Q: Can my landlord charge me a lease break fee after I provided a 30 day notice because I vacated a few days early?
My 12 month lease ended on 12/19 with that months rent being already paid. I provided a 30 day notice on 11/19. I vacated on 12/16 and so I’ve been charged an additional lease break fee and the remaining rent due from between the 17th and the 19th. I had provided a 30 day notice and mentioned “My lease ends on 12/19/2024 and I plan to vacate then.” in that notice. Does the landlord have reason for the extra fees & lease break? I never reached out to them to break the lease and I suspect I’ve been wrongfully charged. My 30 day noticed was mistaken overseen from the beginning and there’s been miscommunication from the start.
A: If your lease terminated 12\19, and you gave written notice you would be out then, you owed rent through 12\19 (assuming your lease doesn't have different termination requirements - check it). But you don't owe any lease break fee and he still owed you a written accounting for your security deposit within 31 days. If you would have had more coming back but for his false charges, or didn't get an accounting within the time frame, you likely are entitled to twice the amount that should have been refunded you, plus your court costs and attorney's fees. Consider reviewing everything with a local landlord-tenant attorney to see exactly what rights you may have.
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