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Would my friend's neighbor owning a pit bull and selling drugs be reason to terminate her lease?

Would my friend's neighbor owning a pit bull and selling drugs be reason to terminate her lease?

Q: How can I report illegal activities in my apartment complex?

To report illegal activities, contact your local police department. Provide them with detailed information about the situation. Additionally, inform your landlord about your concerns, as they may need to take action to ensure tenant safety. Document your reports for future reference.

Full question:

A friend who live's in an apartment complex is interested in terminating her lease early. A suspected drug dealer has moved in next door and has recently acquired a pit bull. My friend has a four-year-old child and is concerned for the child's safety and the general safety of her family. Does she have any grounds for breaking her lease early? How should she go about addressing this issue with her landlord?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Subcategory: Lease Termination
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Georgia

Answer:

The police and landlord should be made aware of illegal drug activity. The following is a GA statute. I suggest calling the local tenant's association or housing department, as regulations vary by local area.:

O.C.G.A. § 44-7-4 (2007)

§ 44-7-4. Local ordinances relating to security of premises occupied by tenants; cumulative effect of this Code section

(a) Municipalities and counties may establish by local ordinance minimum security standards not in conflict with applicable fire codes to prevent the unauthorized entry of premises occupied by a tenant as a dwelling place and may require landlords to comply with such standards.

(b) This Code section shall be cumulative to and shall not prohibit the enactment of other general and local laws, rules and regulations of state or local agencies, and local ordinances on this subject.

HISTORY: Code 1933, § 61-102.2, enacted by Ga. L. 1976, p. 1372, § 3.

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

What should I do if I feel unsafe in my apartment?

If you feel unsafe in your apartment, start by documenting any incidents or concerns. Report any illegal activities, such as drug dealing, to the police. Inform your landlord about your safety concerns, as they may have a responsibility to address security issues. You can also reach out to local tenant's associations for guidance on your rights and options.

Can I break my lease if my neighbor has a dangerous dog?

If you believe your neighbor's dog poses a danger, document any incidents and discuss your concerns with your landlord. In some states, landlords must ensure a safe living environment. If the situation does not improve, you may have grounds to break your lease, but consult local laws and possibly a tenant's association for specific advice.

What are my rights as a tenant regarding safety?

As a tenant, you have the right to a safe living environment. Landlords are generally required to maintain the property and address safety concerns. If you face threats to your safety, such as illegal activities nearby, report them to your landlord and local authorities. You may also seek assistance from tenant advocacy groups for further support.

How can I report illegal activities in my apartment complex?

What steps can I take if my landlord doesn't address safety concerns?

If your landlord fails to address safety concerns, you can document your communications and any incidents. Consider sending a formal written request for repairs or action. If issues persist, you may contact local housing authorities or tenant advocacy groups for assistance. Legal action may also be an option, depending on the severity of the situation.