Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia

Re: Breaking Lease to Purchase a House

The first issues is your legal contract -- the lease. I will assume that the termination fee you mention comes from the lease. Unfortunately, whether it is fair or not was an issue for the original negotiations and not after the parties have signed. Keep in mind that the landlord has no say in when you decide to purchase a house, so "fairness" to them includes the termination fee in the lease. That said, just as they are entitled to enforce the lease, so are you. Generally, you are entitled to a habitable apartment, free from health hazards. If they are timely fixing the current damage, they are meeting their obligations. If not, after notice to them, your remedy is probably to "repair and deduct," but not to move out. Generally, an apartment is not responsible for neighborhood conditions, such as crime, even if it happens in the complex, unless they are somehow negligent or undertake responsibility for security (again, check the lease). Past problems are also not a reason to terminate a least. It is always hard to answer a specific question without more details, but unfortunately it looks like you just want to move because you bought a house. If so, you need to look to the lease for the termination fee. Sorry this is probably not what you wanted to hear. Good luck in the move.