questions & answers

Question: I have submitted notice on 7/28/17 that we would be non-renewing our lease and it would end, as stated in our lease, on 9/12/17. This provided excess of 30 days notice as required. They did not respond until today, 8/7/17. When we moved in, our rent for Sept '16 (9/13 - 9/30) was prorated. In our notice, I stated we would be paying the pro-rated amount of our rent due on 9/1 for the 12 days we will be occupying the apartment. The management let us know that our lease will end on 9/12, but we are responsible for the entire month of Sept. rent. I am unsure. I have communicated with them by e-mail because I wanted to document it.

Answer: Your situation is covered by the Arizona Residential Landlord Tenant Act.  According to statute, the terms of the lease govern unless there are illegal provisions in the lease.Arizona Revised Statutes, section 33-1314.  Look at your lease documents.  Find exactly what the rental period is.  Does the lease end on September 12 or at the end of the month?  You leasing contract must specify a lease period.  Your financial responsibility ends on the date the lease ends.  If the lease states that the term is up on September 12, write to the landlord and send him the letter by certified mail with a return receipt.  Arizona Revised Statutes Section 33-1313.  The letter must inform him that he is incorrect on the ending day of the lease and the date your financial responsibility ends.