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Do i have the right to break a rental agreement if I feel my kids safety and my property is at risk?

A few months ago I moved into an apartment complex that was suppose to have a security patrol and gates. I never saw a security patrol, my car was vandalized, another tenants car was stolen and a couple days after the incident the gates no longer closed at night. I let the complex know the gates no longer closed and was told the county had locked them open. Also when I moved in it was with a 12 month contract, with the 1st mo. free. Before I signed the contract I asked what would happen if for some reason I needed to break the contract. I was told I only needed to pay the 1st mo. rent that I had received free. After the problems with vandalism and theft of the other car, I did not feel my property of kids were safe. I wrote a letter stating why I no longer felt safe there and gave my 30 day notice. I was told that was fine, now they are tying to hold me to the contract which does not end until Oct. 30, 2008. Do I have any rights at this point? I need help.

Public Comments

1. The content of the contract itself is what is important at this point. Did it guarantee the security service you mentioned? Does it have provisions for breaking the contract? Your best bet is to work around what is covered in writing.
2. Im not sure..Different states, different laws. But, you should have got it in writing when they said it was ok to move.. I learned my lesson with this before too.. But, I bet theres something that you can do because they didnt hold up on there contract about the security..I bet if you just threaten them saying you'll take em to small claims court or something they might back off..Or just be really nice to them? But, If it was me, I would just move....
3. technically THEY violated the rental agreement. if ALL terms are not met by either party, the contract is breeched. You could take them to court for it. hopefully you have a copy of all included in rental agreement?
4. Do you documentation to back up your side? If not you may have fight on your hands. But contact an Attorney.
5. no u do not sorry....
6. Peaple will promise you the Earth, but it's usually the Moon.
7. Rental rights vary from state to state. BUT if security and gates were PROMISED in your contract, you have a good case. You SHOULD contact your local legal-service offices to have them review your contract. I was in a complex that was "pet-free", and banned pets in the rental agreement... someone moved in next door with 3 tiny dogs that barked all night and infested my apartment with fleas. When the management refused to correct the problem, I filed my 30-day notice and a lawsuit to cover cleaning and moving costs. I won. GOOD LUCK and I hope you find a nice place for your kids.