NEED TO TERMINATE CONTRACT NOW!?

Question

I just rented something, stupid I know and even more stupid is that I didn't even look at the property before hand. When I found out it wasn't as I expected the agent said along the lines of "everything is perfect, just been fixed that sort of thing" now I want to terminate the contract. There is no smoke alarm in NSW so can i terminate my rental contract?

Also I don't know if it's just me, I really don't find the place habitable. It smells and I'm a bit worried about my safety the window pane at the back is broken! Anyway is there any way to terminate the contract?

Answer 1

You may be able to, it depends on the terms of your lease. See if there’s anything that provides you with an opportunity to break lease early i.e. finding someone else to rent in your place.

Now for the issues wrong with the place, your landlord has a duty to repair it up to legal standards. You will need to send certified mail or something with a return receipt and allow ample time for it to be repaired. Document each request. If it is not fixed within a reasonable time frame you may be able to get out of your lease. But repair issues may not be the best way to go if you really want to get out of the lease because you might just end up getting the problems fixed.

You may want to seek legal advice for your individual situation/lease contract. If you can’t afford that, contact your local tenants rights organization. This organization is experienced in representing tenants who want to break their lease. Type in "Your State/City Tenants Rights Organization" in google.  

Answer 2

You might be able to only if the landlord refuses to make the necessary repairs.  Have you asked the landlord to make repairs.  I am sure that the smoke alarm is building code which must be followed.