Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida
Breach of Contract
This past August I entered into a roommate situation w/a friend of mine. A few weeks into the agreement it became clear that he expected more from the relationship. When I was uncooperative, he turned into a possessive, controling, manipulative man. After knives were thrown in my direction, I escaped with a handful of my clothing. Originally I had planned on trying to stick it out until the lease was up, but as his anger turned into physical violence, I realized I couldn't wait. Since that time, I have learned that he has vacated the premises, taking all my belongings with him. He is demanding I pay for the cancellation fee. The rental property's lawyer is refusing to send a copy of the lease without payment being made first. I am refusing to pay anything until I receive a copy of the lease. Is this wrong? All parties involved are being uncooperative as to providing me w/a copy of the lease. I do not feel I should be forced to pay the cancelation fee due to my roommates behavior. He is the one who terminated the lease along with our original agreement of a roommate relationship only. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Breach of Contract
Your friend's behavior is irrelevant to whatever
your obligations are under the lease if you signed it.
Unfortunately, I don't know of any effective way
to force anyone to provide you a copy before litigation
is filed. You need to be careful, because if the landlord
]does file suit, there is a good possibility you
will be liable for the attorney's fees and costs.