signed into a bad deal

[molark]

Hi! if anyone can lend some advise it would be greatly appreciated

I just signed a 12 month lease with a 6 month break clause, although near the end of the contract it states 'after a minumum ofperiod of 4 months, both tenant and landlord may terminate the agreement by giving one months notice both verbally and in writing'??
Im in a flat that has an attic above it thats been turned into a ****ty little apartment and is occupied by a heavy footed man. Its so loud and annoying whenever he walks around and I want to leave immediately, the floor clearly cant support the weight of someone walking around on it
I asked to be able to leave and the landlord has threatened to sue me!Now I just want to bash his head in for being such an ass.I offered to compensate him for agent fees even.
what are my rights? this is insane, I dont want to be here anymore, I feel like a prisoner, and I am clealry going to start fighting with the bear man upstairs soon,

[Lula]

Firstly, I cannot help you with the contract side of things, I will leave that to someone more experienced in these matters, but, if it is an attic, you may want to check with the local planning office to see if he had permission to turn the attic into a habitable space .

[molark]

Thanks, that may have actually helped. I asked the landlord for a copy of the permit and no reply was given. Now they agreed to let me leave if they can find another tenant, so they have started looking as have I.

Problem is I wouldnt have taken this place if I knew how loud the floor is, so I dont see why anyone else would unless they make the same mistake as me. I feel a bit scammed still and dont want to have to stay here until someone else is found,annoying.

[molark]

turns out there was no permit! and the local councils been around to issue a proper application ,which might mean the tenant upstairs has to leave while its done.Thanks lula. Now I have to figure out if I have enough grounds to break this contract so I can leave.

[Aequitas]

The landlord being in breach of covenant is not grounds for the tenant to terminate a tenancy. The remedy is damages or an injunction.

[molark]

thats absurd, so rather than just leave and move on with my life, I have to sue him? Which would probably be more trouble to him aswell?These contracts are retarded.