If my roommate andI just moved into our apartment andit was broken into, can we move out without being penalties for breakingthe lease?
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If my roommate andI just moved into our apartment andit was broken into, can we move out without being penalties for breakingthe lease?
Just moved in 2 weeks ago. Our apartment was recently burglarized. We don’t feel safe there anymore and want to move out. We have a 1 year lease.
Asked on November 30, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Maryland
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The only way that you and your roommate have a basis for ending your lease early without any penalty for future rent owed to the landlord is if the landlord knew before you entered into the lease that the rental was in a high crime area and failed to advise you of this material fact.
I suggest that absent any proof of this, you contact your landlord about your concerns and inquire if he or she would be willing to sign a release as to your future obligations under the lease due to the crime issue. If so, problem solved. If not, I would ask the landlord to provide additional safety features for the rental such as dead bolts and window restraints and follow up the request in writing while keeping a copy of the letter for future reference.
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