Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

landlord problems

Our lease began on July 1st, but our landlord had not cleaned the place as promised. When we asked him to clean the apt, he said he only had received one key from the last tennant which he gave us. So he told us either we wait until he gets another copy or give him ours. I sent him a notice stating that he has until July 15th to clean the place and so we will be giving him only half of the month's rent. He called and threatend to cancel our lease. Should we take him to court and would we win? Also, only he has a copy of the signed lease. We have a copy but his signiture isnt on it. Will that be a problem?


Asked on 7/08/06, 1:22 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: landlord problems

If you withhold rent without permission from the court, you are in violation of the lease and subject to both collection and eviction proceedings. If the you believe the condition of the apartment is "uninhabitable" the you should document this with photographs and a call to the Board of Health to have the premises condemned. Likely, the apartment was just not cleaned well by the outgoing tenants. The easiest solution is to make a copy of the only key so that the landlord can get in and clean the unit. Remember, both sides here have more to consider and you both want to be on good terms.

Best of luck.

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Answered on 7/08/06, 7:55 pm


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