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I am a college student in California (Los Angeles), that lives in a mostly college-aged apartment complex. Our lease started in August, and runs into July. Today, I tried to renew my lease for next year. However, I was told that all the units in my complex have already been leased out for next year (with a security deposit to hold). This is my second year at this complex, and last year I renewed mid-January, no problem. My landlord did not notify me that if I did not renew my lease by a certain time, that it would be leased out to someone else. I have always paid on time, and have had no issues (on my end).
Do I have any rights? Or do I need to start finding a new place to live next year?
What timeframe does the lease give for renewal? It is bizarre for an apt complex for college students to not let you renew in January. Mine was absolutely relentless in pressuring us to renew.
Our lease started in August, and runs into July... Today, I tried to renew my lease for next year.
I was told that all the units in my complex have already been leased out for next year
My landlord did not notify me that if I did not renew my lease by a certain time...
Does your lease describe the terms or rights of renewal AT ALL?
Quote:
Or do I need to start finding a new place to live next year?
Whatever else might come of this... yeah, plan to be moving.
yeah, so my lease does not describe the terms or rights of renewal at all. it basically just says that when it comes to the time the lease expires, the landlord needs to give me 30 days notice to leave.
it just seems like they should have at least notified me to let me know, that if you do not renew your lease before this date, then you will need to find a new place
yeah, so my lease does not describe the terms or rights of renewal at all. it basically just says that when it comes to the time the lease expires, the landlord needs to give me 30 days notice to leave.
it just seems like they should have at least notified me to let me know, that if you do not renew your lease before this date, then you will need to find a new place
It's rather unusual but since there was nothing in the lease about renewal there's nothing you can do about it legally. I would surmise that when your lease term is close to its end your LL will give you the obligatory confirmation notice of non-renewal 30 days in advance. Next time around read your lease thoroughly so you fully understand its terms. Good luck!
Assuming you have been a good tenant, I'm surprised that they didn't give you the first option to renew for the next year. Do you have a roommate who gave notice, perhaps leading them to think you would be vacating too?
I have heard that college town apartment complexes rent for the next year as much as a year in advance. So I'm not terribly surprised to hear that they have already found people to fill the building for next school year.
They probably should have said something, out of courtesy, but are very likely not legally or contractually required to do so. Last year, they may just have still had a vacancy in January, by chance. This year, they don't.
If they have a policy that each year is that the first people who qualify get the units, rather than giving priority to existing tenants, then you are probably just out of luck, unless someone cancels. Ask them what their cancellation rate is, and if it is reasonably high, see if you can get in first backup position. The downside to doing that is that if no one cancels, you may have a tough time finding a new place to live on such short notice in August.
Assuming you have been a good tenant, I'm surprised that they didn't give you the first option to renew for the next year. Do you have a roommate who gave notice, perhaps leading them to think you would be vacating too?
I have heard that college town apartment complexes rent for the next year as much as a year in advance. So I'm not terribly surprised to hear that they have already found people to fill the building for next school year.
They probably should have said something, out of courtesy, but are very likely not legally or contractually required to do so. Last year, they may just have still had a vacancy in January, by chance. This year, they don't.
If they have a policy that each year is that the first people who qualify get the units, rather than giving priority to existing tenants, then you are probably just out of luck, unless someone cancels. Ask them what their cancellation rate is, and if it is reasonably high, see if you can get in first backup position. The downside to doing that is that if no one cancels, you may have a tough time finding a new place to live on such short notice in August.
I am a good tenant, and yes I have a roommate, but he definitely did not contact them about the possibility of vacating. And yes, we live in a very popular complex, but for ALL of the units to be pre-leased by February 1st is pretty ridiculous. And yes, great point, that's all we were asking for, just some notice!
and thank you for your input! this is really helpful
You have received your notice that your lease will not renew. I suggest that you hustle to find a new place because by this time of year all the good places will already be booked for the fall semester.
You will not be allowed to stay there. They have already rented it to someone else.
No, it is not unusual in a university town for everything to be reserved by February..... or January, or the October before. You messed up by not paying attention.
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