Q: Can I break a lease after discovering that the tenant (deposit cashed; not moved in) who has a domestic violence charge?
I’m located in Oregon and live in the same building with my kids; other people would be sharing the other separate side of the house with him. I signed the lease after he told me, unfortunately. He also said he would be undergoing psychedelic therapy and integrating at the property. Additionally, he was convicted for the charge.
A: IF the tenant provided false information about his criminal history (has he been convicted or only charged? If only charged, likely not much you can do) you can give a 24 hr notice and terminate the tenancy. If he commits domestic violence while being a tenant you can terminate. If his victim and he both are tenants, you may be able to terminate. But if you were aware of the charge/conviction and entered into a lease anyway, it is likely enforceable unless or until he perpetrates further violence. You can, of course, also enter into a voluntary agreement with him to mutually cancel the lease if he is willing. Perhaps a payment, prior to his moving in, might persuade him to go elsewhere but if he wants to stick to the lease, he likely can do so absent the above.
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