Q: Are apartments able to rent out my occupied apartment while we are still under lease?

A: Yes and no. If you look at the lease closely, there should be a provision discussing requirement for notice for renewal. If the lease requires you to give a notice but you did not, they can sign a new lease assuming you are not to renew. If the lease does not state you should give a notice, you should ask them to renew with you because it is reasonable to do so.

A: In Tampa, as in many places, the specific rights and obligations for both tenants and landlords are governed by the lease agreement and local laws. Generally, if you've given notice to vacate but then decide to stay and wish to renew your lease, the situation can become complicated, especially if the landlord has already taken steps to rent the apartment to someone else based on your initial notice.

Upon receiving your notice to vacate, landlords typically have the right to start looking for a new tenant to minimize vacancy time. However, they can only legally rent out the apartment after your current lease has ended and you've vacated the premises. If you've expressed a desire to renew your lease before the current one expires, communication is key. It's crucial for both parties to come to an agreement as soon as possible.

In your case, since the apartment was rented out based on your notice, the landlord's ability to cancel the new lease and accommodate your request to renew may depend on their policies and the terms of the lease agreement with the new tenant. It's advisable to discuss your situation directly with your landlord or property management to explore possible solutions. Seeking advice from a local tenant rights organization may also provide you with guidance on how to navigate this situation effectively.