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    bulleitb's Avatar
    bulleitb Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 19, 2009, 07:53 AM
    Can a landlord terminate a lease before it begins?
    My girlfriend and I signed a lease 3 weeks ago for an apartment in Hoboken NJ. The guy who owns the condo was renting the property out himself. Yesterday, 3 weeks before we are supposed to move in, I got an email stating that the landlord will not be renting us the apartment with absolutely no explanation. I have emailed and called him and he has not returned correspondence. From what I can tell, what he is doing is illegal not to mention unethical. Am I correct? What can I do about this? Thank you for the help
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #2

    Sep 19, 2009, 07:55 AM

    If you and them both signed the lease and you paid your money to them, no they may not merely back out, unless they can prove you lied somehow on the application process.

    So merely with your signed lease inform them that they are obligated to rent to you and you expect to move on on a certain date.

    You can sue for any loss of money this breach of the lease will cause you
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
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    #3

    Sep 19, 2009, 08:01 AM

    I agree with Chuck, but the problem here is do you really want to force the landlord to rent to you? It might be very uncomfortable.

    I would still send the landlord a certified letter stating that since you both sgned the lease in good faith, then you expect him to honor the lease or compensate you for cancelling.
    excon's Avatar
    excon Posts: 21,482, Reputation: 2992
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    #4

    Sep 19, 2009, 08:04 AM
    Hello b:

    Well, of course you don't want to live there with a landlord like that. Fortunately, you found out BEFORE you moved in.

    But, the Padre is right. You can sue for your damages and win. I don't know if I'd even write him a letter threatening him. I'd find a place. Maybe you can do it WITHOUT it costing you more money.. But if you can't, move into a hotel until you can. When you've got ALL your costs, file suit in small claims court.

    excon
    bulleitb's Avatar
    bulleitb Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Sep 19, 2009, 08:14 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by ScottGem View Post
    I agree with Chuck, but the problem here is do you really want to force the landlord to rent to you? It might be very uncomfortable.

    I would still send the landlord a certified letter stating that since you both sgned the lease in good faith, then you expect him to honor the lease or compensate you for cancelling.
    I know, that is what I was thinking about... I just feel like these people are playing with people lives and they can't be allowed to get away with it. I don't want to deal with a landlord who doesn't want me there, but this place was really nice and I don't think we'll be able to find a place like that in the week we have now. Thanks for the help guys
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