[renter in DC]

OK, First, have you read your lease? What does it say about termination? Did you or the landlord give written notice that the lease would not be renewed? Have the landords responded to your request for some extra time?

Thanks. I have read the lease. Regarding termination of tenancy, the lease only reads that if I fail to comply with any term of the lease, is grounds for termination of tenancy "with appropriate notice to Tenant and procedures as required by law". Above that, hand written in "Additional Provisions" it reads : Contract may be voided due to failure to pay in which case security deposit will be kept by landlord, tenant will be removed. Agreement is for one tenant only. Apartment will be unfurnished. 30 day notice if tenant needs to leave." Is exactly what is written.
They have responded to my query over a month ago asking whether or not they wanted to renew. They replied that they do not want to renew, they would "like me to leave" on the last day of the lease. That is fine. I am leaving. However I have not found a replacement apartment for certain yet. When I paid my final months rent this week, I informed them it looked like I would not have a new place until three weeks after the lease ends. I think my rent check crossed with the owner's email I received yesterday reading they want to inspect the apt next week (three weeks before the end of lease) and the painters are coming the day after the lease ends. I reiterated what I wrote in my letter by email and very nicely asked that they re-schedule the painter. No reply yet. I don't care if they inspect, (though I find it odd). I think it makes more sense to do so after I vacate, or on the last day of the lease. I am just wondering if they can legally do anything to me if I do not receive a cooperative agreement of some kind from them, and I defy their wish and stay an extra two or three weeks. So far the warnings are pretty bad - though in DC maybe I have a bit of a grace period.

[ScottGem]

Since you both seem to have complied with the lease and agreed not to renew, I don't think they can automatically renew for another year. I would definitely send a rent check for the next period (and do it ASAP) with a letter reiterating that your new place will not be ready for an additional three weeks.

[renter in DC]

Since you both seem to have complied with the lease and agreed not to renew, I don't think they can automatically renew for another year. I would definitely send a rent check for the next period (and do it ASAP) with a letter reiterating that your new place will not be ready for an additional three weeks.

Thanks. I have done so.