HELP PLEASE! Could I terminate the letting contract under these circumstances?

Question

I signed a 12 month rent contract for an apartment. I have stayed here for 10 months and must leave. Firstly, they did not inform us that it is a prostitutes are standing outside our door every night. The apartment has also become damp and the wardrobes have black mildew due to damp ground. Also, last week the apartment was burgled and I lost all my valuables. The door was simply kicked in. Thirdly, there is dumping going on outside and alcoholics drinking outside. I pay rent by direct debit from my bank account. Can I terminate the contract based on the fact that it is not safe here and the dampness ? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Answer 1

You have TWO separate issues here; therefore, two different courses of action.

1.  Your rent agreement

2.  Breach of fiduciary duties on the part of the owner.  This could actually be a class action lawsuit.

Remedies:

1.  You can withhold rent if something is not working properly within your premises.

2.  Send him a certified letter stating why the rent shall not be paid until the necessary repairs are made.

For two months rent, you might just want to pay it, get out, and move on.

Answer 2

Yes, they have broken the contract in many ways, and by also placing you in danger, they would have no come back in a court of law.

In fact, if they make such threats, tell them you will counter sue on the grounds of cruelty, endangerment and falsehood.

That will shut the b******s up.  

Answer 3

You are better off negotiating the termination with the landlord.  The nature of the neighborhood was something that was available to you before you made the deal, but you can negotiate from the standpoint of the landlord's failure to provide security.  He doesn't wish to provide security and you don't wish to stay.  There may be common ground there.  The dampness is not a strong point.  The place need only be habitable, not perfect.