How do I break a lease when I've been waiting for a month with a toilet upsairs from me leaks every time my neighbors flush? This is not a joke. My landlord insists that there's no way out.

The toilet leaking from your neighbors upstairs could introduce toxic chemicals, human fecal matter, and cause dangerous mold to grow. If it is leaking through the floor and ceiling it can also cause dangerous structural damage over time. By law that is your landlord's responsibility to fix that because it can cause conditions in your apartment to become dangerous and unlivable. If he refuses to fix it, you can probably get out of your lease.

Hello S:

They're playing hardball - you can too!

In every state in the union, your landlord is required to supply you with a "habitable" residence. Sh*t leaking into your home ISN'T habitable. Send them a letter informing them of their breach of the lease. Give them 5 days to fix it, or you'll be vacating, and suing them. Send your letter certified, return receipt requested. Send another copy by regular mail, and you can hand deliver another copy to them.

excon

You can also try reporting this to your local housing department. Have them send an inspector and issue a report.