Q: is it possible to terminate a lease early if the landlord is neglecting important repairs?
I rented a house in Canton Ohio, signed an 18 month lease in October. we haven't had heat since we moved in, even though the landlord promised to get it up and going. it's now the end of December and we still don't have heat, hot water, or a working stove - an appliance that came with the property. can I legally terminate the lease without needing a lawyer, or having any penalties? the house is impossible to live in at this point.
A: Yes, you can terminate the lease. But landlord could sue you. Landlord is required to provide heat and hot water by Ohio law. Contact the Board of Health to have them document the problems, so if the landlord sues, you have that as proof.
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