How can I get out of a lease?

[JayGray]

I live in California. I have a year lease at my apartment, and there are still seven months left on the lease. Our apartment has terrible roach problems. We have informed the management constantly, and the bait the exterminator puts down does nothing to their population. The roaches have invaded our fridge, destroy food, and leave filth on all of our dishes.

Is this grounds to be able to break our lease without punishment? If so, how quickly could we expect our deposit back?

 

[Banned_Princess]

Is this grounds to be able to break our lease without punishment? If so, how quickly could we expect our deposit back?

Do you have pictures?

Have you notified the LL in writing that you have reciepts / copies from?

Has the LL tried to remedy the problem in the past?

And about your deposit, not fast.. because I bet you'll be in court if you just leave...

 

[FarmerJ]

Roaches are hard to get rid of, try using roach powders that you can use a paint brush to sweep it into cracks and crevices , Foods all foods must be in containers sealed , roach sprays are fast at killing them on contact but powders last alot longer, they ingest it and run off and die later they carry it and spread it into areas that you cannot see , if you choose to spray and powder youll get alot of them killed right away and the powder will be there to get the eggs that hatch later, Dont just move out , if you have to then call in inspections and let them see the crits, you dont want to bring roaches with you to your next place so you might as well be agressive too about getting rid of them, If inspections is not happy with what they find they will order treatment again and LL will have to take steps to deal with it no matter what. Inspections will order what they deem needed to get rid of them and if its a real bad infestation they will not let up on the LL since they have the power to condemn. Get a copy of any inspection reports for your records.

 

[JayGray]

We've informed the landlord, as have other tenants. Some tenants have even complained to a consumer advocate organization, and they passed out pamphlets.

Apparently, exterminators come to the apartment every two weeks. They've been in my unit twice in the last year and all they do is set down gel bait in the cupboard hinges.

 

[csi7]

Borax is a cheap method to kill the roaches. Take pictures and keep taking the pictures. Keep all food covered, and check the vents for infestation. Call the health inspector as well.