Can I break my lease if I feel unsafe due to illegal activities?

Full question:

If I know that the person I lease my house from is involved in illegal activities with one of my house mates and I don't feel safe living there anymore, can I get out of my lease that still has ten months left without being sued by my landlord?

Answer:

Maine state law does not protect tenants from eviction for reporting criminal activities, although local ordinances may differ. Generally, if you notify your landlord about illegal activities, they have the responsibility to take action, which may include eviction of the involved parties.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, typically the person named on the lease is expected to reside at the property. If the lease specifies that all tenants must live there, then having someone not live in the unit could be a violation of the lease terms. However, landlords may have different policies regarding this, so it's best to check your lease agreement for specific requirements.