breaking lease agreement (new jersey) (apartment, tenant, carpet, repairs)

[gray_nyles]

My mother is 87 years old and has been staying in an apartment with my brother for years. My one brother died about two years ago and my other brother moved out of the apartment about two months ago leaving her by herself in the three bedroom apartment. She had just renewed the lease about three months ago not knowing she would be alone. I had been suggesting she move for some time. She has been having problems navigating the stairs and has recently taken a tumble. I am the emergency contact but I live in another state. I'm trying to talk her into coming to live with me but she is frightened about breaking the lease. I talked to the doctor and he has suggested that she move also. She is also frightened the wear and tear on the apartment would be looked upon as though she owes them even though she has not requested any repairs be made for years such as carpet cleaning and such. I'm just not sure how to approach the landlord.

[STT Resident]

Originally Posted by gray_nyles

I'm just not sure how to approach the landlord.

Exactly as you've done here. Explain the situation and, if necessary, have your mother's physician write a letter stipulating that living alone is not in her best interests. In New Jersey a landlord has to mitigate damages by actively seeking a new tenant if the lease is broken. As far as the cleaning is concerned, once you move your mother out, have a professional cleaning company go in there and get the place in order. Hope it all goes smoothly for you.

[gray_nyles]

Thank you! Will do....I will let you know how it works out.

[sj08054]

Some reading for you. It may help

http://www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions...bl_illness.pdf