I placed my 60 day notice (as requested) and my month to month lease was up on 1/9. On 1/2 following my cleaning, I went into the office and spoke with Leah (whom I have never seen before) and asked her if it was OK that I provide one of my keys (the other key to be provided the next day). Leah explained this was fine, and I went on my way. My expectation was that I was to provide payment throughout 1/9 as agreed upon.
Two days later I received a call from the apartment manager Ariel, whom I
...have had very good rapport with. She asked me if I was moving out. I was confused because I put my 60 days’ notice in so she knew I was moving out, and in turn I said “Yes”.
Several days later, I received a statement saying I owe them almost $2,000. I was a little stunned, but I knew it had to be incorrect. On the statement it said I “vacated early” and I received a “break lease fee” worth almost $1300. Alongside this, they charged $200 for bathtub restoration, and $300 to replace the carpet.
I contacted the apartment leasing office and was redirected to ARS. They alerted me that because I provided the key to the leasing agent 7 days early, they consider this “moving out” and therefore it is considered breaking my lease despite the expectation that I was to pay through 1/9. I unfortunately had a negative phone interaction with the representative, and take responsibility for being upset, but I felt I was tricked and there was a lack of communication from the apartment staff I interacted with.
I wouldn’t have mind paying for their petty charges, but I was EXTREMELY disappointed and saddened that their assumption was I was breaking my 60-day notice. Why would I make it the FULL 53 day to break my lease 7 days early? I truly believed I was doing the right thing by providing my keys early so they could do what little work needed to be done in the apartment, and make money on the next resident. I am not sure what professional ethics are used with the company but in the healthcare field I am in, we try to be upfront, honest, and transparent with our patients as to do the “least amount of harm”. Unfortunately, this company does not provide that standard.
Property Manager Responded