How can I get out of a lease due to health problems that have develop because of the unit?
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How can I get out of a lease due to health problems that have develop because of the unit?
Whenever I am in my apartment, I develop heavy chest pains and have a hard time breathing. I had to go to the Emergency Room because the pain in my chest was so bad. When I sleep in the unit, I wake up in the middle of the night gasping for breath and wheezing. I have been diagnosed with asthma due to the living conditions. Also, my rental unit is extremely damp and moist. The air is very thick and damp. I have sent many notices to leasing company and no one has responded to me. I cannot live in the apartment and I need to be released from my contract. How can I do this?
Asked on September 13, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Maryland
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You need to carefully read your written lease in that its terms and conditions set forth the obligations owed to you by the landlord and vice versa over the rental in the absence of conflicting state law assuming you have a written lease. In it there may be provisions allowing for the early termination of your lease that may assist you in what you desire.
Unless you can demonstrate that the unit that you are living in has serious issues concerning safety or habitability warranting it unfit for human habitation, you seeminly will be unable to terminate your lease with your landlord early. One way to establish unsafe conditions concerning your unit is to have the local health department inspect it to determine if there is anything wrong with it making it unsafe or uninhabitable. If so, then a report will be made and you can use it to try and get out of your lease.
Another option is simply ask your landlord if he or she will end the lease early due to your health issues.
Good luck.
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