Question for Lawyers (or anyone who might know)

by **cjwilhelmi** on Thu Jul 21, 2005 10:26 pm

I got a question for lawyers (or anyone who might know):

I recently got my apartment broken into and a ton of stuff stolen. I recently found out that the area behind my apartment is not that great. Since I got robbed do I have grounds to break lease and move to a better area?

**Sponsor**

by **laxative** on Fri Jul 22, 2005 4:19 am

It sounds as though they may argue that you should have done your homework before signing the lease, but they may be cool and let you out. Good luck.

by **DanGenck** on Fri Jul 22, 2005 10:33 am

You also should have purchased renter's insurance. Your landlord may argue that with proper insurance, you and your possessions are perfectly safe. I have heard this argument before, sadly.

Goodluck!

by **ZagGrad** on Fri Jul 22, 2005 10:53 am

I'd recommend checking your lease for loopholes of some sort. Also, renter's insurance is super cheap--mine's $12/month and it's a $15,000 policy. Sorry to hear that...

by **cjwilhelmi** on Fri Jul 22, 2005 10:57 am

I do have renters insurance.... Its more of the fact that coming back to a place that has been broken into is rather hard and unnerving.

by **TexOle** on Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:55 am

That sucks dude. I have never had that experience, but I can only imagine what it must feel like. I too would probably also want out of the lease. Hopefully you can get something worked out.

by **Rob Graff** on Fri Jul 22, 2005 3:31 pm

If breaking the lease is not an option due to financial concerns, I would recommend sending a letter to the landlord, registered mail, that requests significant safety upgrades to the building.

1. Improved locks and strike plates.

2. Lighting, including motion lights in back.

3. Some type of bars on windows (that are within fire code regulations)

4. Any other specific saftey improvement that your specific situation requires.

This puts them on notice of your concerns. You might also want to contact your renter's insurance broker to see if they have a list of "safe practices" that could be sent to your landlord.

I'd also contact the other renters and attempt to set up some type of "community watch" group that can speak with one voice to the police - that often results in more patrolling by the police.

by **ZagGrad** on Mon Jul 25, 2005 10:18 am

I talked with my dad, who practices law here in Spokane, and he said you probably could not get out of the lease no matter how bad the neighborhood is because you should have checked it out before you moved in. I'm interested to see what your landlord has to say...keep us informed.