Columbus, OH asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Ohio

Q: I have a mental health illness and I want to break my lease less than 24 hours of moving in. Am I able to do so?

I took the keys on Friday November 11th around 3:30 pm and by Saturday the 12th at 11:00 am I told the property manager I wanted out of my lease. I signed a 12 month lease, and the place gives me severe anxiety to be in the unit, I haven’t moved all my belongings in yet, and I have 2 cats registered as an emotional support animal. Am I able to break the lease?

1 Lawyer Answer

A: A tenant can try to negotiate a lease termination with the landlord, but the landlord doesn't have to agree. The tenant wouldn't have a good basis for termination, unless a court finds tenant was not mentally competent to sign a lease. A tenant is not required to move in, but if tenant doesn't, and doesn't pay rent, then landlord can sue tenant for breaking the lease. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local real estate attorney to review the lease and all the circumstances, and contact the landlord on your behalf.

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