My rights as a tenant

[mcolkear]

My jurisdiction is: North CarolinaI lived in my apt. for 6 years, and I moved out on Feb. 1st (1 month before my lease was up). I left because I feared for my saftey.* My tires were slashed 6 times in a matter of 3 weeks-two separate tires, and then all 4 tires at once.* The series of tire slashings started after I had to complain to my new neighbors about their loud music.* The Friday before all 4 of my tires were slashed, someone poured water down the stairs in front of my apartment, when it was very cold, and by the time I walked out at 7 that morning, the stairs were iced.* It was deliberate, and I know this because the entire set of stairs (14 steps) was covered with ice, but there was no ice on the walk-way or any where else. I filed a police rep. each time there was an incedent and I also notified the property manager, and I was told that there was nothing that could be done unless I had proof, or actually saw the person doing it; however, the prop manager said that she would send out a general notice about the incidents, when she came back to the property, but it never happened. After all 4 tires were slashed, I called the prop. manager and told her that I needed to move, because I did not feel safe and I was scared that it would escalate.* She told me that I could do that, but I was still in a lease.* I found an apartment and sent notice to her via certified mail and I sighted the fact that the property is unsupervised (she's only there on tuesdays and thursdays), and that she made no attempt to make it known that these actions would not be tolerated.* I am now scheduled to appear in court on 02/18/09 for the balance of my lease (one month's rent).* Am I liable for paying my lease out, even though I was forced to move?* I couldn't even sleep at the complex for the last 2 weeks, because I was too scared of what might happen.*I would go to work, come home to feed my cat, and go sleep on my friends floor, just to ensure that I would be safe and able to get to work in the morning. I am out of $500+ for replacing tires, and paying to have my car towed.* Do I have a chance in court?* What are my rights?

 

[jacksgal]

You signed a contract, your lease, you are bound by it. Do you owe yes you do. I understand your situation but you were not"forced" to move you "choose" to.

 

[mcolkear]

So, basically, no mater what goes on at a property, once you sign the lease, you just have to stay there and be terrorized until the lease is up? I could have stayed another month, but will I have been able to function, or have peace of mind? No. I think that that is completely unfair. What do most people do in this type of situation?

 

[jacksgal]

Unless your Landlord is one doing the crimes he is not accountable for them