Ask Judge Mathis – February 18, 2013

Yes. If your landlord has made it uncomfortable for you to reside on the premises and has interfered with your enjoyment of the premises, he has broken the lease and you may move. You may file a claim in federal court for sexual harassment and may be entitled to damages that include civil penalties and punitive damages. You may also sue in your local state court for a constructive eviction, meaning your landlord made it so unbearable for you to live there that you had no choice but to move and break your lease. In some cases, you may even be entitled to the difference between the rent for your new place and the rent for the home you are trying to move out of.