How can I move out of my room with my deposit returned?

[nimtizhunter]

Hi there,
so here is my situation. I'm living in a house in California. My lease ended in June. I told the landlord i would like to continue to stay until September. I thought they would continue to look for someone. But now, almost the end of August, and no one new. I thought that I would only be responsible only for mid September because that's when I told them i would move out. But they said that I have to pay for the whole month of September. So, I wonder if I move out right now, are they legally able to hold my deposits? I'm trying my best to look for new tenants for them. but they're so specific, it has to be Asian male renter. I mean, in this world, why would they discriminate like this. I'm getting very frustrated right now. any help would be welcome.

What (if anything) does your lease say about renewal at the end of the lease term? About notice that you're going to move?

When (month and day) did you give notice that you're moving in mid-September?

This is a roommate/boarder situation, where you're renting a room in a house shared by others?

What (if anything) does your lease say about renewal at the end of the lease term? About notice that you're going to move?

the lease doesn't say anything about renewal of the term.





When (month and day) did you give notice that you're moving in mid-September? I believe i told them in June that i would take the room only until mid september.

This is a roommate/boarder situation, where you're renting a room in a house shared by others?
There is another guy who's renting another room next to me with this family.

If you are under a month to month tenancy, you can give WRITTEN notice 30 days prior to moving out in CA. You are responsible for the rent for those 30 days, but no longer. Whether they re-rent the room or not is not your concern. It would only affect you if your were still under a lease.

Verbal notice will be hard to prove in court. They may say you never gave them notice of the exact date you would vacate. Write this in a letter to them stating what day you will be out of the unit and return the keys on that date. Keep a copy of this notice for yourself.

Don't worry about finding them a new tenant, that is their responsibility. It would only be yours if you were breaking a lease to move out. And discrimination, like requiring a tenant to be male or Asian, is illegal. "It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, hanicap, familial status, or national origin. If a Fair Housing tester calls them about the room and they deny the tester, they'll be in a lot of trouble. (Personally, I'd turn them in for this to the Fair Housing Office because they shouldn't be doing this!)

Thank you.
I actaully posted some ad on craigslist, and sent you email with their preferences. I wonder if they are sued, would I be responsible for that as well? Should I ask them to sign an agreement to waive me of the responsibility in case they're sued?

One detail, i forgot to mention. that bathroom is shared with another guy. So I think it's understandable to look for male tenant to take the room. but the race preferences bother me.