Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Kentucky

Breaking of one-year lease

Lease expires 7/31. Written request to owner. His written reply follows, "I'm sorry that you are unhapy w/your present qtrs. I certainly do not want any tenant to be disatisfied w/their occupancy & have no problem with your wish to vacate. Please give a 30 day written notice."

Does his reply constitute approval to break the lease without recourse of future rent? Do I need to get further clarification from him----I don't want to aliennate him, if at all possible----he is not a friendly person. Thanks


Asked on 2/17/99, 10:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Patricia Joyce Law Office of Patricia M. Joyce

Re: Breaking of one-year lease

Since the landlord specifically wrote "... I have no problem with your wish to vacate.

... Please give a 30 day notice.," you have a very strong argument for this being reasonably

perceived as a notice of his intent not to enforce the lease. There are two reasons for this

conclusion: 1) His words were in writing and therefore easy to produce; and 2) courts construe

written language in contracts and modifications against the drafter if there is an ambiguity.

Since his response to your request could be considered somewhat ambiguous, it should be interpreted

to favor your position.

Patricia Joyce

Law Office of Patricia M. Joyce

Suite 25, 1050 Main Street


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Answered on 2/18/99, 11:30 pm


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