Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

breaking a lease

i recently at the beginning of the month moved into an apt. after the filling out the checklist form of things that are wrong with the apt. i was told that they would be fixed. i moved into this apt. on the 1st and it's now the 28th. nothing has been done about it yet. i went to the manager today to find out what the deal was and the director of the complex has told me that over the weekend the mgr at the time has quit and moved over the weekend and won't be returning. i am very dissatisfied with the complex and have a 6 month lease to fulfill. i also had my car broken into last week at the complex. last night i also went to turn on my sink and there was no water. although it has been fixed today i have found this apt. to be an incovenience and want to move. is there anything that i can do to get out of the lease without having to pay the heavy penalties that apt complexes put on when you leave early? what are my rights or what can i do?


Asked on 12/28/00, 9:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Shai Oved The Law Offices of Shai Oved

Re: breaking a lease

I'm sorry to hear about your place. The first thing to do is review your lease agreement. (This may set out some of your rights and where to give notice of defects.) You should write to the owner or management company (preferably by certified mail of all the defective conditions with your apartment and that you intend to look for a new place and/or make the repairs and deduct them from the rent). You may be able to negotiate an early termination or at least have the repairs made immediately. If the landlord does not repair the apartment, you may have an opportunity to repair it yourself and deduct the cost from your rent. You can call my office to discuss this further or speak with a local professional. Good luck.

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Answered on 12/31/00, 1:57 am


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