My situation:

My lease is up at the end of the month (in CA) and I am in discussions with them on several things (fixing things, rent negotiation, etc.) Most likely, they will not budge, so I am going to give 30 day notice (as required by lease.)

MY QUESTION: If my lease is up on Sept. 30 and I give notice on Sept. 10, I understand I will pay rent through Oct. 10... but are they allowed to make me leave on Sept 30?

According to them, I must vacate when my lease ends, but still PAY through the end of 30 days. My contention is that if they are making me pay for 30 days, I will stay through the 30 days. If they would like to waive (in writing) the 30 days, I would be happy to move out sooner and only pay through the end of my lease.

Am I right or them? And if I am, can anyone cite and codes or laws (or direct me via internet to some legalize I can print) to backup my claim. I'd rather have them acquiesce now then turn into a court battle after the fact.

Thanks in advance for your help.

If you did not give a full 30 days notice before the lease ended you are on the hook for a full months rent but you will become a month to month renter and can stay until end of October. California Tenants - California Department of Consumer Affairs (http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/moving-out.shtml)