Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Illinois

Apartment Lease-Breaking

Someone tried to break into my apartment bedroom window a couple of weeks ago. I managed to scare the intruder off, but I cannot sleep in the apartment anymore. I found an apartment that is on a second floor, thinking that my current landlords would surely gracefully let me go. He told me that he would not. Is there anything legally I can do about this?

I would appreciate any information.


Asked on 7/07/03, 2:54 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Nima Taradji Taradji Law Offices

Re: Apartment Lease-Breaking

One of the ways you can breach a lease is if the place you have leased to live in has become un-inhabitable. Either because the landlord has refused to make necessary repairs or for whatever other reason. The fact that you were about to be burglarized is not a valid reason to go into a breach.

You have some choices:

1- you can ask your landlord to put bars on the windows. If he refuses, you may offer to share in the costs (if you can) and if you cannot share in the costs, that is the end of that idea.

2- Subscribe to a security outfit.. Of course, at your own expense.

3- Look into your lease and see what it says about sub-leasing. If it is ok to do that, then find another tenant for the landlord, and either do a substitution or sub-let and then move.

34 Do nothing... Wait until your lease is up and then move.

The above are your only choices that I can think off. Not at all an attractive position to be in...

Good Luck!

Nima Taradji

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Answered on 7/07/03, 5:46 pm
Mary McDonagh McDonagh-Faherty Law Offices

Re: Apartment Lease-Breaking

Unfortunately no. Best bet is to sub-lease if allowed and get out.

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Answered on 7/08/03, 9:30 am


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