How to Break a Rental Lease Due to Safety
- 1). Notify your landlord about your concerns by phone and by letter. Describe the hazardous issue in the home, such as mold, fire danger, exposed wiring or lead paint which are endangering your health and safety. Provide a police report, restraining order or protective order if a crime has occurred. If the landlord does not live on the premises, he may not be aware of the problem.
- 2). Date the letter and make a photocopy for your records to document that notice was served to the landlord.
- 3). Send the letter to the landlord by certified mail with return receipt requested. Alternatively, hand deliver the letter to the landlord and ask for a receipt to prove the delivery. Keep a copy of the postal delivery or the receipt for the notice. This letter puts the landlord on notice that you are demanding repairs to the home.
- 4). Give the landlord a reasonable period of time to make the needed repairs. In most states, the period is 30 days unless an emergency exists, such as a blocked sewer line. Check the laws for your local jurisdiction; each state has different laws.
- 5). Pay your rent. In most cases, you are responsible for paying the rent for 30 days following delivery of the notice. If you break your lease and leave the premises, most judges will award the landlord a month of rent as damages.
- 6). Discuss your lease with an attorney who can give you state-specific legal advice on your rights to withhold rent or break your lease early.