Notice of intent to vacate

Minnesota

I had rented an apartment in Village Park, MN. My lease ended at 31 Aug, 2009. I have cleaned my apartment and returned the keys on 31 Aug, 2009. Everything is perfect on my side, I paid all my rent promptly. As I transfered my job, I moved to different state.

Today, I received a bill for one month's rent, stating "insufficient notice fee". I called rental office, they informed that "I didn't provided notice of intent to vacate, that's Minnesota state law and the same is mentioned in my agreement".

When the lease is signed the staff has informed that this clause in the lease for early lease breakage. I thought it makes sense of two month notice for early vacation.

Also, the staff has not made any calls informing the clause before two months. They kept calm and waited for the lease end period to provide such a bill.

As I paid my rent promptly, and I returned my keys on lease end date. I don't understand how I obligate to such a clause. What is the meaning of lease end date then, Thus the landlord don't know my lease end date. The clause has been written in such a tricky words only attorneys can understand clearly.

What is the solution to avoid such a huge bill? Is it MN law really? Any help really appreciated.

Thanks,

[sandyclaus]

Originally Posted by Srini Minnesota I had rented an apartment in Village Park, MN. My lease ended at 31 Aug, 2009. I have cleaned my apartment and returned the keys on 31 Aug, 2009. Everything is perfect on my side, I paid all my rent promptly. As I transfered my job, I moved to different state. Today, I received a bill for one month's rent, stating "insufficient notice fee". I called rental office, they informed that "I didn't provided notice of intent to vacate, that's Minnesota state law and the same is mentioned in my agreement". When the lease is signed the staff has informed that this clause in the lease for early lease breakage. I thought it makes sense of two month notice for early vacation. Also, the staff has not made any calls informing the clause before two months. They kept calm and waited for the lease end period to provide such a bill. As I paid my rent promptly, and I returned my keys on lease end date. I don't understand how I obligate to such a clause. What is the meaning of lease end date then, Thus the landlord don't know my lease end date. The clause has been written in such a tricky words only attorneys can understand clearly. What is the solution to avoid such a huge bill? Is it MN law really? Any help really appreciated. Thanks,

Just because your lease period was ending does not automatically end your obligation to give notice. Most leases automatically convert to a month-to-month tenancy after the expiration of the lease term. In fact, many LL count on this unless the tenant specifically gives them notice that they intend to leave. Some leases include a clause specifying automatic renewal of the lease or conversion to M2M at the end. To find out what you are liable for, you wil need to review your lease on this issue.

The bottom line here is that because you gave NO notice of your intent to vacate, and gave no indication that you planned to leave, you seem to be being held liable for 30 days, the required notice period. Unless the lease says otherwise, you are respnsible for this and must pay.

But of course you could dispute it and take them to small claims arguing all parties knew it was ending and they had notice etc.

They may not want to fight it out.