Q: My ex-boyfriend moved out last year.
However when I signed the new lease last July, they forced him to sign the lease because it was not enough notice. Now they are saying that I cannot leave this lease when it ends in July because he isn't giving notice. Can my landlord charge me month to month and hold me to the lease?
A:
See the landlord tenant handbook from the state of Michigan for perhaps a starting point, but you might benefit from a consultation from a lawyer.
It is common for residential leases to start with a 1-year term and continue in month-to-month terms until the landlord or tenant provides one full term notice (that's a minimum of 1 month). Some leases expire after the 1 year and it is expected the tenant moves out, or face an increase in rent. Some leases expire and permit the tenant to move out without notice, but if the tenant does not move out, and if the landlord accepts rent it automatically converts into a month-to month.
If you are the only one living there, and the only one paying rent, it is my hope the landlord 'just' misunderstands the situation. But it might be a situation where a lawyer can provide a cost effective exit for you by intervening, prevent lost sleep, and avoid the hassle. It is difficult to find a tenant attorney, so you might need to call the State Bar of Michigan referral number.
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