Breaking a Lease

[Butrcup1172]

Ok here's my issue... I have been in this(dump) complex for the past 5 yrs with my DH and 2 daughters and once again the wonderful owners changed there pet policy from allowing dogs 40 lbs & under to 30 lbs & under and the owners have sent us a letter saying that I have an illegal pet (Lg dog)and that I need to remove it off the property ASAP or face eviction. I tried consulting them that she is Not a Lg dog (shes 41 lbs) and the Vet considers her a Med. dog. and all they can say is sorry but the policy says no dogs over 30lbs she has to go....

Well as you know we (family) are not going to give up a fellow family member of 11 yrs and we found a place that has no issues with pets. So I guess what I'm asking can we legally break our lease and use the letter as a backup to do so? and how much notice do they need for us to go. I am paid up for the month of March and I'm sure they can get us for April. I already know we probley wont be getting any of our security back in which they have 3 months worth because we have heard from countless former residents they they never recieve any of there deposits. WE do plan on leaving the Apartment the way it was before we moved in.

Thank you for your time..

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: So I guess what I'm asking can we legally break our lease and use the letter as a backup to do so?

A: No.

 

[augustbaby1968]

What state are you in?

 

[Butrcup1172]

Long Island NY... but would I be able to tell them that I plan on moving out early because I don't want to get rid of the dog and they were going to evict us if we kept her. So in a way arent we saving them money so they dont have to go to court to start the eviction process..

 

[augustbaby1968]

I thought that might be your state so I looked up the Attorney General office. Landlords have to follow the laws and rules whether that like it or not. When was you lease signed and when will it expire? A landlord can not make such a substancial change to the lease since you have lived there for 5 years that would cause a change of the pet rules that they have accepted for 5 years. Go to www.oag.state.ny.us and search for tenants rights guide and there are links to the Rent Hotline and other usful information. You can call the attorney generals office and ask the same questions and they will give advise as well. Good luck.

 

[Butrcup1172]

Thanks for all the advice..I will definetly do that and contact the DA these ppl have never gone by any rules but there own..I am not the only tenant that is having this problem. We have a list a mile long from Cars being ripped off to Maintance going through our personal belongings and coming in un announced...I'm still going to leave.