Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

Breaking Apartment Lease Early

My roommate recently had a psychotic episode that landed her in the psych ward at the local hospital. I never knew her before January of this year, as she was a randomly placed to be my roommate (the leases here are separate). I was terrified during the episode, and am now terrified to continue--name removed--with her. The landlords and the corporation that owns them insists that I cannot break my lease without giving 60 days notice and paying an extra month of rent on top of that. I want to get out of here now and I don't think its fair to have to pay that much when this is obviously a extraordinary situation. What legal options do I have? I feel unsafe--name removed--with or even near this person. Thanks!


Asked on 6/27/07, 5:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Peter Olson The Olson Law Firm, LLC

Re: Breaking Apartment Lease Early

That's a tough situation. There is a way to get out of leases essentially when the property becomes uninhabitable...typically it's used when the property gets in such poor condition, like no heat in winter. The problem with this is that it's a whole separate legal proceeding...not easy to accomplish quickly. And not sure if you could prove the place isn't uninhabitable...need to hear more about the roommates condition.

From what you mentioned I'd send your 60 day notice immediately and take your chances on not paying some of the upcoming rent. If you just owen 1-2 months rent I'd generally be telling our clients to just drop it because it's going to cost a landlord more to sue for the small amount than it will be to just eat the lost rent.

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Answered on 6/28/07, 10:13 am


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