This is an old thread, but the first piece of advice still stands. No judge will rule against a tennant trying to protect themsleves and not looking to get anything for free, nor will any god, nor will karma. I gave that advice a while ago because when my landlord stopped paying the mortgage I was given similar advice. I was tempted with a few months free rent, but opted to make myself whole, lose nothing and gain nothing, then move on. Karma rewarded me for my honorable behavior, a younger TG would have toyed with Karma, then gotten F(*&^ed by her. I like being older, wiser TG, with the exception of the declining vision and obvious prostate issues of aging, youth and greed is is an affliction, not an attribute.