Advice on lease?

1. 68

   Bill Manningposted 13 years ago

   So I've moved out of my old apt. and into a new one. Because they don't have apartments in the new place available often, I got one a month before my old lease is up.
   
   I asked if I could pay a penalty and break my lease early, they said no. So fine, I will pay the last months lease as well as my new one next month.
   
   Today I cleaned up the place, then handed in my keys. I informed them that even though I am paying for next month, since I've moved out they can rent it out.
   
   They said they can't legally do that even though I said it's ok. My problem is,,, the power.
   
   I want to shut it off in my name over there on the first of the month. They said I can't do that as I agreed to keep the power on while it's on my lease.
   
   I don't want it under my name when I'm not even there, for all I know they WILL rent it out. The manager said if I shut it off the main company (it's a big rental management company) will send me a bill for that month.
   
   So, what should I do? I tried to be nice and let them rent it out even after paying for next month, which would be a great deal for them.
   
   But I want to leave on good terms. Should I keep it in my name one more month and hope it's not high, or shut it off and let them bill me?

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   1. 78

      shoganposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Is the agreement to keep the power on in the actual lease?
      
      Also, why do they need you to keep the power on in your absence?

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      1. 68

         lrohnerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         If they're forcing you to keep it on, go back and get the keys. And then stop into the old place once a week or so. If you see electrical cords hanging out the windows leading to other apartments, you know there's a problem.

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      tritrainposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Always verify your rights before taking a landlord's word.
      
      You may be able to break your lease.  Check your local laws.
      
      If not, then perhaps you could sublet it.
      
      If not, then just eat the cost.  Use it for storage for now.

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2. 68

   Bill Manningposted 13 years ago

   Thanks for the replies. I just went over my lease again in detail. I guess maybe I should have not handed in my keys.
   
   Basically they have a no lease break rule no matter what. Also failure to keep up the power is grounds for breaking your lease.
   
   So, I guess I need to keep the power in my name for another month. I also should check in on it once a week or so, as Irohner suggested.
   
   So maybe I should have kept my keys. But I can just drive by it and peek in the window. If things seem changed I can request the keys back.
   
   Basically I'm still renting it as always until my lease is up in another month.
   
   But the manager has been good to me so I'm sure as long as I pay my last month rent and keep the power on everything will be fine.
   
   It's going to be a tight month for money next month however!

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3. 83

   camloposted 13 years ago

   I'd take back the keys, since the place is still being rented by me and the power being paid by me, and check once or twice a week to make sure nobody else has moved in before my lease has expired. If somebody had moved in, or my power were being sapped, I'd prosecute.
   
   Even better; I'd sub-let.
   
   Is there no option for you to supply a new tenant who can take over your lease?

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   1. 68

      Bill Manningposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      They do not allow sub-letting at all. Even if they did, I know of nobody. I'll just check it from time to time and eat the cost. I knew it was going to be a squeeze when I did this.
      
      But I'm very happy at my new place and it will be worth it once next month is over with.

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         camloposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Just a shame you have to eat those costs.
         
         Wish you the best of luck in your new place! Glad you're happy there.

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