lazy roommates

[AlexisWI]

What is the name of your state? WI(Wisconsin)

I signed a 6 month lease with a former friend and his girlfriend, they brought in 2 cats and a new born puppy. My roommates did little to no work around the apartment, and even after leaving note after note after note they did nothing. They either completely ignored the note or wrote a nasty reply. We signed the lease on January 15th, however did not move in until beginning of February. I recently tried contacting my former friends father in hope that he could come without warning to see how it was and evaluate everything, myself included. We are all 18 years old or more so we are adults, his father couldn't make us do anything, so I was merely trying to bring in what I thought would be... I'd have to say it like an inspirational opinion? Someone my roommate wouldn't just blow off. Unfortunately his father did nothing besides tell him I contacted him. A summary of issues.

My roommates girlfriend loses alot of hair, and they were not using a drain clog. I went out of my way to purchase a drain clog catcher for aprox. $3.99 as well as 2 bottles of Draino Gel Max which were aprox. $2.99 I believe. I did not ask for reimbursement or bring up cost or anything. I feel the major portion of the clogged drain was due from the fact she loses alot of hair as well as that they bathed the puppy several times without a hair catcher, and the dog sheds alot of hair. Which leads into the next problem...

They are very irresponsible with their pets. They spend no time with these animals they took in. The dog sits in a kennel most of the day except the small amount of time they let her eat/drink or go outside to the bathroom. Majority of the time they are outside for a mere minute or 2, with no exagoration. I feel this is animal neglect/cruelty and I am unsure who to contact regarding this.

The main problem however is their neglect to do anything around the apartment. I feel like I talk to brick walls when regarding the chores. The dog sheds alot, and when we moved in they were made clear that they were to clean up after themselves and their pets. There is dog fur all over the kitchen and hallway leading away. After weeks and weeks of confronting them about this with no response, they finally respond saying that its my responsibilty to clean up the dog fur. I have no clue why, since it was their dog and I made clear otherwise.

Unfortunately they asked me to move out, and I rather move out then stay here. I paid rent for the half month from Jan. 15th to Jan 31st., full months for Feb., March, and April and will be moving out at the end of April with no arguement from them, however the lease does not expire until July 15th. The lease also does not state that I am required to pay any portion of the rent per month... however I am responsible if the full rent is not paid on time, just as they are since we are all on the lease.

In conclusion/summary, my question is this...
What can I do to help the pets? Who can I contact in Wisconsin?
Also, what are my options as for leaving? What can I do to protect myself, and my security desposit? Am I legally responsible for paying a portion of the rent if they asked me to move out and acknowledged my eviction date even if the lease itself does not say anything in regards to it? Thank you for your time and help. It is very appreciated, regardless of the outcome/response.

What can I do to help the pets? Who can I contact in Wisconsin?

Since you state this was a "new born puppy", it's normal to crate train a puppy in order to get it house broken. Read this:[URL="http://www.darnfar.com/Dog%20Training/housebreaking_a_puppy.htm"]http://www.darnfar.com/Dog%20Training/housebreaking_a_puppy.htm[/URL]

As for your other question(s), stand by for advice from other members.

[treese]

Also, what are my options as for leaving?

You have already moved out, but can be held liable for all unpaid rent and damages per your lease.

What can I do to protect myself, and my security desposit?

The only way to protect yourself is to have your name taken off the lease. The LL and your roommmates must agree and sign off on it. Get it in writing.

The LL has no obligation to return any of the security deposit until the property is returned to his possession - vacant.

Am I legally responsible for paying a portion of the rent if they asked me to move out and acknowledged my eviction date even if the lease itself does not say anything in regards to it?

You had no obligation to move out and your roommates did not/could not evict you.

You are liable to the LL per your lease. If your roommates do not pay rent, he will come after you for payment. If your roommates are evicted, you will be named in the eviction, because your name is on the lease. If your roommates (or their pets) cause damage to the apartment, the LL will come after you per your lease.