Break lease in Ohio?

Question

I have 3 mnths left on my lease. I've read my lease agreement and the landlord has a responsiblity to maintain property and keep sanitary. The dumpsters get overfilled every month. The last time two weeks ago was the worst. Health department ordered them to pay bill and take care of if. Now there are roaches. Pulled up info online showing owner hasn't paid real estate taxes on time. In the rears $65,000 from 2007. They have two new lawsuits filed against them since March 2008. We have a pool and it has never opened as promised. I have neighbors who harrass me and property manager doesn't do anything about it. A girl hung herself two weeks ago right next to playground. I have small children and need to find a safe cleaner place to live. New property manager said I have to buy out lease which is two months rent. I feel the landlord hasn't kept their end of the lease. Am I responsible or can I give a 30 day notice and be done>?

Answer 1

Take pictures and what ever documentation you have of phone calls that you have made, health department you have contacted, etc...and LEAVE

Chances of him taking you to court for those 3 months are slim to none.



The only thing here is you may have to take him to court to get your deposit back.

He has a responsibility just like you do.  There is NOT 1 healthy thing about what you just described!

I would get why the gettin was good!!

FYI- There in NOT a judge in their right mind that would hold you accountable for those 3 months, 6 months for that matter.

Answer 2

First, get pictures of all the violations you can find.  In your apartment and the general area of the complex.

Send your landlord a certified letter declaring that they are in breach of your lease for the following reasons...then list all the things (and copies of the pictures) about which you've complained and nothing has been done.  Conclude that you will be moving out on...specify the date, and not pay any further rent, unless all the offenses are corrected.  From the sounds of it they will be unable and probably unwilling to do those things.  Also add that if forced to take that action you expect your deposit returned.

They will try to intimidate you but don't fall for it.  When they breach an agreement the agreement is nullified.

If you want to include your own form of intimidation, at the bottom of your letter put cc: (some attorney's office).

If they don't return your deposit, file a small claims suit to get it back.  It doesn't cost much and it sounds like you've got a ton of evidence on your side.