Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Missouri

Is it possible to break a lease because of emotional abuse in the apartment?

I signed a 12 month lease with my boyfriend. He is now emotionally abusive, we still have 5 months left in our lease agreement but I need out. I went to a therapist and she told me to leave him and that I should be able to get out of the lease because of the abuse. Is there really a law or something that can protect or help me? I can't find anything online to support what she said.


Asked on 12/21/08, 10:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: Is it possible to break a lease because of emotional abuse in the apartment?

No. You are wise to seek legal advice from an attorney because your counselor is in effect giving you bad legal advice. The landlord had you sign a lease which gives the landlord certain legal rights.Why should your boyfriend's abusive behavior towards you negate the landlord's legal rights? You might consider obtaining an order of protection under the Adult Abuse Act have your "boyfriend" estrained form entering the apartment, so you could stay there. Of course you may be liabletohte landlord for the whole lease payment, but perhaps the lease would allow you to get a new roomate to share the expense. Good luck.

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Answered on 12/22/08, 10:38 pm


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