Early lease termination

[Luis Garcia]

Hi Everybody, 

Only 5 months into my lease (1 year agreement) I need to move out of my apartment because there are numerous problems in the building. 1) Poor management (no repairs), 2) lack of hygiene on the common areas, 3) bedbugs, 4) drug dealing, and 5) attempts of breaking into units. While the apartment itself is fine, the conditions in the building are not meeting any safety or sanitation standards. 

I sent a couple of emails to my landlord telling her about this situation, and she told me she will contact the management company but 20 days later after my first complaint, the situation is the same. I asked to terminate the lease easier because I cannot live in this conditions. She told me I am legally responsible for the reminding of the rent and that she could try to check with her realtor to rent the unit again but, even then, I will have to pay the rent while this is happening and she will keep my deposit and I will also have to pay the realtor fee. 

Although I understand my responsibilities breaking the lease, this is not a whim but a serious reason to move out. I'd like to know if there is any way I can make her understand that her conditions are abusive when the minimum quality standard of living are not even met.

Any pointers would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Luis