Listen, I know that times are hard and that it is way too easy to just pack up your stuff and ROLL out and break your lease. But you know what?? That’s what I call “RUNNING DIRTY”!! So now, look at what’s going to happen. You are probably going to get sued for breach of contract. You are probably going to get a judgment against you. You are probably going to have your credit adversely affected. We won’t even TALK about how this judgment will effect the way you get another apartment or home. OOOOOOO, that’s just nasty.
whoa! Whoa! whoa! Now, hold up! I know that some of you are going “Well, damn, what do I do if the landlord is running me crazy with a raggedy place. Do i have to stay there until I pass out??”. Nooo, of course not. The statement I just made above is for those persons who just wake up one day and decide to RIDE OUT.
Now, for those of you who find yourself in the middle of a death trap or HELL HOLE, here’s a few tips for you to help you hopefully GET OUT OF YOUR LEASE:
1) Check your lease FIRST
Almost every lease has provisions regarding the landlord’s responsibilities. Review it thoroughly and go over those things with the landlord in the event that he or she is not doing what they are supposed to do.
2) DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT
Pay close attention and document what needs to be fixed and when it gets fixed. If you find yourself constantly calling for the same problems, START sending certified letters to your landlord. These letters will serve as your proof of giving the landlord NOTICE of the problems that you are experiencing in your place.
3) What is State’s Landlord obligations
Some states have laws and regulations that detail the MINIMUM a landlord has to do. These laws are helpful in the event that you don’t have a written lease for the time you’re there (remember, in some states, if your lease is over a year, it MUST be in writing or there is technically no contract).
4) Give the Landlord a chance to fix it (Reasonable time to fix it)
Some states will dictate how much time a landlord has to resolve any discrepancies that are found in the home or apartment. Be careful because some of these states requires the landlord be given written notice so you can’t think that calling them on the phone is going to do it.
5) Go to Court
Now, once you’ve walked out the door, the landlord may take you to court. However, you may decide that you want your money back for your deposit. Well, some jurisdictions have courts that handle exclusively landlord / tenant conflicts.
6) Consult an attorney
Now, you don’t HAVE to have any attorney but if you find yourself dealing with an unusually difficult landlord, you may decide that an attorney is necessary.
Just remember one thing, you shouldn’t have to live in a hell hole but it’s important that you are smart about the steps you take to get OUT of that hell hole.
