Breaking lease by tenant in Texas

[Milanct77]

Does anyone know if it is possible to break a lease due to a friend committing suicide in your apartment? It is emotionally taking a toll. I found my ex/friend who committed suicide in our apartment two months ago. The landlord will not respond and so for now we are stuck here but I think it would be good for everyone if we didn't have to look at the room and could try to move and move on. I have been unable to find any laws regarding murder or suicide. The police report called it a homicide of ones self so I'm not sure what this would fall under. Thank you!

[sandyclaus]

Originally Posted by Milanct77 Does anyone know if it is possible to break a lease due to a friend committing suicide in your apartment? It is emotionally taking a toll. I found my ex/friend who committed suicide in our apartment two months ago. The landlord will not respond and so for now we are stuck here but I think it would be good for everyone if we didn't have to look at the room and could try to move and move on. I have been unable to find any laws regarding murder or suicide. The police report called it a homicide of ones self so I'm not sure what this would fall under. Thank you!

Unfortunately the bad memory of a friend committing suicide in your apartment is NOT grounds to break the lease without penalty. While you think it would be "good for everyone if we didn't have to look at the room", the mere fact that your friend chose to commit suicide there is not the LLs fault. Why make them pay for your inability to cope?

You can certainly ask the LL if they are willing to allow you to terminate the lease early without penalty, but don't count on it. If you choose to do so anyway, you will be held liable just like any other person who terminates early, including being responsible for rent until the end of your lease term or until a new tenant is found to replace you, whichever occurs first.

You may also ask the LL if they are willing to consider allowing you to sublet. You would still remain liable for the rent, but you would have your own subtenant living there and paying that rent. Again, the LL is under no obligation to allow this, but it doesn't hurt to ask.