Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Rental Lease

4 months ago, I moved into a house in which I signed a 12 month lease. Since living in the house, my car has been damaged and broken into, my mail has been stolen and today a man tried to steal my puppy right out of my yard. Thank god I was able to chase him down and retrieve my dog. He verbally threatened me and now I feel my safety is at risk. Do I have cause to break my lease, or will I be forced to pay the remaining $8,800 on the lease as the owner of the property states? Regardless, I feel I must move to a safer neighborhood asap.


Asked on 5/24/09, 11:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Gibbs The Gibbs Law Firm, APC

Re: Rental Lease

You need to review the lease with an attorney. As a general prospect, you do have the right to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of your home. If the landlord is made aware of these problems, and fails to take action (or cannot take action) to correct them, you may have grounds to terminate, but again, you need to review the actual lease with an attorney, and the specific facts of what has transpired. Keep a journal or log of everything that happens, as you may need this at a future date if the landlord sues you.

*Due to the limitations of the LawGuru Forums, The Gibbs Law Firm, APC's (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided is general and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.

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Answered on 5/26/09, 12:59 pm


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