MA tenant — can severe insomnia support penalty-free lease termination?
landlord tenant attorney Illinois Aug 19, 2026
Location: Massachusetts I co-signed a lease with my roommate for $2,875/month 2B2B apartment through September 2027 and moved in on August 17. I rented remotely without an in-person showing as i was in Illinois then and was not informed that my bedroom faces a busy road. Traffic noise continues from early morning until late at night. With the windows closed, a phone app measures approximately 55 dBA in the bedroom. One night I could not fall asleep until around 5 a.m. The sleep deprivation is affecting my concentration, school participation, and daytime functioning. I asked management to transfer me to a quieter unit, but they said none are available. My lease’s normal early-termination option requires 30 days’ notice plus a $5,750 buy-out fee. My questions: - If my doctor confirms that the condition substantially limits sleep and concentration, can I request penalty-free lease termination as a reasonable accommodation? - Does the lack of an available quieter unit strengthen that request? - What should the doctor’s letter include? - Should I propose a move-out date before the landlord approves the request? - What should I do if the landlord denies it? Thank you for any suggestions or advices!
