Cancellation of Apartment Rental for Shabbat
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Question
We arranged for an apartment for the weekend (in Safed) and more than a week before, we called to cancel because we heard about things that do not suit us: we wanted it to be in the Old City, and it is nearby. Also, there is a cat that stays by the entrance of the apartment and does not move from there, which is impossible for us (we are a group of girls, some of whom are really afraid of cats). We know this from guests who were there this past Shabbat (Shemini). The apartment owner is asking for a halachic ruling on whether we can cancel. Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello,
If the landlord lied and now the lie has been revealed [for example, she said the apartment is in the Old City, and it is not there], you can cancel.
But if she did not lie, and this is how you understood it, the law is as follows:
If the apartment owner could have found other tenants and lost them because of you, you are obligated to pay her, at least according to the heavenly laws, you are certainly obligated.
And if a transaction was made, such as payment was made, you must pay in any case if she cannot now find other tenants.