Q: Can my landlord force me into month-to-month at the end of my lease? (Lane County, OR)
Lease incl a $250 monthly rent for a wood shop on the property. It had been advertised as optional and is listed separately. I don't want to rent it anymore and I've asked for a lease renewal without it.
Rented bc there was supposed to be a work-trade situation to make some of the needed repairs and for general maintenance (this is very rural, svc calls are $$$, landlord lives in CA). In Aug'19 landlord said this will never be an option (clause in lease about it says any work will be agreed to in writing). I tell them then that I won't keep the shop when the lease renews, restated this via email late Jan'20.
No response from landlord about it, just a generic "will write more later" when other issues are addressed. Lease officially defaults to a month-to-month situation today. I want another annual lease, or will be giving notice.
Do I have to keep paying this $250 until renewal? What about the separate last month & sec deposit paid for the shop if I get to renew without it?
A:
Generally a fixed term lease becomes a month to month at the end of its term. However, you should read your lease agreement for terms of what happens at the end of the fixed term. You should also read the your lease for the terms of vacating as you have to give your notice in writing or within a certain time frame. Generally, this is 30 days.
If you are unsure of the terms of your lease, you should consult a landlord-tenant attorney.
Good luck.
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