1) Find everything in the house that needs to be fixed and send your land lord a registered letter with this list. Make sure that some/all of the items on the list can be connected somehow to your health/safety. EG 1) Fence needs fixing / Can fall on me and break my leg 2) Dishwasher doesn’t work properly (and is 15 years old) bacteria levels are hazardous to your health.
If he doesn’t have EVERYTHING fixed within a reasonable amount of time (I think about 3 weeks) you are legally allowed to break your lease.
I think there is a stipulation where you can sue your landlord for something like 3000-5000 dollars.
2) The other thing is by law if you can find a suitable renter(s) to replace you. The landlord is obligated to take on that renter. A landlord cannot take all the rent remaining on your lease and leave the place vacant or double dip (get a new renter). Read up on it.
Remember you have rights! You have to think like a lawyer (blah!) in these matters.
