What should a tenant do if they believe that the unit that they're renting is not a legal rental unit? What are their options for moving out before the lease ends?
What should a tenant do if they believe that the unit that they're renting is not a legal rental unit? What are their options for moving out before the lease ends?
They should report the issue to the local government agency that is responsible for inspecting and approving rental properties. If the unit is not legal for habitation, and that problem cannot be corrected due to zoning, structural, or other issues, then the agency is likely to order the tenant to move, which would allow the tenant to vacate without breaking the lease. The tenant may also have a cause of action against the landlord for breach of contract, based upon having to move before the end of the lease term. A number of communities around the state require compensation to a tenant who is forced to move out of an unlawful unit, although in most jurisdictions any compensation would be predicated instead upon succeeding in a possible breach of contract claim against the landlord.