Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

breaking a lease
I rented an appartment in march and paid 11/2 mo.
security and 1st mo. rent. The unit was ground floor
corner with windows 4ft off ground facing the back yard.
The mover was using the back door of building by
walking accross the yard. He pointed out to me that the
yard was littered with many crack viles, crack pipes and
used needles. I than noticed that there was only one
bulb in an outside fixture built for two lights. The rent on
the apt was 1100.00 per. and the town is wealthy. I
reported the problem to the police who occupied a
building 300ft. from this apt (the view is blocked) and I
brought it to the attention of the Managment Co. I allso
informed them that I had stopped the move and would
not be living in an unsafe apt. I felt the place posed a
real danger to me and my 20,000 in computer
equipment.
they refused to return security and are attempting to sue
me. they to date have done nothing to make the area
more secure

Asked on 4/26/02, 1:14 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Ryan Dornish Ryan A. Dornish, Attorney At Law

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Re: breaking a lease

Please be advised that I have not been retained to represent you and I am basing this response on a limited amount of information supplied. However, if you have not yet taken possession of the property, based on the information provided you seem to have reasonable grounds to break the lease and have your security deposit returned. If you are living in the apartment, you may have grounds to break the lease or to withold rent until the unsafe condition is corrected. Keep in mind that if you withold rent, once the problem is corrected, you will owe the back rent. If you wish to provide further details and discuss this matter, I can be reached at 908-537-7975.

GOOD LUCK

Answered on 5/05/02, 4:32 pm

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