[zmuller]

I moved into an apartment 2 months ago in Kittery, Maine. I have yet to get a signed copy of my lease after requesting it twice. Due to this a am not able to get decals for the dump to get rid of my trash. Is my lease void since I do not have a copy and is this a good enough reason for me to break my lease and move?

[ScottGem]

Send your landlord a certified letter stating that this is the 3rd time you have asked for a copy of the lease which you need to obtain town/county services. If you do not get a copy within one week you will consider him in breach of the lease and will seek other accommodations.

[Fr_Chuck]

I would have course wonder about this, since many rentals do not have written contracts, so what do those people do? Use copies of electric bill, copy of gas bill, copy of internet bill to the home? They use their new drivers license ( since you have a limited amount of time to change your address on drivers license when you move)

The real issue is that no one will know 100 percent what is a accepted reason to break the lease ( unless it is written into the lease) Because you have to move out and be sued by the landlord and then the judge rules on it. So unless a reason is specificly in writing as to allowing you to move, it can always be challenged in court.

What have the landlord said is the reason, can you take your non signed copy ( sure you keep a copy) to the landlord and stand there till they sign it.

[AK lawyer]

...
The real issue is that no one will know 100 percent what is a accepted reason to break the lease ( unless it is written into the lease) Because you have to move out and be sued by the landlord and then the judge rules on it. so unless a reason is specificly in writing as to allowing you to move, it can always be challenged in court. ...

True, but if OP dies as ScottGem suggested, and the LL ignores the certified letter, chances are that the tenant will prevail.