I recall reading somewhere (I think it might have been in History class) that this was once the only way to get out of a lease. Also, a landlord could evict a tenant pretty much on a whim, with or without cause — even in breach of the lease! (The courts usually tended to side with the property owner no matter how egregious the violation.) Apparently it wasn’t until the creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (and the passage of the anti-discrimination laws that it was created to enforce) that the courts finally started to hold landlords to the terms of their own leases. (Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of the textbook where I read this or I’d cite my source; but I’m sure that a bit of research will confirm at least some of what I remember. I apologize for any errors in my memory and invite anyone to correct them.)
WSR about 11 years ago
That’s one way to break a lease!
daecon about 11 years ago
They used the same tactic in an episode of “I Love Lucy.” Ricky, of course, had access to as big a band as he wanted.
davidf42 about 11 years ago
Very clever indeed!
reynard61 about 11 years ago
I recall reading somewhere (I think it might have been in History class) that this was once the only way to get out of a lease. Also, a landlord could evict a tenant pretty much on a whim, with or without cause — even in breach of the lease! (The courts usually tended to side with the property owner no matter how egregious the violation.) Apparently it wasn’t until the creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (and the passage of the anti-discrimination laws that it was created to enforce) that the courts finally started to hold landlords to the terms of their own leases. (Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of the textbook where I read this or I’d cite my source; but I’m sure that a bit of research will confirm at least some of what I remember. I apologize for any errors in my memory and invite anyone to correct them.)
joeshmo30 about 11 years ago
in panal 14 the rug says “REMEMBER THE MAINE”but maine is crossed out and added is “rent”
“MEMEMBER THE RENT!!!