Can YOU help me find a LOOPHOLE? I Need to Break a LEASE!?

I am a college student and signed a lease to a house starting in mid June (the lease is for one year). I paid the inital deposit and am wondering if there is any way to break the lease. The house is in bad condition and he did not fix it up as he said he would. It says we will lose our dep. and will be charged for "other consequential damage". We really need out of this house, what can we do?!?! Not to mention, a roomate just had heart surgery and needs a better place to recup. there was a verbal agreement to clean the place before we moved in.we live in IN and i hear the verbal for this agreement is the same as a written...anyways he paid $150 for cleaners. The house is still a dump not to mention there is chipped paint all over the house and with lead based paint this is a hazzard! We can not use a sink or toilet yet and we are paying for it. I will attempt to put the lease up so you can see if there are any loopholes! I would love your help : ) LATE FEES: TENANT agrees that if the rent payment is more than five (5) days late, a $25.00 late assessment will be required for payments reaching the OWNER between the 6th - 151h of the month; a $50.00 late assessment will be required for payments reaching the OWNER between the 16th - 30th of the month. If rent is to be late the OWNER is to be contacted with an explanation. OWNER reserves the right to terminate this lease at any time after the rent payment is more than five (5) days late by either: a) requiring a new Lease, with new terms, or b) initiating eviction proceedings. No failure of OWNER to enforce any 'part of this AGREEMENT shall be deemed as a waiver, nor shall any acceptance of a partial payment of rent be deemed as a waiver of O"VNER'§ right to full amount. SECURITY DEPOSIT: At the time of execution of this Lease, the TENANT shall deposit with OWNER the amount of $_335.00_ to guarantee faithful performance of the Lease by the TENANT, and to cover any damages to the premises occurring during the term of this Lease. This security deposit shall be forfeited to the OWNER in the event the TENANT shall terminate this lease prior to the expiration of the term, or fails to give thirty (30) days notice of termination at any time after the term of this Lease. The security deposit is refundable if the terms of this Lease are fully complied with, including the return of all keys to the premises and no rents remain unpaid at the termination of this Lease. The deposit is for security and not a payment of rent. The deposit is not refundable in case of eviction against the TENANT. CONDITION OF PREMISE: TENANT will examine the premises and will be satisfied with the present physical condition and agrees to return the premises to OWNER in like condition. TENANT shall be responsible for any damages to premises MINIMUM RENTAL: TENANT agrees to rent the premises for a minimum of twelve (12) months. The security deposit will be forfeited in addition to any other consequential damages the OWNER may have for nonpayment of the rent if TENANT does not occupy the premises for the minimum of twelve (12) months. LIABILITY: It is expressly understood and agreed that OWNER of said premises, or said agent will not be liable for any damages or any injury to TENANT or TENANT'S family or to the premises by the TENANT or TENANT'S family. The TENANT agrees to insure personal property for any fire, theft, destruction, or other casualty to personal property or others during the time of occupancy of said premises. The TENANT agrees to hold OWNER harmless for any liability to the T LEAD BASED PAINT NOTIFICATION: TENANT acknowledges that they have been notit1ed of Lead! Based Paint Hazards and that there is a possibility of existence of lead-based paint on the premises. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. TENANT acknowledges the receipt of the federally approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Home." USE OF PREMISES: TENANT states the TENANT has read, agreed to, and signed the USE OF PREMISES AGREEMENT document provided by O'VNER and promises to abide by all conditions stated therein. TENANT recognizes that the signed USE• OF PREMISES AGREEMENT document is part of this Lease. TERM OF LEASE: Beginning _,_June 1,2008 _ Ending May 1, 2009 _ RENT: The TENANT agrees to rent the subject residence at a rent of $ __ 325.00 ) __ Three Hundred Twenty Five __ Dollars per month, payable in advance on the first day of each and! every month after Pro-Rent (if applicable) PRO-RENT: The TENANT agrees to pay $~for the prorated from june 15, 2008 to june 30th 2008

3 months ago - 3 answers