental commissions, advertising expenses, and all cleaning and painting costs necessary to ready Premises for re-rental." What does this mean exactly? Does it mean I am basically off the hook if I pay all the cleaning fees and re-renting fees? Does this mean I will not have to pay rent for the additional 11 months? I would not mind paying all those fees and rent until the place gets re-rented. I just want out! Can someone decipher what this paragraph means? Hello everyone, first time apartment dweller here! I just started at a university and I moved here a couple months ago.

Well, I am very unhappy with the apartment I chose. To make a long story short, I was so incredibly excited to be moving away from home that I hastily chose one of the first available apartments I found. I even signed the lease without even seeing the actual unit I was going to get. The reality set in once I did my first walk through, but I told myself I could live with it. Now, I can just barely stand it. Everything in the apartment is old and run down. Things break quite often, although the maintenance does come within a timely manner to fix things. The apt has a strange and unpleasant “old” smell to it, I don’t know how to explain it. The circulation is horrible, and the ceilings are very low. The mirror came with an ugly black streak on it. I feel the management kind of lied to me because they told me I would not need air conditioning. Yet it is very hot and stuffy in the apartment even with the windows open when it is only in the 70s outside. The walls are paper thin. I can hear everything my upstairs neighbors do, every single little footstep or dish bang. My neighbors below me smoke, and I can smell it up here quite strongly. I live next to a stairwell and I can hear footsteps all day going up and down, up and down. The worst part of it all is that I live right next to a busy street and the noise is terrible even with the windows closed.

I just have to leave this place by my December school break, I can’t stand it much longer. The thing is, I don’t have any “legal” reason for leaving. I also don’t want to hassle management too much because the things that bother me aren’t necessarily all their fault. My parents have agreed to help me break the lease, but I don’t want to hurt their credit. They have agreed to pay extra money to break the lease legally.

I have looked on my lease and this is what it says in regard to breaking a lease:

12. BREACH OF CONTRACT/EARLY TERMINATION: In the event of termination by Lessee prior to completion of the original term of Lease, Lessee shall also be responsible for lost rent, rental commissions, advertising expenses, and all cleaning and painting costs necessary to ready Premises for re-rental.”

What does this mean exactly? Does it mean I am basically off the hook if I pay all the cleaning fees and re-renting fees? Does this mean I will not have to pay rent for the additional 11 months? I would not mind paying all those fees and rent until the place gets re-rented. I just want out! Can someone decipher what this paragraph means?

]]> By: Pene Miller http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-12126 Pene Miller Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:04:26 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-12126 I agree with SCarolina. READ your lease AND ask questions! The absolutly worst time to read your lease is when you are standing in the rental office and your family/indentured friends are pacing outside, anxious to start moving you in! Any reputable landlord will offer you a copy of the lease well-ahead of time to review with someone you trust. If you are worrying about a possible job transfer, ask the landlord to add a transfer agreement to the lease, or consider a shorter-term lease if they will allow it, but be willing to pay a premium for this. If you have already signed the lease, check to see if there is a "buy-out" clause. This is usually expensive, but its usually cheaper than paying the whole lease out. If you don't and the problem is not the community-say you've had another job offer or want to buy a home, ask if the landlord will work with you. For example, our lease prohibits "sublets", but if a tenant brings me another qualified person to fill thier spot, I will sign a new lease with their referral and let them out of the original lease. If this isn't an option, you could move out and ask the landlord to begin showing the apartment immediately in hopes of finding a new tenant quickly. You would need to keep paying rent and keep the utilities on in your name, but I have done this several times with good results. Independent landlords tend to be more receptive to "creative solutions" and have more leeway than the larger, corporate-owned communities, so you should consider this when you are looking for your next rental. In any case, document EVERYTHING. Good luck, and keep looking. There are good communities and honest landlords out there! I agree with SCarolina. READ your lease AND ask questions!

The absolutly worst time to read your lease is when you are standing in the rental office and your family/indentured friends are pacing outside, anxious to start moving you in! Any reputable landlord will offer you a copy of the lease well-ahead of time to review with someone you trust. If you are worrying about a possible job transfer, ask the landlord to add a transfer agreement to the lease, or consider a shorter-term lease if they will allow it, but be willing to pay a premium for this.

If you have already signed the lease, check to see if there is a “buy-out” clause. This is usually expensive, but its usually cheaper than paying the whole lease out. If you don’t and the problem is not the community-say you’ve had another job offer or want to buy a home, ask if the landlord will work with you. For example, our lease prohibits “sublets”, but if a tenant brings me another qualified person to fill thier spot, I will sign a new lease with their referral and let them out of the original lease. If this isn’t an option, you could move out and ask the landlord to begin showing the apartment immediately in hopes of finding a new tenant quickly. You would need to keep paying rent and keep the utilities on in your name, but I have done this several times with good results.

Independent landlords tend to be more receptive to “creative solutions” and have more leeway than the larger, corporate-owned communities, so you should consider this when you are looking for your next rental. In any case, document EVERYTHING. Good luck, and keep looking. There are good communities and honest landlords out there!

]]> By: SCarolina http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11979 SCarolina Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:34:51 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11979 Comment to all tenants having issues....READ YOUR LEASE BEFORE YOU SIGN!!! READ! READ! READ! Also, please read the comment from n/a dated 9/9/09. This comment is also helpful! Being in the business in South Carolina, I have noticed that a lot of tenants don't realize how enforceable the lease is. Many believe the lease is not legal and binding, therefore some simply take matters into their own hands and try work around the system or try to come up with alternatives that will work for them. I.E. "I have seen two roaches, therefore let me out of the lease." or "I have lived here for 2 years and paid rent on time, let me out of my lease." The lease is legal and binding and is enforceable in the court of law. Items such as given proper notice, paying rent on time, etc are standard. Unfortunately, there is normally no extra incentives when you do uphold your end of the bargain. I have had early bird specials where if you paid rent on the 1st, you entered in a drawing to win a gift card for that month, etc. Pool parties, resident referral incentives, etc. maybe offered. Some offices may offer those incentives for you. If not, suggest it. Let the office know how they can improve! Not be afraid to talk to the staff. Understand that the management team is obligated to enforce Fair Housing Laws: You do for one, you do for all. Therefore, if we let "Mary" out of her lease with no penalty, we have to let "John" and everyone else in the community out as well. Now, there are some exceptions such as military orders (if this is written in the lease) or there is a new clause some management companies have if you have lost your job because of the recession. (But you must provide the proper documentation i.e. military orders or a letter on company letterhead from your employer). If there are things that are excessive, such as noise or if you have had a problem regarding maintenance issues, DOCUMENT and TAKE PICTURES! This is the most effective way to get management's attention. Ask if a courtesy officer lives on-site. If you have noise, this person will generally be the one to respond and witness it. The officer will inform management. If there is not one, call the police. As CA Manager says, different counties may have curfews and have noise ordinances. You have to check with your particular state and county. If you have to leave and don't want to pay the termination fees, ask management if they allow subleasing. Some do, some don't. If not, set up a payment arrangement. Don't just leave owing money! Talk to the manager or the person in charge of collections at your community. Generally, there is a waiting period before it is reported to the credit bureaus. As for Anonymous, if you choose to get evicted, it will reflect on your credit report. Yes, you already purchased the house. However, if something were to happen where you have to move back to an apartment or you need to rent somewhere, it's gonna be Difficult! Keep in mind that management companies not only look at credit, but rental history can make or break you. Going through the new car process is totally different. Just because you can get a new car, doesn't automatically get you housing. Ask if they allow subleasing. Hope this helps! Comment to all tenants having issues….READ YOUR LEASE BEFORE YOU SIGN!!! READ! READ! READ! Also, please read the comment from n/a dated 9/9/09. This comment is also helpful!

Being in the business in South Carolina, I have noticed that a lot of tenants don’t realize how enforceable the lease is. Many believe the lease is not legal and binding, therefore some simply take matters into their own hands and try work around the system or try to come up with alternatives that will work for them. I.E. “I have seen two roaches, therefore let me out of the lease.” or “I have lived here for 2 years and paid rent on time, let me out of my lease.”

The lease is legal and binding and is enforceable in the court of law. Items such as given proper notice, paying rent on time, etc are standard. Unfortunately, there is normally no extra incentives when you do uphold your end of the bargain. I have had early bird specials where if you paid rent on the 1st, you entered in a drawing to win a gift card for that month, etc. Pool parties, resident referral incentives, etc. maybe offered. Some offices may offer those incentives for you. If not, suggest it. Let the office know how they can improve! Not be afraid to talk to the staff.

Understand that the management team is obligated to enforce Fair Housing Laws: You do for one, you do for all. Therefore, if we let “Mary” out of her lease with no penalty, we have to let “John” and everyone else in the community out as well. Now, there are some exceptions such as military orders (if this is written in the lease) or there is a new clause some management companies have if you have lost your job because of the recession. (But you must provide the proper documentation i.e. military orders or a letter on company letterhead from your employer).

If there are things that are excessive, such as noise or if you have had a problem regarding maintenance issues, DOCUMENT and TAKE PICTURES! This is the most effective way to get management’s attention. Ask if a courtesy officer lives on-site. If you have noise, this person will generally be the one to respond and witness it. The officer will inform management. If there is not one, call the police. As CA Manager says, different counties may have curfews and have noise ordinances. You have to check with your particular state and county.

If you have to leave and don’t want to pay the termination fees, ask management if they allow subleasing. Some do, some don’t. If not, set up a payment arrangement. Don’t just leave owing money! Talk to the manager or the person in charge of collections at your community. Generally, there is a waiting period before it is reported to the credit bureaus.

As for Anonymous, if you choose to get evicted, it will reflect on your credit report. Yes, you already purchased the house. However, if something were to happen where you have to move back to an apartment or you need to rent somewhere, it’s gonna be Difficult! Keep in mind that management companies not only look at credit, but rental history can make or break you. Going through the new car process is totally different. Just because you can get a new car, doesn’t automatically get you housing. Ask if they allow subleasing. Hope this helps!

]]> By: Lisa http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11928 Lisa Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:42:47 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11928 Just remember that if you use a reason such as quiet enjoyment, management has the right to transfer you to another unit comparable to the one you are in to resolve the issue and finish out the contract. You would be responsable for movers since you were wanting to move anyways. this is also true if there is a fire, flood, etc. Legal documentation, a police report, other neighbors complaining are required to prove that the noise is actually occurring. If I have noise issues, I ask the complaing resident to call me or my courtesy patrol so that we can hear it and then take appropriate action against the offending resident. Since we have witnessed it first hand and have the complaint, we usually issue a 3 day to comply and a second violation results in a demand to quit. Most properties would rather get the offender out than lose a great resident. I agree with asking if there is a lease buy out option and if not requesting an ammendment to your contract. If not, lease elsewhere. Just remember that if you use a reason such as quiet enjoyment, management has the right to transfer you to another unit comparable to the one you are in to resolve the issue and finish out the contract. You would be responsable for movers since you were wanting to move anyways. this is also true if there is a fire, flood, etc. Legal documentation, a police report, other neighbors complaining are required to prove that the noise is actually occurring. If I have noise issues, I ask the complaing resident to call me or my courtesy patrol so that we can hear it and then take appropriate action against the offending resident. Since we have witnessed it first hand and have the complaint, we usually issue a 3 day to comply and a second violation results in a demand to quit. Most properties would rather get the offender out than lose a great resident. I agree with asking if there is a lease buy out option and if not requesting an ammendment to your contract. If not, lease elsewhere.

]]> By: Anonymous http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11734 Anonymous Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:15:56 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11734 Hi, I found this thread to be very informative. We recently bought a house, and have to break our current lease which expires in May 2010. We have been living here for over 4 years, and have been paying an average 7-8% increase on rent (call us lazy). Now I am facing the huge penalty of ~ $8K until the end of the lease. I checked the rental company website, there are quite a few vacancies, so I am guessing that they won't be able to fill ours any time soon if we move out. I heard in some states if you buy a house, you can walk away with no penalty assuming you notify the landlord x days ahead of time. NY appears to be one of them. But I couldn't seem to find anything like this in VA. I understand it's our obligation to pay, but given the time I have lived here and never been late to pay the rent, I am really frustrated to see the management team won't budget a single penny. I would be happy if they can reduce the penalty by a month or two. Any idea how to get me out of this? I am thinking about not paying rent for next Month and tell them that I am broke, and let them rush me out. I already bought the house, and I am able to buy cars with cash (plus we already have a couple of new cars), guess credit may not value so much to me as it used to be. Any comments/suggestions? Thanks! Hi, I found this thread to be very informative.

We recently bought a house, and have to break our current lease which expires in May 2010. We have been living here for over 4 years, and have been paying an average 7-8% increase on rent (call us lazy). Now I am facing the huge penalty of ~ $8K until the end of the lease. I checked the rental company website, there are quite a few vacancies, so I am guessing that they won’t be able to fill ours any time soon if we move out.

I heard in some states if you buy a house, you can walk away with no penalty assuming you notify the landlord x days ahead of time. NY appears to be one of them. But I couldn’t seem to find anything like this in VA.

I understand it’s our obligation to pay, but given the time I have lived here and never been late to pay the rent, I am really frustrated to see the management team won’t budget a single penny. I would be happy if they can reduce the penalty by a month or two.

Any idea how to get me out of this? I am thinking about not paying rent for next Month and tell them that I am broke, and let them rush me out. I already bought the house, and I am able to buy cars with cash (plus we already have a couple of new cars), guess credit may not value so much to me as it used to be. Any comments/suggestions?

Thanks!

]]> By: Anonymous http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11592 Anonymous Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:51:03 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11592 I always try to get a month to month lease the most I will sign is a six month lease. I am a very good tenant and I want to make sure I will be happy where I am living. By signing a month to month lease you can "get out" at any time, you usually have to give a 30 day notice but at least you won't be tied into a year. I always try to get a month to month lease the most I will sign is a six month lease. I am a very good tenant and I want to make sure I will be happy where I am living. By signing a month to month lease you can “get out” at any time, you usually have to give a 30 day notice but at least you won’t be tied into a year.

]]> By: n/a http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11570 n/a Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:11:18 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11570 to Matt if you feel unsafe for your family move- put in your notice and move if you can't pay the termination fees so be it. In my opinion the family's safety is worth the bad credit. But you can talk to the manager and see if you can start a payment plan to pay the lease termination fees. Or you can wait to be taken to court and set up a plan then, but stick to it. If you still feel that is not possible file bankruptcy... if that is not anoption and nothing elsee is either, just stay, keep a eye open to your surroundings and remember we don't live in a perfect world. And learn from this experience. If you survive this situation, make sure you check out the next complex a few times, drive thru at night, get a feel for the area, ask questions and of course if you are unsure DON'T SIGN!!!! to Matt if you feel unsafe for your family move- put in your notice and move if you can’t pay the termination fees so be it. In my opinion the family’s safety is worth the bad credit. But you can talk to the manager and see if you can start a payment plan to pay the lease termination fees. Or you can wait to be taken to court and set up a plan then, but stick to it. If you still feel that is not possible file bankruptcy… if that is not anoption and nothing elsee is either, just stay, keep a eye open to your surroundings and remember we don’t live in a perfect world. And learn from this experience. If you survive this situation, make sure you check out the next complex a few times, drive thru at night, get a feel for the area, ask questions and of course if you are unsure DON’T SIGN!!!!

]]> By: n/a http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11568 n/a Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:03:33 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11568 I have been in the apartment industry for about 6 years now and I have seen very few people released from their obligations of their contract. Unless the lease has a clause for transfer of employment or military deployment, you can go ahead and assume that there is (near to) no way to get out of your lease without penalties. I have been on both sides of the table and have broke a lease before. I had to pay more than I felt was fair, but like Fair Housing Laws say "What you do for one, you do for all". My best advice is to learn from experience, ask questions when moving in/ signing lease, look at your apartment before signing a lease, check ratings, give yourself time and options, get a feel for your staff, and last make SURE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE LEASE TERMS (6 months, 9 months etc...). If you have a doubt that you will not be able to stay the full term then sign a smaller lease. It may be more expensive on monthly rent but, in most cases less expensive in comparison to lease termination fees. Every management company has different policies and you will never know them if you don't ask and/ or listen to the lease explaination and read your lease. If you don't feel comfortable or have doubt don't sign a legal and binding document. It is only fair that you fill your obligations to what you sign. I would never put my eggs into a basket that advises people to "find a way around the system" believe "the system" has been there longer and knows the documents you sign. The only way to be on top of your game is to know it just as well. I have been in the apartment industry for about 6 years now and I have seen very few people released from their obligations of their contract. Unless the lease has a clause for transfer of employment or military deployment, you can go ahead and assume that there is (near to) no way to get out of your lease without penalties. I have been on both sides of the table and have broke a lease before. I had to pay more than I felt was fair, but like Fair Housing Laws say “What you do for one, you do for all”. My best advice is to learn from experience, ask questions when moving in/ signing lease, look at your apartment before signing a lease, check ratings, give yourself time and options, get a feel for your staff, and last make SURE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE LEASE TERMS (6 months, 9 months etc…). If you have a doubt that you will not be able to stay the full term then sign a smaller lease. It may be more expensive on monthly rent but, in most cases less expensive in comparison to lease termination fees. Every management company has different policies and you will never know them if you don’t ask and/ or listen to the lease explaination and read your lease. If you don’t feel comfortable or have doubt don’t sign a legal and binding document. It is only fair that you fill your obligations to what you sign. I would never put my eggs into a basket that advises people to “find a way around the system” believe “the system” has been there longer and knows the documents you sign. The only way to be on top of your game is to know it just as well.

]]> By: matt http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11305 matt Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:39:40 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11305 What about if your family has no reason to even feel safe in the apartment anymore? We have had a broken window, people trying to climb the railing, and our patio lit on fire. And instead of fixing thins they threaten me because some moron upstairscant tell a terrier from a pitbull. I thought we had gotten away from problems. We had raccoons crawling through ac ducts so we switched apartments. I need to get out. Any ideas? What about if your family has no reason to even feel safe in the apartment anymore? We have had a broken window, people trying to climb the railing, and our patio lit on fire. And instead of fixing thins they threaten me because some moron upstairscant tell a terrier from a pitbull. I thought we had gotten away from problems. We had raccoons crawling through ac ducts so we switched apartments. I need to get out. Any ideas?

]]> By: no toilet paper http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11251 no toilet paper Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:22:19 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11251 The best situation is to be "kind" with landlord. Be honest and upfront. After signing one year's lease, 5 months later I had to vacate the apartment because the work commute had worsened from 1 hour each way to 2 hours each way due to bumper to bumper traffic.... I loved the apartment, but not the time spent stuck in traffic. So I put in writing a 2 1/2 month advance notice to the landord I was moving out expressing my sincerest apologies for any inconvenience but felt that giving 75 days notice to quit would be ample time to find another tenant as the apartments seemed to rent within 30 days or less. I decided to put all my valuables in storage elsewhere until I moved out. I actually moved out leaving the landlord with 15 extra days of prepaid rent as I moved out in 2 months. Two months later I received a notice in the mail from the landlord (apartment complex management company) they were writing me for the remaining rent due them for my apartment/lease I had signed. I wrote back to the landlord I was not going to pay any further monies as I had given them ample notice to quit the apartment within 75 days; that I had paid the rent in full during that timeframe; and I also noticed how quickly the units got re-rented in less than 30 days; and that they would have to "prove" to me the unit was still vacant. I never heard one more peep again. That seemed to do it. Requesting the landlord "TO PROVE THE APARTMENT WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RENTED WITHIN 75 DAYS ADVANCED NOTICE..." So Good Luck to all..... The best situation is to be “kind” with landlord. Be honest and upfront. After signing one year’s lease, 5 months later I had to vacate the apartment because the work commute had worsened from 1 hour each way to 2 hours each way due to bumper to bumper traffic….

I loved the apartment, but not the time spent stuck in traffic. So I put in writing a 2 1/2 month advance notice to the landord I was moving out expressing my sincerest apologies for any inconvenience but felt that giving 75 days notice to quit would be ample time to find another tenant as the apartments seemed to rent within 30 days or less.

I decided to put all my valuables in storage elsewhere until I moved out. I actually moved out leaving the landlord with 15 extra days of prepaid rent as I moved out in 2 months. Two months later I received a notice in the mail from the landlord (apartment complex management company) they were writing me for the remaining rent due them for my apartment/lease I had signed.

I wrote back to the landlord I was not going to pay any further monies as I had given them ample notice to quit the apartment within 75 days; that I had paid the rent in full during that timeframe; and I also noticed how quickly the units got re-rented in less than 30 days; and that they would have to “prove” to me the unit was still vacant.

I never heard one more peep again. That seemed to do it. Requesting the landlord “TO PROVE THE APARTMENT WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RENTED WITHIN 75 DAYS ADVANCED NOTICE…”

So Good Luck to all…..

]]> By: anonymous http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11239 anonymous Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:29:27 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11239 i live in a duplex where the teenagers are leaving trash everywhere and hurting my son and his friends its so bad my son cant play outside...is there anything i can do? i live in a duplex where the teenagers are leaving trash everywhere and hurting my son and his friends its so bad my son cant play outside…is there anything i can do?

]]> By: SeaMonkey http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11222 SeaMonkey Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:05:41 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11222 I hope that someone on here will be able to point me in the right direction where to look for advice and not make some snarky comment. I moved into my apartment almost three years ago. It was well maintained, and though old, was retro-cool (classic 60's Rat Pack architecture)with solid construction. The staff was helpful and left nothing undone. Since then, they have moved in many students from the college I teach at, leaving me no privacy (apparently there is a deal with a housing agency that is a win win for all but the normal folks that live here). They have also changed management with no notification to the tenants, maintenance has gone downhill to where outdoor fixtures have been repaired with electrical tape, the basements are constantly flooded, the laundry facilities no longer work, any repairs I have requested have been ignored (I have the work orders and they always say awaiting parts but nothing gets done), and an element has been moving in where there has now been arrests for prostitution, drugs, domestic abuse, noise, and cars being broken into. Add to that, the sign for Luxury Apartments has now been changed to Equal Housing and I just found out that the complex is going largely Section 8. I keep my apartment immaculately clean and take pride in my flowers and decor...to the point that all the "new neighbors" keep asking me if I am going to get rid of this or that and they wait for me to do to the dumpster to rifle through my trash and take things. I just got a raise and can now afford to move to a new, gated community, but I won't be able to get out of my lease until next Spring. Just a few minutes ago, the savages next door were outside on their cell phone cursing loudly, dropping the F bomb every other word, blasting the music to where my artwork fell off the wall and broke, and then throwing fireworks off their deck...with toddlers playing below. The other night I was woken by the police when a domestic dispute occurred at 3am. Loud late night parties are also now the norm and police have been here daily, but nothing changes. I have spoken to the property managers, I have called the police, and I have even had a really messed up guy come to my door and ask me if he could come in and use my phone. Add to this that there are now bars all up and down the block now (just built in the past year) and the drunks are parking in the lot, harassing my friends and I, and have peed in public in front of residents. I am now afraid to walk outside alone or park my car as I am afraid these new people will damage it. I live on LI, and am saving up the necessary cash for my new security deposit and to have new (better) doors and flooring put in and have the new place painted before I move (as I don't plan on moving for a very long time once I am in). Do I have any recourse? I've even contacted my local politicos who have told me that they can't tell me anything. I live alone, and to have crazy people knocking at my door in the middle of the night is terrifying...I've been staying at my boyfriend's house to get away from it all (and don't tell me to move in with him...we're older people who like our space :) ). I even looked at their other properties to see if I could just transfer, but apparently, the same issues are happening in all of them. Any ideas, folks? I've tried talking to the neighbors, reaching out to them and planning events that would get everyone to know each other, hoping that once a sense of community was established, people would care a bit more about being a good neighbor...but instead they all wanted to see my apartment (leading me to fear that I will soon be subject to a break in...and no, I told them I was painting and it was a mess). I've got one guy now who sits on his floor with his blinds open, in his underwear, watching me, too. I've documented it all, and when I approached the manager's office was told, "Oh, everyone just likes to joke around over here, the police never get called...everyone's friends." The police tell me that until something actually happens to me they can't do anything. Any info on where I should look next would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! I hope that someone on here will be able to point me in the right direction where to look for advice and not make some snarky comment. I moved into my apartment almost three years ago. It was well maintained, and though old, was retro-cool (classic 60’s Rat Pack architecture)with solid construction. The staff was helpful and left nothing undone. Since then, they have moved in many students from the college I teach at, leaving me no privacy (apparently there is a deal with a housing agency that is a win win for all but the normal folks that live here). They have also changed management with no notification to the tenants, maintenance has gone downhill to where outdoor fixtures have been repaired with electrical tape, the basements are constantly flooded, the laundry facilities no longer work, any repairs I have requested have been ignored (I have the work orders and they always say awaiting parts but nothing gets done), and an element has been moving in where there has now been arrests for prostitution, drugs, domestic abuse, noise, and cars being broken into. Add to that, the sign for Luxury Apartments has now been changed to Equal Housing and I just found out that the complex is going largely Section 8. I keep my apartment immaculately clean and take pride in my flowers and decor…to the point that all the “new neighbors” keep asking me if I am going to get rid of this or that and they wait for me to do to the dumpster to rifle through my trash and take things. I just got a raise and can now afford to move to a new, gated community, but I won’t be able to get out of my lease until next Spring. Just a few minutes ago, the savages next door were outside on their cell phone cursing loudly, dropping the F bomb every other word, blasting the music to where my artwork fell off the wall and broke, and then throwing fireworks off their deck…with toddlers playing below. The other night I was woken by the police when a domestic dispute occurred at 3am. Loud late night parties are also now the norm and police have been here daily, but nothing changes. I have spoken to the property managers, I have called the police, and I have even had a really messed up guy come to my door and ask me if he could come in and use my phone. Add to this that there are now bars all up and down the block now (just built in the past year) and the drunks are parking in the lot, harassing my friends and I, and have peed in public in front of residents. I am now afraid to walk outside alone or park my car as I am afraid these new people will damage it. I live on LI, and am saving up the necessary cash for my new security deposit and to have new (better) doors and flooring put in and have the new place painted before I move (as I don’t plan on moving for a very long time once I am in). Do I have any recourse? I’ve even contacted my local politicos who have told me that they can’t tell me anything. I live alone, and to have crazy people knocking at my door in the middle of the night is terrifying…I’ve been staying at my boyfriend’s house to get away from it all (and don’t tell me to move in with him…we’re older people who like our space :) ). I even looked at their other properties to see if I could just transfer, but apparently, the same issues are happening in all of them. Any ideas, folks? I’ve tried talking to the neighbors, reaching out to them and planning events that would get everyone to know each other, hoping that once a sense of community was established, people would care a bit more about being a good neighbor…but instead they all wanted to see my apartment (leading me to fear that I will soon be subject to a break in…and no, I told them I was painting and it was a mess). I’ve got one guy now who sits on his floor with his blinds open, in his underwear, watching me, too. I’ve documented it all, and when I approached the manager’s office was told, “Oh, everyone just likes to joke around over here, the police never get called…everyone’s friends.” The police tell me that until something actually happens to me they can’t do anything. Any info on where I should look next would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

]]> By: California Living http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11154 California Living Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:20:28 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11154 A new neighbor is moving in two doors down from me, and they have a Pit Bull. I have a todler and I'm always in and out throughout the day. All the tenants in the apartments complex share a small courtyard, which we will now have to share with the Pit Bull. When I moved in the landlord said there were no pets of any kind allowed. What can I do to get out of this lease? A new neighbor is moving in two doors down from me, and they have a Pit Bull. I have a todler and I’m always in and out throughout the day. All the tenants in the apartments complex share a small courtyard, which we will now have to share with the Pit Bull. When I moved in the landlord said there were no pets of any kind allowed. What can I do to get out of this lease?

]]> By: Who Cares http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11143 Who Cares Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:07:43 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11143 LMAO AT Lee's comment. LOL LMAO AT Lee’s comment. LOL

]]> By: Leasing Agent NC http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11017 Leasing Agent NC Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:28:38 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11017 SORRY IDIOTS!!!!! I cant help but laugh everytime one of you sniffling little worms come into my office with your bullshit drama and expect me to give a shit. All i know is this... I make a killing at what i do I dont care about you. I know the aanc and national leases better than anyone and there are so many loopholes to contradict ANY weapon you have to break your lease its pathetic. YOUR DONE. YOU CANT BREAK IT. ANd about the girl who said have your command make fake orders... lol wow YEah someone tried that here. I called command and did a formal verification of the orders only to find them false ( ex marine). AT that point i had the right to evict the tenant for falsifying documentation in an attempt to breach contract. Also for conspiracy to commit fraud. They are now evicted with ruined credit and I hope it hurts. Thanks Lee SORRY IDIOTS!!!!!

I cant help but laugh everytime one of you sniffling little worms come into my office with your bullshit drama and expect me to give a shit. All i know is this…

I make a killing at what i do
I dont care about you.

I know the aanc and national leases better than anyone and there are so many loopholes to contradict ANY weapon you have to break your lease its pathetic. YOUR DONE. YOU CANT BREAK IT. ANd about the girl who said have your command make fake orders…

lol

wow

YEah someone tried that here. I called command and did a formal verification of the orders only to find them false ( ex marine). AT that point i had the right to evict the tenant for falsifying documentation in an attempt to breach contract. Also for conspiracy to commit fraud. They are now evicted with ruined credit and I hope it hurts.

Thanks

Lee

]]> By: megan http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11014 megan Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:00:17 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-11014 We just started renting an apartment in Mt Vernon Ohio and last night our basement flooded. we called our landlord and all he had to say about it was” Well these things happen and your drain should take care of it." my husband told him that the drain was cross the room and the water was not even going in that direction he also asked him if this had happened to this apartment before and he said that it had happened to his apartment across the street. My husband was really upset his $800 computer was down there and it got wet. Our landlord never even offered to have some one take care of it. I looked at the wall and there is a lot of water damage and there is no way that it could have happened last night because it was dry and the water never got that high. Thankfully my husbands computer still works but we want to move out is there any thing we can do? We just started renting an apartment in Mt Vernon Ohio and last night our basement flooded. we called our landlord and all he had to say about it was” Well these things happen and your drain should take care of it.” my husband told him that the drain was cross the room and the water was not even going in that direction he also asked him if this had happened to this apartment before and he said that it had happened to his apartment across the street. My husband was really upset his $800 computer was down there and it got wet. Our landlord never even offered to have some one take care of it. I looked at the wall and there is a lot of water damage and there is no way that it could have happened last night because it was dry and the water never got that high. Thankfully my husbands computer still works but we want to move out is there any thing we can do?

]]> By: Jthoms http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10975 Jthoms Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:17:29 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10975 I have a question. IM trying to get out of my lease 6 months early. Reason being..my roommate was bit by a spider in our apartment, theres no real proof that it was our apartment but we have seen lots and lots of different kinds of spiders. Anyways. he is now majorly in debt with doctor bills because of this. (it infected his leg badly). Hes ok though but he never comes home, he is in debt. and also our neighbor directly across the hall from us was found dead (he had been in the heat, dead for 3 weeks) i just thought the smell was our trashy neighbors. Our neighbors have let their pets do their business on the floors in the hallways and leave it. but my apartment started to smell like dead guy and i didnt complain. I knew i should have but i was busy working and my roommate and i were never home at the same time. The place just creeps me out and i hate being there now. What can i DO? I have a question. IM trying to get out of my lease 6 months early. Reason being..my roommate was bit by a spider in our apartment, theres no real proof that it was our apartment but we have seen lots and lots of different kinds of spiders. Anyways. he is now majorly in debt with doctor bills because of this. (it infected his leg badly). Hes ok though but he never comes home, he is in debt. and also our neighbor directly across the hall from us was found dead (he had been in the heat, dead for 3 weeks) i just thought the smell was our trashy neighbors. Our neighbors have let their pets do their business on the floors in the hallways and leave it. but my apartment started to smell like dead guy and i didnt complain. I knew i should have but i was busy working and my roommate and i were never home at the same time. The place just creeps me out and i hate being there now. What can i DO?

]]> By: Mel http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10938 Mel Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:04:22 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10938 Can you break a lease for False Advertising? On apartment guide, my complex advertises "large bathrooms" with plenty of storage space, and Large laundry room, which *barely* accomodates a stackable washer/dryer. The tennis court (advertised as courtS) is overgrown by weeds and has a broken net. Not to mention, when I moved in the property manager told me to break the lease would cost 1 months rent extra. When I called to give my 30 days notice, I'm told I'm responsible for paying the rent for the remainder of my lease. It says nothing about either in my lease agreement. I'm in FL, active duty military, NOT changing stations. I just want out of a bad gig. What are my options??? Can you break a lease for False Advertising? On apartment guide, my complex advertises “large bathrooms” with plenty of storage space, and Large laundry room, which *barely* accomodates a stackable washer/dryer. The tennis court (advertised as courtS) is overgrown by weeds and has a broken net.
Not to mention, when I moved in the property manager told me to break the lease would cost 1 months rent extra. When I called to give my 30 days notice, I’m told I’m responsible for paying the rent for the remainder of my lease. It says nothing about either in my lease agreement.
I’m in FL, active duty military, NOT changing stations. I just want out of a bad gig.
What are my options???

]]> By: Colorado renter http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10820 Colorado renter Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:12:30 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10820 My son rent an aprtment unit in colorado, the landlord told him that the unit was recently remodel with new crpet that NEVER BEEN USED new appliances and new flooring in kichen..but the place smeal bad because the dishwasher is not working and has bad water in,the carpet is not new We can see the stains from pets, and have many more problems...we rented just before we return to las vegas and she did not have time to walk the unit with us..so we pay the deposit and she give us the key, when we return at the office to talk to her about the unit, she was close and she did not provide a copy of the lease contract..I call her when we get at vegas ,but she did not return the call, I sendher an email with the pictures of the unit and problems and ask her a copy of th contrasct, but I have not get answer from her..no colling back,no answer my emails and nothin....we rent the apartment on Agust 1,2009....my question is...what can I legally do, if we like to brake the lease??? My son rent an aprtment unit in colorado, the landlord told him that the unit was recently remodel with new crpet that NEVER BEEN USED new appliances and new flooring in kichen..but the place smeal bad because the dishwasher is not working and has bad water in,the carpet is not new We can see the stains from pets, and have many more problems…we rented just before we return to las vegas and she did not have time to walk the unit with us..so we pay the deposit and she give us the key, when we return at the office to talk to her about the unit, she was close and she did not provide a copy of the lease contract..I call her when we get at vegas ,but she did not return the call, I sendher an email with the pictures of the unit and problems and ask her a copy of th contrasct, but I have not get answer from her..no colling back,no answer my emails and nothin….we rent the apartment on Agust 1,2009….my question is…what can I legally do, if we like to brake the lease???

]]> By: Nothing Luxury Here! http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10722 Nothing Luxury Here! Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:00:17 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10722 I need help, I live at Mansion by the Vinyard...pay 1900.00 per month. My air conditioner was out for three weeks, to which they offered no apologies, requested me to tkae days off (7 total) to which their ESP crew would bever show up or not have the right parts, I have been asking them to pay the 400$ elec bill increase from me cooling the attic for months, I have tried to meet with the manager who is never there, and now have contacted corp with all my documentation. I did not pay my rent and left the assistant manager with a very firm understanding that I wanted this resolved before doing so. She stated she would "relay the mesg." No one has called me back, and I come home to a eviction notice today. Airstill does not work correct, as they have installed wall unit in this "luxury apartments". HELP I need help, I live at Mansion by the Vinyard…pay 1900.00 per month. My air conditioner was out for three weeks, to which they offered no apologies, requested me to tkae days off (7 total) to which their ESP crew would bever show up or not have the right parts, I have been asking them to pay the 400$ elec bill increase from me cooling the attic for months, I have tried to meet with the manager who is never there, and now have contacted corp with all my documentation. I did not pay my rent and left the assistant manager with a very firm understanding that I wanted this resolved before doing so. She stated she would “relay the mesg.” No one has called me back, and I come home to a eviction notice today. Airstill does not work correct, as they have installed wall unit in this “luxury apartments”. HELP

]]> By: Anon http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10678 Anon Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:58:39 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10678 I know quite a bit about the law. Quiet enjoyment is right that is due a tenant. The manager MUST make reasonable attempts to make sure the tenant has "peaceful enjoyment" of his/her apartment. (Loud booming stereos all night, etc.) Any poster who tells you different is probably just a manager who thinks they are there simply to take money from the tenants and that the tenants have no right. In Missouri, it is true that renters have few right, but they do have two rights 1) The right to quiet enjoyment 2) Consideration. The first I've explained. The second is an implied in all contracts and essentially says that one each party should receive some thing of roughly equal value. An apartment is valueless if one cannot think, concentrate or sleep, in other words enjoy it without unreasonable noise. I defy anyone to disagree to cite case law that indicates that I am wrong. If these and other common rights have been violated you DO have a tool to wield against management when desiring to end a lease early. I have done so successfully when a manager ignored many letters complaining of noise by tenants. They would not even make the simplest effort to contact the tenant or even send a general reminder of the other tenant's contractual duty to respect their other neighbors. Just keep your documentation and explain this to your manager. If they play hardball remind them of how you have consistently tried to resolve your issues amicably. If they try to screw you go to legal aid or research your case and go to court and defend yourself (pro se). It can be done. Trust me I know. I know quite a bit about the law. Quiet enjoyment is right that is due a tenant. The manager MUST make reasonable attempts to make sure the tenant has “peaceful enjoyment” of his/her apartment. (Loud booming stereos all night, etc.) Any poster who tells you different is probably just a manager who thinks they are there simply to take money from the tenants and that the tenants have no right. In Missouri, it is true that renters have few right, but they do have two rights 1) The right to quiet enjoyment 2) Consideration. The first I’ve explained. The second is an implied in all contracts and essentially says that one each party should receive some thing of roughly equal value. An apartment is valueless if one cannot think, concentrate or sleep, in other words enjoy it without unreasonable noise. I defy anyone to disagree to cite case law that indicates that I am wrong. If these and other common rights have been violated you DO have a tool to wield against management when desiring to end a lease early. I have done so successfully when a manager ignored many letters complaining of noise by tenants. They would not even make the simplest effort to contact the tenant or even send a general reminder of the other tenant’s contractual duty to respect their other neighbors. Just keep your documentation and explain this to your manager. If they play hardball remind them of how you have consistently tried to resolve your issues amicably. If they try to screw you go to legal aid or research your case and go to court and defend yourself (pro se). It can be done. Trust me I know.

]]> By: Anonymous http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10669 Anonymous Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:21:25 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10669 There are many reasons to join the military, but joining to get out of a lease is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. The military is probably one of the most demanding jobs in the world. And if you don’t like where you live now, jurt wait until you have to spend a year or longer in Iraq or Afghanistan. There are many reasons to join the military, but joining to get out of a lease is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. The military is probably one of the most demanding jobs in the world. And if you don’t like where you live now, jurt wait until you have to spend a year or longer in Iraq or Afghanistan.

]]> By: Calypso http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10501 Calypso Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:10:18 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10501 Hi, I was wondering if having excessively loud neighbors would allow me to break my lease. I love where I live and I do not want to move out! However the last guy that lived above me partied with at least 6 other people every single night until 4am or later. He was selling drugs out off his apt and there would always be this group of shady drunk guys clustered around the building (it is a house spilt into three apts, one on each floor, I am on the bottom floor). I was afraid of the guys and always worried that one of them might mess with me. I called the police several times a week every week. Eventually the guy set the apt on fire and was evicted a month later. I talked to my landlord about the noise problems several times. He told me to keep calling the cops. Which I did. Now the apt upstairs is vacant, and I am terrified that another horrible person is going to move up there. Having that guy there assured that I would not fall asleep until 4am every night. I dreaded going home every day because it was so loud and disruptive (messed up people yelling and screaming, I swear every other word out of their mouths was Fuck or Shit. I have no idea how they even understand eachother. They also had wresteling matches all the time so it was BOOM BOOM BOOM over my head, not to mention the LOUD music and stomping around, people banging on the door at all hours of the night etc.) In my lease it says that I have a right to "Peaceful enjoyment" of my apartment. Does that apply to these types of situations? If another horrible person moves in I would like to just be able to move out, there is no way I can go through that again. I was having panic attacks and preforming poorly at work because of lack of sleep. I live in Pennsylvania. Any advise? Thanks! Hi,
I was wondering if having excessively loud neighbors would allow me to break my lease. I love where I live and I do not want to move out!
However the last guy that lived above me partied with at least 6 other people every single night until 4am or later. He was selling drugs out off his apt and there would always be this group of shady drunk guys clustered around the building (it is a house spilt into three apts, one on each floor, I am on the bottom floor). I was afraid of the guys and always worried that one of them might mess with me.
I called the police several times a week every week. Eventually the guy set the apt on fire and was evicted a month later. I talked to my landlord about the noise problems several times. He told me to keep calling the cops. Which I did.
Now the apt upstairs is vacant, and I am terrified that another horrible person is going to move up there. Having that guy there assured that I would not fall asleep until 4am every night. I dreaded going home every day because it was so loud and disruptive (messed up people yelling and screaming, I swear every other word out of their mouths was Fuck or Shit. I have no idea how they even understand eachother. They also had wresteling matches all the time so it was BOOM BOOM BOOM over my head, not to mention the LOUD music and stomping around, people banging on the door at all hours of the night etc.)

In my lease it says that I have a right to “Peaceful enjoyment” of my apartment. Does that apply to these types of situations? If another horrible person moves in I would like to just be able to move out, there is no way I can go through that again. I was having panic attacks and preforming poorly at work because of lack of sleep.

I live in Pennsylvania.

Any advise? Thanks!

]]> By: Amber http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10455 Amber Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:38:04 +0000 http://ohmyapt.apartmentratings.com/how-to-break-a-lease.html#comment-10455 just get an order of protection against someone living there that is on the lease. AUTOMATICALLY BREAKS THE LEASE. PERIOD. There's nothing they can do. Worked for me- even when they told me it wouldn't!!! just get an order of protection against someone living there that is on the lease. AUTOMATICALLY BREAKS THE LEASE. PERIOD. There’s nothing they can do. Worked for me- even when they told me it wouldn’t!!!

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