Am I still responsible for a lease/apartment after the lease as expired?

Question

Hello, I live in Los Angeles, and have a roommate in a 2 bedroom apartment.
My current lease for my apartment is over as of Dec 1. I had given my landlord my 30 notice, and told my roommate. My landlord had told me that I even after I leave, and moved out, that I am still responsible for my lease/apartment till another lease is signed, either by me, or a new roommate.? I think this is illegal, and cannot be done,
If anyone can help me out with some info, greatly appreciated.

I found my contract, and this is what it states:
Notice of Termination:
Renter shall give owner 30 days written notice of intent to vacate the premises at the end of the lease term, at least 30 days before the end of the term and Renter should be liable for payment of rent through the later of: The end of the term, The expiration of the 30 day notice or the date of vacating the premises.

Answer 1

You are not responsible. If the term of your lease is one year - then that's it. One year.

Things to consider:

If your name is not on the lease - you have NO obligations.

If you provided a deposit for the space - and feel that you are leaving the space in as good, or better condition than you found it - you are entitled to ALL of the deposit, plus interest, returned to you. If you feel that this landlord intends to withhold the deposit - you may need to contact the Los Angeles Board of Housing - and file a complaint, or take the landlord to small claims court.

In general, California has some of the strongest tenant rights in the United States - you should not feel harassed or harangued into paying ANYTHING more than you are obliged to pay. If you are being threatened, you may have an additional civil matter to present to a court.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

If the lease is up, then you're in the clear. Not quite sure why the landlord would think the lease is in effect after its expiration date, but that's what an expiration date is all about - setting a time limit on the provisions of the lease.

Answer 3

As long as you vacate the apt by Dec 1. you are not liable for any further rent. The only way you would still be responsible for the apt is if you or your roomate overstay the lease. Is your roommate moving also? If not you need to get a roommate release so you will no longer be responsible for rent or damages if they stay behind.

Answer 4

That's not illegal. You still have a "rental agreement" regardless of the lease-- its just month to month. You gave him the thirty day notice. If your roomate does not intend to vacate,she must sign into a new lease, and you must either sign your security deposit over to her, or have her pay the other half towards the owners.

If both you and your roomate intend to vacate the premises, you are NOT responsible after December 1st, assuming that you did not do extreme damage to the apartment. (they can charge rental lose during repair times, if you malisciously destroyed the apartment.)

Answer 5

Best way to answer this, is to arm you with the facts. Here is What California says:
California Civil code - CONTRACTS – Sections 1619 – 1632: http://www.lectlaw.com/files/bul15.htm
LANDLORD AND TENANT ISSUES
STATE’SLANDLORD TENANT ACT: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=72145723910+1+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve
HUD – Tenant rights in California: http://www.hud.gov/local/ca/renting/tenantrights.cfm
Pamphlet from the State of California on Landlords and Tenants:
http://www.dca.ca.gov/legal/landlordbook/
Private Attorney’s Website on Tenant/Landlord issues: http://www.caltenantlaw.com/
Home owner and renter assistance programs: http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/hra/index.html
Lots of homework but when you're finished you'll be an expert.
Buena Suerte

Answer 6

I do not know about LA. But here in NJ we have NJ renter's association that assist's with problem's between landlord and Tenant. I personally feel you do not owe them anything after your lease expires.
Find out I am sure there should be a renter's association in LA

Answer 7

No your not. Report the landlord to the housing department of Los Angeles. They should resolve this issue by submitting a copy of your lease to them and one phone call from them.

Answer 8

Once your lease it up, you are no longer responsible. Check your lease to make sure there are no provisions for you finding a new leaser, but your legal obligations end when your signed contract ends.

Tell him he'll have to try to uphold that in court.

But carefully re-read your lease as it could contain some requirement to that effect.

Answer 9

You should look at your lease that you signed - maybe he put something in it stating that you need to find a replacement before you can move out.

In my opinion, once the lease is over and you hand over the keys (which is very important!), you are not responsible!

Answer 10

Your landlord is terribly misinformed.

You are not responsible.