If it was not disclosed that my rental didn’t have analog phone service, can I break my lease?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

If it was not disclosed that my rental didn’t have analog phone service, can I break my lease?

I just signed a lease last month. The property manager (nor did my lease) state that the building does not have analog phone service. It only has VOIP, which is via internet. VOIP does not work if there is no power. I have a small child. In the case of a power outage and if I have an emergency I would not have access to a phone. I also, work from home and have supporting documents stating I must use analog phone services. My understanding was that analog phone service is like a “default” for home phone service. If it would’ve been disclosed to me prior to signing the lease I would’ve never considered living there. I want to know if there is any way I can get out of the lease?

Asked on September 19, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Florida

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

You indeed may be able to get out of the lease, though you are advised to consult with a landlord-tenant law attorney first, before acting--breaching a lease improperly, when you don't have valid grounds, can result in you being liable for all the remaining rent due for the balance of the lease term. It's therefore well worth the cost to have an attorney's assistance.

That said, since analog or traditional phone service is so ubiquitious and common, it is indeed the "default"--it is fair to say that people would expect it to be present (or at least available as an option; e.g. jacks in place which have turned off but which could be easily/cheaply reactivated) unless specifically told otherwise. Thefore, the failure to disclose something which a reasonable renter would take for granted could be considered a material omission which precluded a meeting of the minds or the formation of a valid agreement, and therefore grounds to void the lease.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption