Breaking Lease For Habitability

Summary

Landlords in Pennsylvania must provide habitable housing. If severe humidity affects habitability and health, tenants may break the lease. Document the issue, notify the landlord in writing, and consult a local attorney for advice.

Full Conversation

I cannot breathe in my basement apartment. It's poorly ventilated. I have to break my lease. My landlord says I'm liable to pay next month's rent that's when my lease ends. What should I do?
Hello ****, in Pennsylvania:
- Landlords must provide habitable housing under "implied warranty of habitability."
- If these conditions aren't met, you can potentially break your lease without penalty.
- However, you should notify your landlord in writing about the issue and give them a chance to fix it.
You might want to consult a local attorney for personalized advice.
Can I break my lease for humidity reasons?
In Pennsylvania, landlords must ensure rentals are habitable. If the humidity is severe enough to affect the apartment's habitability and your health, you may have a case. However, it's advised to:
- Document the conditions.
- Inform your landlord in writing.
- Give them the opportunity to fix it.
If the issue persists, consult a local attorney.