Q: Can a property mgmt company take over my house and never send a new lease but demand rent for last month before I move?
I live in a house that has had 4 different property management changes in less than 2 years.
I cannot get any maintenance requests done. The sewer is coming up in the basement and now it is affecting the kitchen among other things. The current company that took over has not returned any calls or emails. I have no current lease with the most recent company that took over. They never sent anything to sign. I have no lease. My last signed lease was over 4/31/2018. I want to move an need to know am I obligated to pay rent for the month I move? What are my rights?
A:
You are obligated to pay rent until you move out. Did you pay 'last month's rent' when you moved in? That may cover it. Paying a security deposit alone is NOT enough to 'cover' you but practically, so long as you don't damage the place, not paying the last month and accepting that it will be deducted from the deposit isn't 'horrible' even though it isn't 'legal' according to the agreements.
IF you have significant living issues because of maintenance issues however, it behooves you to contact the landlord and put them on notice, even if you're NOT obligated beyond 30 days. I'd recommend consulting with a local landlord/tenant attorney BEFORE you do anything to insure you provide the proper notices to eliminate liability and that you set things up properly to move on more easily.
-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.
I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice
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