Hi,

I originally signed a year lease, which I fulfilled. The office sent me a notice about 2 months before the lease ended that stated I had to tell them within 60 days if I was vacating or signing a new lease. I called them and said that I was, but I didn't know if it would be 6 mo or 1 year. That was Nov of 2005--when the original lease expired. I am out of town a lot and kept forgetting to renew the lease and finally they contacted me in Feb and said I had to sign a new lease or go month to month. I went in to the office and explained that I was looking for a house and I would end my lease at the end of the term, which is Apr 30. We talked about looking for a house, etc. This was on February 9--when I signed it--giving me only to the end of the month to "give a 60 day notice." I thought it was clear that I would be ending my lease--giving the fact that I told her verbally and she didn't state that I had to give the notice in writing. I ran into a gal that I know works in the office and told her I found a house and I would be leaving. She asked if I gave the written notice and I said no, but I told the bookkeeper when I signed the lease. Of course, I have been very busy to boot.

I called and inquired about it today, April 10, and was told that I would be responsible for 2 months rent for not giving written notice. All I heard was "the lease states, blah, blah.

The manager is talking with the gal I spoke with at the time of the lease signing, and will see if we can "work something out."

I realize the contract and all, but I think they will not be understanding of the verbal declaration that I would be moving out. It was implied that I would be moving--or I would've signed a year lease in Feb--2 months before the lease terminates.

I now have a mortgage payment due in two weeks and moving expenses, etc. I'm more than willing to forego the deposit--which isn't a months rent as it was a special. Shouldn't they be more understanding considering the circumstances of my verbally telling them--not much more than 60 days before the end of the lease. I truly thought that was enough!

Thanks for your feedback!The state is Indiana
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You can try to negotiate, but I suggest demanding an accounting in which they apply your deposit to the 60 day balance, so you end up paying less. Otherwise, if the lease says written notice, then it says that, but I suggest review the lease to see if it says written notice or just notice and take the lease to an attorney for review and to find loopholes.