landlord verbally and emailed that we can give 30 days notice and move out, is this legal? Can we go without penalty?

[safam]

We've had nothing but problems and disagreements with our landlord since we moved in 3 months ago. AC going in and out (longest without was 3 weeks and we're in Texas). He has told us and written in an email that if we want out we can give him 30 days notice and go. We're not sure if he's setting us up to sue us for the rest of rent and fees later on? Can we go without penalty? We've asked him to sign an addendum but he keeps dragging his feet. We really dont' like this guy. He harasses us about what the AC temp is set on demanding we keep it warmer and claiming we are running it too hard. He blames us for brown spots in yard even though we are watering as directed and have notified him several times that the sprinklers are not facing correct directions or broken heads etc. We are so tired of dealing with him. How can we get out?

 

[xylene]

Ask your landlord to put the agreement that you can leave in writing.

Consider to consult a lawyer.

 

[STEPHAN]

Brown spots can come from too much water.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Your landlord is tired of your complaints about the AC and is offering you the "Happy Clause" (not a legal term).

It would be good to get this offer in writing.

Gail

 

[Dandy Don]

If he gave you a written lease when you first moved in, look at the lease to see if the "tenant should give 30 days advance notice before leaving) clause is in there. You also need to look at your state's landlord tenant law online to see how much advance notice the landlord is required to give to a tenant and/or how much time is needed for the landlord to serve an eviction notice.

 

[FarmerJ]

Even though the landlord sent a email the problem with emails is that they can be faked and people could deny they sent one BUT if you can print that email ( several copies ) and have a simple notice ready that says that you and he ( his name , your names ) mutually agree to end the lease as of (x date) ( 2 copies , one for him and the one he will sign for you . If he wont do it then make it crystal clear that any time something needs repair and its ignored you will be calling the city building inspector out. As far as the LL harassing you , if its in person record it . you have every right to record all interactions in and on the space you pay for like when he is inside your home.