end of lease advice

[bethel]

My lease is done August 31st. Then it turns into a month-to-month. They want a 60 day notice when moving. I just want to leave when my lease is done. Can I be penalized if I do leave?

[OHlandlord]

Yes you can. If the lease says it automatically converts to a month to month, then you still have an agreement in effect with the LL. The type of agreement just changes, but it is still in effect. Most leases say they will convert to a M2M agreement based on the same terms as in your lesse. If your lease (and soon to be M2M agreement) requires 60 days notice, then that is what you must give. If you move out without giving proper notice, you will still be responsible for the rent for that 60 days unless they are able to re-rent it within that time. They will deduct this amount from your deposit along with any damages to the unit, and will probably sue you in small claims court for the rest. This can really hurt your credit if they are awarded a judgement for this amount. It will make it hard for you to find another LL who will want to rent to you. (LLs don't like to rent to tenants who don't give proper notice to leave, and who have judgements against them from former LLs.) If you want to leave, it would be best to give the required written notice (keep a copy) and move when it expires.