Confused about Apt rental and deposit laws? (apartment, leasing)

[bedoyeah]

I was an renting apartment and knew that my lease was expiring soon, I asked my landlord when my lease would expire and she said February. On January 1st I turned in my 30 days notice and moved out on January 31st. Nothing else was ever mentioned and things seemed to be on track. On March 17, I called the leasing office concerned about my deposit and they informed me that they would get on it. On the 21st of March I received a letter stating that my lease actually expired on Feb. 28 and that they charged me one months full rent due to an unexpired lease. They also stated that a 30 day written notice was also never given. I had no idea that I still had a month before my lease expired. They never mentioned it when I turned in my 30 day notice in January or when I called asking the landlord for the expiration date of my lease. Is there anything I can do?

[ZenMaster2008]

You should have verified what day in Feb. your lease ended. By them saying Feb. they didn't lie as it ended Feb. 28th. Next time be more diligent.

As for the 30 day notice they said they didn't get. Next time send it certified mail so it's dated and keep a copy, notarized if you are really worried.

[amylia]

I keep getting notices of lease changes and "new rules" . Can they change my original lease without my signature?

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by amylia

I keep getting notices of lease changes and "new rules" . Can they change my original lease without my signature?

Yes... at renewal, if renewed or by mutual agreement or by law.

[Latchkey Kid]

Originally Posted by ZenMaster2008

You should have verified what day in Feb. your lease ended. By them saying Feb. they didn't lie as it ended Feb. 28th. Next time be more diligent.

As for the 30 day notice they said they didn't get. Next time send it certified mail so it's dated and keep a copy, notarized if you are really worried.

Yes, you needed to check the copy of the lease you signed and verify the date yourself. And always send a certified move out letter.

I think the only possible chance you would have to get something back is if someone actually moved in prior to the end of February and they effectively collected double rent. Do you know if your place was rented right away?

[808n310]

Originally Posted by Latchkey Kid

Yes, you needed to check the copy of the lease you signed and verify the date yourself. And always send a certified move out letter.

I think the only possible chance you would have to get something back is if someone actually moved in prior to the end of February and they effectively collected double rent. Do you know if your place was rented right away?

Agree. You moved out prior to the lease end, so they just charged you through to the end, however, if someone else physically took possession of the unit, they can't charge you for those days that the new party was in the apt.

In the future, make sure you keep copies of your lease handy so that you have all of your info, and when giving a 30 day, get a copy w/ a sig to verify that you turned it in...

[raelacey]

My lease doesn't end until the 31st of the month, but my landlords are telling me I have to be out by the 28th at latest, so the new tenants can move in. I told them they couldn't legally do that and they told me they would just throw my stuff out while I was gone. Also, they are telling me they don't have any record of my deposit and therefore they will not give it back to me. They refuse to give me a copy of my lease (which states I have a deposit) and will not answer or return my phone calls. What can I do?

[VLWH]

Contact the LA housing department at

Office Locations

Even if you stayed passed your lease, they cannot just go in and remove you and your property. As far as I am aware it is breaking and entering. There are legal steps they must do to evict you and it in no way does it happen in a couple days, especially if you are paid up on rent and before your lease is up.

Take a deep breath and contact the renters board.