Landlord was indicted of several felonies. What do I do now?
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Landlord was indicted of several felonies. What do I do now?
Early this month my landlord was indicted and arrested for several felonies
including human trafficing and money laundering. During the apprehension
process my home was targeted when looking for him and ‘raided’ because it
was his last known address. I do not want to stay at the home now but I still
have a lease until September. Is the lease still valid if I am uncomfortable living
there and because of his crimes? What do I do about rent payment?
Asked on May 19, 2016 under Real Estate Law, Ohio
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Yes, the lease is still valid so long as you are still getting the premises you leased and that premises is habitable, or fit to live in. The crimes of one party to a contract--and that's what a lease is: a contract--have no bearing on the legality of the contract. As long as party A honors the terms of the contract or lease, then regardless of party A's crimes, party B is obligated to keep paying.
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