Can our landlady ask us to leave before the end of the lease?
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Can our landlady ask us to leave before the end of the lease?
We live in a rental house where the lease expires Aug 31.Our landlady says that if we do not move out by the 29th then we are responsible for the rent on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd while she has the carpets cleaned. Is this legal?
Asked on August 23, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
No, it is not legal. If your lease expires on the 31st, then you have possession until the 31st and do not need to leave earlier; it's her problem, not yours, how to get the carpet cleaned after that, and she may not charge you for rent for not leaving earlier than your last lease day.
She is free to offer you some incentive (e.g. money) to leave earlier if it's worth it to her, but it would be up to you whether to accept or not.
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