Last month's rent: use security dep. or pay rent?

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by Harlem2bx

Well, unfortunately landlords are rather shady. They like to collect money but do not like to give you what's owed. If you feel your landlord is being dishonest and you are not leaving a damaged apartment then you do what you have to do. I am not taking anyone to court I have no time. Tenant always gets screwed at the end. Apartments check your credit and if you have ever been evicted. References from your landlord does not put a hold on life. So stop it!!

Many of our tenants receive a full deposit refund, because they know how to read the move-out checklist and follow instructions. But most don't, and those tenants are charged the cost of cleaning up their mess and repairing their damages. I don't consider this "screwing" the tenant, I consider it following the agreement that was already made at the time the lease was signed.

Steve

[Jahodor]

My current lease is a strange one, if I don't stay a year I lose my deposit even if I give 60 days (which is in the lease as notice to vacate). So if I give 60 days notice, I don't get the deposit back, what is the point of giving notice?

[STT Resident]

Originally Posted by Jahodor

My current lease is a strange one, if I don't stay a year I lose my deposit even if I give 60 days (which is in the lease as notice to vacate). So if I give 60 days notice, I don't get the deposit back, what is the point of giving notice?

You need to read your lease carefully but if this does indeed refer to your security deposit then it's not legally sustainable as there are very clear rules on what a security deposit is for, how it has to be returned and what deductions can be made from it. This site will explain and lead you to links with more information if needed:

Maryland Security Deposits Limits and Deadlines | Nolo.com

[Ms_Christina]

So you have a year lease and the early termination clause is you have to give 60 days notice and pay a penalty equal to your security deposit?