I went into a lease (I was never provided a copy of) for one year. The other room mate has 3 children and I have 2. I discovered the co-tenant was an alcoholic and very violent. Further, the police have come out three times that I know of: 2 for safety issues due to her violent behavior and then 1 time for a welfare check because she was going to commit suicide. I verbally spoke to the land lord regarding my concerns and because the co-tenant would not leave the property, I had to leave due to the physical and mental well being of my 2 children along with myself.

Now the co-tenant is harassing me via email and text message demanding money for rent. I was the person paying the majority of the rent however; now that I have left with a 30 day notice to both co-tenant/land lord emails are more frequent from co-tenant.

Co-tenant only paid rent realistically one time (if that) in the 3 months we resided together.
I'm wondering if I can terminate a leasing agreement due to the violence and mental instability in the household. I explained to the land lord this was an issue and after 30 additional days of living with it, I gave a 30 day notice.

Please advise,
Thank you!

I went into a lease (I was never provided a copy of) for one year. The other room mate has 3 children and I have 2. I discovered the co-tenant was an alcoholic and very violent. Further, the police have come out three times that I know of: 2 for safety issues due to her violent behavior and then 1 time for a welfare check because she was going to commit suicide. I verbally spoke to the land lord regarding my concerns and because the co-tenant would not leave the property, I had to leave due to the physical and mental well being of my 2 children along with myself.

Now the co-tenant is harassing me via email and text message demanding money for rent. I was the person paying the majority of the rent however; now that I have left with a 30 day notice to both co-tenant/land lord emails are more frequent from co-tenant.

Co-tenant only paid rent realistically one time (if that) in the 3 months we resided together.
I'm wondering if I can terminate a leasing agreement due to the violence and mental instability in the household. I explained to the land lord this was an issue and after 30 additional days of living with it, I gave a 30 day notice.

Please advise,
Thank you!



The reason you are breaking the least is not the fault of the landlord so you have no legal reason to break the lease. I would "guess" that the landlord will sue both of you for unpaid rent and/or damages and expenses and then you will have to sue your roommate for your portion if she drove you out of the apartment.

I would ask for a copy of the lease because you may very well need it at some point.

But, no, you have no grounds to break the lease - it would be different if you rented from the roommate (who is the problem) as she would be the landlord.

Judy, I have to spread it around... but I agree 100%!!

The only other suggestion I have is to see if the LL would cooperate with you to evict the co-tenant. Then you could stay and finish out the lease in peace.