Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Georgia

Crime in Apartment Complex - Basis for Breaking Lease?

We've been in our apartment for 13 months now. We just recently signed another 8 month lease. Right after we renewed our lease, our truck was stolen out of our complex, which is a gated community. A couple weeks later, someone else's car was broken into. There are always people hanging out at all hours of the night. I was walking the dog a couple days ago and saw two crack pipes laying in the grass! Is there a law in Georgia that says you can break a lease in an apartment due to crime? Also, we are in the process of trying to buy a house. Do you know if there is a law in Georgia that says if you have a deed to a house you can break your apartment lease? I've heard that through the grapevine but have not found a hardcopy to prove it. Thanks!


Asked on 1/12/04, 12:55 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Crime in Apartment Complex - Basis for Breaking Lease?

With respect to the crime issue, there is sometimes a gray area, but generally, the complex is not responsible for safety unless they undertake responsibility or somehow contribute to the problem (ie, their employees are the suspects). It sounds like it may just be a bad neighborhood. You may want to check with a lawyer and review all the facts, but it is a hard test. Second, getting out of a lease when you buy a house is basically a myth or an urban legend. Antime someone is in this situation, it is best to negotiate this "out" in the beginning. Good luck! Remember, safety shouldn't really have a price tag. If it is truly dangerous, try to work out a deal to leave.

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Answered on 1/12/04, 1:01 pm


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