The Trifecta of Move Out Reasons.

[Vermonterr]

I just moved into a house with a woman and her Fiancee about 6 weeks ago in Vermont. I did not sign the lease with the landlord, but just signed a lease she put together for herself. It is for a year. Now, I have some major concerns about my living situation and I am wondering if they are enough to break the lease without repercussions. First, she and her fiancee have been fighting and I feel pressure not to be home sometimes so that they can work things out. I am worried he will leave and the housing situation will become unstable. Secondly, their large dog is making my life miserable. She gets into my things, chewing some of them up; She jumps on me: She pees all over the place, including in my car. The have tried to help a bit, but it only continues to get worse. Finally, and most importantly, my roommates own several guns that they do not keep locked up. One of them regularly shoots them out of his bedroom window, which is across the hall from my room. He brings the guns out at parties to show people, which feels very unsafe. He recently got angry at me for having a friend over when he wasn't around because he was worried my friend would get into his guns and do something stupid. The general lack of control and respect that is established with the guns makes me incredibly uncomfortable. In addition, they did not tell me about the guns until after I had moved in. Do I have reasonable grounds to terminate this lease?

Afraid not. You chose these roommates. I suggest you put a keyed lock on your door, and you should suggest to them that they do the same. Then no one can get into anyone else's room (or possessions) without their permission. That would solve the problem of unauthorized access to the guns and improve your safety. Keep your door locked and it will keep the dog out. Don't allow the dog in the car. That will solve the dog problem.

You may not have signed a lease with the LL, but you did sign a lease with the other occupants. You are held to that lease as long as they want you there.

[Vermonterr]

There is no lock available where they keep their guns and they say they cannot afford to buy a gun safe. Not only that, but they bring the guns out at parties where they are serving copious amounts of whiskey.

I did not allow the dog in my car. The dog got into my car unprovoked and would not get out. This is a constant problem.

They did not tell me about the guns or about their dogs behavioral problems before I moved in. I came from out of state and did not have the opportunity to meet them for more than a day before I had to sign the lease.

[Vermonterr]

hhh

Why is there no lock available? Isn't there a door knob to that room? Remove the 4 screws to that doorknob and replace it with an entry knob (one that is keyed). This is a simple job - no drilling required - will take one Phillips screwdriver, 10 minutes of your time, and cost less than $20. Keep the old knob so you can replace it when the group moves out. Do the same on your bedroom door. Then no one can enter anyone else's room without permission.

I don't understand how a dog can open a car door. Keep the car locked with the windows up.