I live in Washington DC and cannot seem to find out if it is the law for a tenant to give a 30-day notice. He moved in two months ago, signed a 6-mo. Lease, now wants to move in with his friends (they just lost a guy there & have an extra room). He wants to leave 4/30/08, and gave me 14-day notice (4-17-08). I told him it was the law and courteous to give a 30-day notice. He didn't care. I do, however, have a security deposit, which he said takes care of him breaking the lease. Is he right or am I? Thanks for any advise.
Sunny

I believe it is a 15 day, notify by certified mail, but not for sure?

Here is a link with much information that may help you out.

washingtonpost.com – Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland homes and real estate news and headlines. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-adv/classifieds/realestate/static/mdfaq.html#plan)

Hello s:

In the first place he has a lease. It's illegal to break it. Therefore, there ISN'T a legal way to do it.

In terms of your deposit, you are right. It's a SECURITY deposit, not rent. However, most people tend to live out their security deposit as rent leaving the landlord with nothing to cover any damages if there are any.

Aside from the damages, you have the right to sue him for the remaining rent on your lease for the time the apartment remains vacant.

excon