Need legal advice!!!

[swissmiss04]

I discovered that there is a colony of rats living in my apartment which I am blaming on my landlord. There was a hole in the wall behind my fridgehe would not patch up (I'm talking 3x2, not little nail holes!!) and the rats are coming from there and a hole underneath my kitchen cabinets. Does anyone know if I have the right to ask that my lease be terminated??? This is freaking disgusting and I can't stand another 2 months in this place.
Thanks!

[MoonStar17]

Have you told your landlord about the problem?? or requested maintnence??
Ask first, then if the problem persists or you see no action is being taken, take out your lease contract, read it VERY carefully, and then talk to your landlord, or write a letter of complaint to the owner of the building.

That is the only thing i can think of..hope that helps!!
Maybe better to contact someone in your area maybe through a real estate office who is familiar with lease contracts

[bruinaphi]

I don't know the state law in Alabama, but generally speaking you should do the following: Make written requests to your landlord to have the problem fixed. Fax the letters to the landlord and mail the original (keeping a copy for yourself).

Follow up your letters with phone calls. If your landlord does not respond after three (3) written requests call the county health department. If they can't help you they will most likely know where to refer you.

LD

[aggieAXO]

I am not a lawyer but I would send the letter Certified mail that way you landlord has to sign for it and he can't say "I never got her letter" in court if he tries to sue you(I watch way too much Judge Judy).

[bruinaphi]

When you fax you get a fax confirmation sheet. If you put at the top of the letter "Transmitted via facsimile and US Mail" and you have a fax confirmation no court is ever going to believe that the person did not receive the letter.

The problem with certified mail to businesses is that the mail man doesn't make you sign for it and a lot of people won't sign for the letters.

Just my $.02.

[kddani]

A rat problem definately defies the implied "warrant of habitability" that is present anytime you have a lease.
Contact your landlord immediately, by phone, fax, and letter. Give them a deadline (no more than a few days!), by which after you will contact your area Housing Authority and Health Department. I personally would also VERY strongly consider contacting an attorney.
If the problem is not resolved within a "reasonable" amount of time, you have ever right to terminate your lease- which in actuality your landlord has already done by not providing a habitable apartment for you. It would still be in your best interest to retain an attorney, because things can get messy, and it's always best to have professional legal advice so that you don't get screwed.