Shootings in my neighborhood

I am currently locked into a lease with a termination clause stating that I will be liable for the rental fees for the full term, or until the apt is rented, if I choose to terminate my lease. My wife and I no longer feel safe here due to multiple shooting occurances in our building and neighborhood. The lease also has a security clause stating that they are not responsible for the safety of the premises. Is there a way out of this lease without financial ruin?

P.S. I'm in Charlotte, NC

[OHlandlord]

I'm afraid your best way out is to make a deal with the LL. Talk to him and try to arrange for a lease break fee. If he will allow, you could pay 2 months rent and move to another place. If he makes a deal like this, get it in writing that you will no longer be liable for any rent or utilities, advertising, etc. The LL is not responsible for the crime rate in the area, so you cannot use this to terminate your contract. However, if the crime is in the building itself, the LL should be taking steps to ensure the safety of his residents. What has the LL done to make the building safer?

Thanks for the advise. As for the actions taken by my LL, the mgt. team has done nothing as far as my building is concerned. They have though installed a camera at the entrance.

[OHlandlord]

If they have installed a camera, they have taken some action to stop the problem. Only if they have taken no action at all, will you be able to use their lack of action to break your lease. I would speak to management and ask what else they propose to do to stem these incidents. See if you can negotiate a lease break fee to move out.