Pet Wellbeing Per Lease

[Account Closed]

TLDR: Landlord added lease language for taking care of dog and has neglected these duties. Landlord is aggressively pursuing damages caused by dog and will not let tenant out of lease.

I currently rent a basement level from a landlord/roommate. I originally chose this arrangement as my dog has separation anxiety. He operates a business from his home and offered to take care of my dog while I was at work.

Initially this arrangement was perfect, but my dog has been exhibiting severe anxiety symptoms. I was confronted by my landlord/roommate about scratches to the basement door. It turns out, he had been away from the house during the day for extended periods of time and was neglecting my dog. This is why he was trying to escape and caused damage.

He has continued to confront me and scold me about damages caused by my dog to the point where I no longer feel welcome. I have been staying with my girlfriend instead.

I want out of my lease as soon as possible. Do I have legal grounds to vacate? He added this line to our lease:

"The Landlord agrees to take care of, feed, water, keep safe, and otherwise look out for Bruno the dog when the Tenant requests such action."