How do I break this Lease? Persistant illegal activity on a Multiple Leassee Lease (apartment, evicted) - Renting -Apartments, houses, lease, tenant, landlord, agreements, termination - City-Data Forum

Mack24 · 08-22-2009, 11:46 AM

I just signed a lease in May with two friends of mine. We each pay equal parts of the rent and utilities.

One roommate I have lived with prior and have no problem. The second roommate on the other hand frequently (every day) smokes pot in the house. My other roommate also smokes with him on occasion, but not as frequently. I have expressed to him that I was uncomfortable with this because of my work in which I could potentially be called to drug test. I had even simply asked them to smoke outside or in their own private space. This however, is not an option since I often times come home to the entire house smelling like pot.

We are all there signed on the same lease. What and how can I break lease without legal ramifications for myself. I know that illegal activity is grounds, but I'm not sure how this would work with multiple lea-sees.

I've also posted an ad to have someone assume the lease, but at the same time I would feel guilty with placing someone here in the same circumstances I'm attempting to escape.

Please advise!

SlowMotionApocalypse · 08-22-2009, 12:45 PM

I can't really answer for the legality etc but

I am asking potential roommates about drug use because I would rather not be subjected to it either. Actually I am okay with smoking only because it's so hard to find people my age who don't but not dealing or any hard drugs. You might want to place "420 Friendly" in any ads if you can get away it. There are plenty of pot smokers looking for a place to stay where they can indulge without annoying those around them.

STT Resident · 08-22-2009, 12:53 PM

I would put your concerns in writing to the smoker and ask him to stop smoking on the premises, period. The problem you're going to have is that if someone else around the apartment unit complains or the landlord gets whiff of it, and/or anyone complains to the local PD, you're going to be held equally responsible for any repercussions. It could be anything from being kicked out by the LL and having a bad mark on any future reference to getting hauled up on a misdemeanor charge.

Why can't he cook up a bunch of brownies, for crying out loud?

Rhenzanite · 08-22-2009, 05:25 PM

I had a similar problem in my old house. I'm EXTREMELY sensitive to weed smoke... it makes me nauseous to even smell it. EVERYONE I know smokes weed regularly and basically I was the prude who asked them not too. When they started making hash oil on my property that's when I lost it. Especially considering that I have a job that is government regulated (FAA) I would be barred from my profession if I were to fail a random drug test.

I think you should talk to them and tell them that you will be moving out and breaking the lease (and potentially telling the landlord WHY you're breaking the lease, which will probably get them evicted) unless they stop.
Usually the scare tactic will get them to knock it off, but if it doesn't, tell the landlord. Like STT Resident said, you could be arrested, you could have a drug charge on your record because of your 'friends'.

mickey2942 · 08-22-2009, 06:24 PM

Tell the landlord you need to get out of the lease. The pot smokers will have to find another 420 buddy or have less money to spend on dope.

Grainraiser · 08-22-2009, 10:30 PM

Tell the landlord they are smoking weed in the house and you don't want the landlord our yourself to get in trouble. I am try the landlord will notify them to stop or get out. Either way you win.

virgode · 08-24-2009, 01:38 PM

[quote=Mack24;10399207]I just signed a lease in May with two friends of mine. We each pay equal parts of the rent and utilities.

And you were clueless about the pot smoking??

STT Resident · 08-24-2009, 01:43 PM

[quote=virgode;10428910]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mack24

I just signed a lease in May with two friends of mine. We each pay equal parts of the rent and utilities.

And you were clueless about the pot smoking??

He said he had lived with one of them previously and had no problem - obviously he didn't know the other one too well.

virgode · 08-24-2009, 01:56 PM

[quote=STT Resident;10429006]

Quote:

Originally Posted by virgode

He said he had lived with one of them previously and had no problem - obviously he didn't know the other one too well.

He said both of the roommates.

STT Resident · 08-24-2009, 04:23 PM

[quote=virgode;10429243]

Quote:

Originally Posted by STT Resident

He said both of the roommates.

"One roommate I have lived with prior and have no problem. The second roommate on the other hand frequently (every day) smokes pot in the house. My other roommate also smokes with him on occasion, but not as frequently."