• FreeAdvice has a new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, effective May 25, 2018.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our Terms of Service and use of cookies.

Lease - Good Reason to terminate?

Accident - Bankruptcy - Criminal Law / DUI - Business - Consumer - Employment - Family - Immigration - Real Estate - Tax - Traffic - Wills   Please click a topic or scroll down for more.

S

saatired

Guest
I am signed into a one year apartment lease in Inglewood Ca. I have been in this apartment since Oct 99. In the second month of staying here, my friend parked his car immediately outside of my "secured" apartment building and his car was broken into, his radio and other possesions were stolen from his car. 1-1/2 months later, the manager placed written notices on all walls,fences and entry ways requesting that all tenants turn in their securty gate keys for new ones because of several car break-ins in the "secured" parking structure. Five days AFTER I received new keys to the security gates, My apartment was broken into, all electonic equipment, and all my childrens game toys, video equipment,etc. was taken.

In the midst of this terrible drama, the manager offered me several "excuses" as to how the security doors are continually breached by people climbing the fence, and/or placing obstructions into the door locks to leave them open for friends. When I expressed that I was not safe and wanted to move, the manager told me that if I move I would be breaking the lease.

To offer some kind of comprimise, I offered to stay until they could find a new renter. The manager told me that since I was voluntarily breaking my lease, they would not refund my security deposit ($850.00).

How can a lanlord rent an apartment, passinately proclaim that it is safe and secure environment and then hold YOU responsible when they openly admit that they cannot maintain a "secured" environment.

I understand that burglaries can occur anywhere, but to occur this many times is such a short period of time? This can't possibly qualify as the normal safety and security benefit that was sold to me when I agreed to sign my lease. If a landlord tells you that you are in a secured environment, aren't they responsible for whatever happens if they can't enforce it?

Yes, it would be rediculous to move, if this was just a one time occurrence, however, all of this inside of a 3 month period? Come on! Break-ins are break-ins whether it be cars or your home. This makes me more than uncomfortable,I'm upset and I'm scared. Can I get out of here? Please help me .....
 


ALawyer

Senior Member
You could threaten to sue the landlord for lack of security -- and get the papers involved, have neighbors join, and picket, etc unless he agrees to refund the deposit AND let's you out.

------------------
This is intended as general information only and NOT LEGAL ADVICE. You are not my client, and I have no obligation of any kind to you. To retain a lawyer, go to http://AttorneyPages.com
 

Find the Right Lawyer for Your Legal Issue!

Fast, Free, and Confidential
data-ad-format="auto">
Top