End of Lease Problems (Tampa: apartment, rental, credit issues)

[ReservoirGeek]

Hello, I'm new to the forums. First time posting. I was hoping someone with a little insight could help me with a small issue. My wife and I live in the New Tampa area. We have been living in a small apartment for a year that we have been mostly happy with.

Our lease is up at the end of the month. We were in the process of signing for another year when some new neighbors moved in. Along with the new neighbors came a large handful of problems. So far the office has not been helpful at fixing them. So, we have made a quick decision to move.

I contacted the office and told them our decision. They are now attempting to get us to pay another months rent even though we have not signed a new lease and we are not moving out early. I am aware that it is standard to give a thirty day notice at the end of lease. In this situation however, the complex has failed to fix the problem we are having. It would be silly for me to stay any longer.

What rights do I have? If someone tries to collect on this how do I keep this from causing me credit issues? I have never been late with rent or had any marks against my credit. I have outstanding rental history. Thanks in advance!

[Pragmaticus]

Your lease is up at the end of the month (for which you pay in advance) and you didn't renew for the next year, you can leave the house any time you want. I don't see how they can hold you since you didn't sign the new lease.

[ReservoirGeek]

Thanks for the reply. I'm mostly concerned with this showing up on my credit report and what I can do to have it removed if it does. We are all paid up on the apartment and have fulfilled the lease agreement aside from giving 30 days. We didn't anticipate having to move. The problem started at the end of the lease. Had it happened sooner we would have given an earlier notice.

[cheerbaby112]

I would suggest legal action, We are currently having the same problem with our New Tampa Apartment.

[ReservoirGeek]

Yeah, I have considered that. I've never had a situation arise that required legal help. I'm wondering if one months rent is worth the hassle of talking with an attorney.

[craigm1841]

If your lease says that you require a 30 day notice, you require a 30 day notice, regardless. Although it is a reasonable expectation that the management company take care of your concerns, they are not required to within the terms of your lease.

Until you give a 30 day notice, you have that apartment for 30 days, thus incurring occupancy charges on a per diem basis. You are legally bound to lease and dully required to fulfill your obligation, as your legal contract binding you to the management company does not expire on the day your lease is up. It expires when you have fulfilled your monetary obligation which ends not only AFTER your 30 days, regardless of when you submit the letter of intent to vacate, and AFTER they deem your departure satisfactory and return your security deposit.

They have every legal right to pursue you in small claims court for the money you owe. As a professional management company, you can rest assured they have a legal team on retainer, and you wont be the first person they successfully get their money from.

Save yourself time and money by giving them by turning in your 30 day intent to vacate and pay them what they ask. You will have to swallow your pride, but you are better off in the end.

And dont listen to what a lot of people tell you on here. They will just get you into legal and financial trouble because they dont know what they are talking about.

[cheerbaby112]

I threatened legal action and got out of it. So it depends on the management company. I told them I didnt feel safe with my neighboors friends (The neighboor just got out of jail for a robbery and his ghetto friends were coming around) so I was able to move.