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oohsweetjesus · Apr 11, 2011, 12:14 PM

Hi, I rent a room from a women in South Carolina. I would like to know what action I should take in terminating my lease and what rights I have.

I have a 6 month lease and have tolerated a ridiculous amount of stuff from her so far. I pay 325 a month and a 200 deposit and have paid for 3 months so far.

She refused to use heat in the winter and is now refusing to use air conditioning until she feels it is to hot to just open the windows. I have sever allergies and have tried to speak with her about this and how it is causing me to barely be able to breath and wake up in sweat from heat in my own home. I have told her I am unable to open my window and circulate the air due to this and she will not be reasonable. This is causing me to be miserable in the place I pay to live and pay to live comfortably. What I pay is all inclusive and I feel that heating and air is a basic amenity when I pay for a single room and to share a bathroom with her son. Her son is there every other week and at first threw my things away in the bathroom. He loves to throw tantrums at 7am.
The lease indicates that if I terminate it I am required to pay her rent till the end of the lease and an extra month and forfeit my deposite and would like to know if this is void due to her being unreasonable and not providing basics amenities that are included in an all inclusive bill. (heating and air is given?)

JudyKayTee · Apr 11, 2011, 01:21 PM

If your living space is uninhabitable, yes, you can break the lease. You will need adequate proof, of course, of the living conditions.

What does the lease say about heat and air conditioning? You pay to live under the terms of the lease.

Do you have medical proof of your allergies? What are they? It is unusual for a person who is allergic to PREFER to have a window open.

ballengerb1 · Apr 11, 2011, 02:52 PM

" pay her rent till the end of the lease and an extra month and forfeit my deposite " I am fairly certain the extra months rent is not legal, is that what's in your lease? Same goes for the security deposit. Even if this is in the lease I do not see any SC law which allows it. You may have to pay until the end of the lease or until the LL gets another tenant and you pay advertising costs. I think you are being gouged for 2 months rent extra but be sure to give the LL proper notice of you leaving.

oohsweetjesus · Apr 12, 2011, 07:53 PM

I am thinking I may just stick it out if possible to try to avoid legal actions, but she is seriously crazy.

excon · Apr 13, 2011, 06:50 AM

Hello ooh:

Here's what I'd do. I'd write her a letter and send it certified, return receipt requested. In it, give her your 90 days notice NOT to renew, and inform her that you'll be BUYING an air conditioner to put in the window and will deduct the cost from your rent.

I've been to South Carolina... It's damn HOT and STICKY there in the summer.

excon