Breaking an apartment lease early?

Question

I live in an apartment.

I live alone (with my 2 dogs).

Every time there are guys hanging around my door talking (aka loitering) I call the office and complain.

A couple nights ago some guy who lives 2 buildings down from me told me that I need to get my dog under control and that he's going to report me to the office (my dog is always on a anti-pull harness and a leash). The office said that I'm doing everything right when it comes to my dog and if that guy complains about me, they will "set him straight".

My question is: since I don't feel safe living here and I am constantly complaining and everytime I complain they make a note in my file...can they hold me to my lease? In the past I have even contacted the company who owns my apartment (it has been that bad here).

The lease says that if you break it, you have to pay 2 fees. Both fees together will cost me over $1,000.

Since I no longer feel safe living here and since complaining to them doesn't do any good and since they make a note in my file every time I complain is it possible that I won't have to pay to break my lease?

Any suggestions are welcome with open eye balls :o)

Answer 1

Your reason is not a legal reason to break the lease. You would be liable to pay whatever penalties are required per the lease.

If the landlord/management is taking the necessary steps by documenting and giving the offenders notice, then they are doing all they can to take care of the situation. The offender is on final warning. The next step is to evict.

It is not easy to evict someone for the reasons that you state. There has to be repeated complaints, police reports and documentation. Even with all of that the court has the final decision.

They can hold you to the lease.  

Answer 2

I would say no, you definitely will not be permitted to break your lease without paying the penalty.  I am not saying you don't have reason to, but they won't let you out with the explanation you are giving. In their mind, you are just trying to find an excuse to break it. Now, if you had a few police reports showing that you called them because you felt un-safe, and the police spoke with the you, the offender, and the property manager or owner, that might be a different story.  Landlords have leases to prevent people from finding excuses to move, and moving in and out whenever they feel the need to.  Next time anything happens that makes you feel un-safe, call the police and the owner/manager at the same time.

Answer 3

Well I had some problems with my last apartment management also about so kids banging on my doors and sh** but, here's how you deal with it call the non emergency police and make reports after I think 3 reports the apartment management has to evict the guys who are harassing you. because by law they have to.