My car got stolen today, and broken into 3 times before, is there a legal way to get out of my lease?

Question

So, I guess today is the day where it couldn't get worse. I live in a huge apartment complex, about 10 buildings. I moved here 8 months ago and have a 12 month lease. This is the story. I got my car broken into 3 times, 2 different cars, and today my 3rd car, that hasn't been broken into yet, GOT STOLEN!! I woke up to go to work, parking lot full, since I leave really early, except the spot where I parked my car, GONE! Called the cops, bla bla bla...Well anyway, all 3 times my car was burglarized I went to the management office and they said they're not responsible, that it's between me and the cops.. So 3rd time I got really pissed and said I want to get out of my lease cause this is getting bad. They said no, i'll have to find someone to move in or I have to keep paying.. So today I go there again tell them my car got stolen, they said the same thing... you can't get out of your lease.... what?!?!?!? Is there some kind of a law, or are they not somewhat responsible for not making their lot more safe when this happens all the time??? PLEASE HELP!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

No, it is actually against the law for anyone to take on police powers that is not a police officer. Your expectations of a landlord are WAY to high. We are not cops, we do not fight crime.

You can only get out of your lease by winning a breach of contract lawsuit. This can't even come up at the hearing, it has NOTHING to do with your lease contract.

Answer 2

sorry no way out. once you signed that lease you agreed to pay for the car.

Answer 3

The only legal way to get out of your lease is pay any early termination fees. If your complex offers garages for rent I would def look into that. Otherwise there is nothing that can be done.

Source(s):

leasing consultant

Answer 4

I don't think there is a very clear answer for your question - unfortunatly, that means the answer is - "it depends."

On one hand, your apartment manager is not really responsible for the personal property (your car) that is left on his premises. If you have renter's insurance see if it covers this situation. If you have car insurance, see if it covers this situation.

On the other hand, your apartment manger is responsible if he knows that crimes are being committed in the common areas of his apartment. Car theft can lead to more violent crime.

Check the landlord tenant laws in your state to see if the parking garage is a "common area" and what responsiblities a landlord in your state has over common areas.

You need to put all of this in writing and say you are putting him on notice of the crimes happening in his building in the common areas. Your state's landlord tenant laws will also tell you what sorts of things a tenant can break a lease over - this might be one of them, and it might not.

Another suggestion is to go to your local Legal Aid Society and ask this question. If you make too much money to qualify for their services, ask if they have any walk-in clinics where anybody can come and ask a legal question, even if they don't qualify for Legal Aid.

A final possibility (though a long shot): If your renter's or car insurance company will cover the loss of your vehicle, you should mention this problem with your landlord to them - it is possible that they will get involved because his negligence caused them to have to pay on the policy. You would need to prove that you actually warned the landlord about this ahead of time though. Warning - telling your insurance company about the crime in your garage is likely to raise your rates! (sorry, but true...).

Answer 5

They are right, it is not their responsibility. They can not control crime in the area, that is the police's job. If you break your lease and they pursue it in court, you will unfortunately lose. It seems as if you may need to stick it out for 4 months and while you are waiting, do some research on better neighborhoods...but expect to pay higher rent.

Answer 6

Officially, no you can't get out of your lease. Does that really mean you can't get out of your lease = no. I think if you hired a lawyer and brought actions against them, including publicity about how unsafe their complex is = I think you could get out. But there is no cost savings - if you pay the rent or you pay the attorney.

Answer 7

each states law is different, what does your lease say? i would start making some noise regarding
the unsafe conditions in which you live. you have rights no matter how much they say the cops are suppose to be protecting your car, i would say how long before they break into your apartment.

write letters to the better business bureau the attorney generals office, whomever you can think of.
state they you now fear for your safety since the parking facilities are literally filled with crime you now do not think it's even safe to walk to your apartment entrance.
you should be able to live without constant fear, and your lease should give your landlord some kind of responsibility in your peace of mind while renting.
write a letter to the editor to your local newspaper or at least tell the landlord you will, if you complain in a public way, perhaps they will not want the adverse publicity

the wheel that squeaks the loudest gets the grease...good luck