[bylaw]

I currently was having issues with my roommates. Their actions and activities within that home made me feel uncomfortable. I went to the rental office to figure out the legal way of getting of the lease. The apartment manager told me to write a vacating notice.The following day I gave her my notice and it was signed and stamped. I asked on many occasions was she sure that I can vacate. She told me as long as my paper is signed I have nothing to worry about and to leave my key upon vacating. That weekend I left my apartment with in mind that I had to okay to leave. Three weeks come by and I receive a letter stating that I am still on the lease and my letter was insufficient. I stated that it wasn't fair, because you leagally signed my paper and ALLOWED me to leave the property. Is it right for them to take this away from me even though they signed my notice? Can they be at fault for not reviewing my letter before signing it?

[joypulv]

I'm afraid that by listening to the manager instead of checking the law, you made a mistake, and are indeed liable for the rent. Not getting along did not allow you to ditch the others without arrangements for a replacement to cover the rent that you signed a contract saying you would pay for X amount of time. Giving the landlord notice that you are leaving is simply that and nothing more.
You don't owe past the day that someone else moves in, however. The typical situation is that you all find a new roommate before you move out. So it will be in your interest to help find someone.

[ScottGem]

First, any question on law needs to include a general locale as laws vary by area.

Second, we need to know the terms of the lease. Were you and the roommates all signed on the lease? When does (or did) the lease expire)? How much notice did you give?

What do you mean by your vacate letter being signed and stamped, by whom? What did the letter actually say?

There are too many questions here to say whether you are still on the lease or not. But, if the property management can be shown to have accepted your letter to vacate, you may be able to hold them to it.

[bylaw]

The apartment consisted of me and two other friends. One in which was on the lease and the other was not. Anyway my lease is over October 1st 2011.When I went in the office In July the former property manager told me that I could not get off the lease,because I need a 60-day notice. I was confused because she was telling me no and I am 60-days ahead of time.The second time I went which was in August she stated that it was OKAY for me to give her a vacating notice(WHAT?). Before I even got to that I explained my reason behind me trying to leave. "I told her that my roommates were into activities that are against the lease and I don't want to be involved nor do I want to loose my job over this situation so I want to know the legal way for me to leave." She said that all I needed was a written or typed letter which doesn't not have to explain exactly what I told her. My letter will be signed and stamped and I should be good to go. The letter reads "On August 25, 2011 I will be vacating "the address." I no long feel comfortable in my home and I will not be renewing my lease." She took my letter and took a moment to tell me the only thing that would keep me on the lease is late fees past due(they are paid now). She went on to sign and stamp my paper and told me I was good to go and to leave my key.

My problem is if there was any doubt that I couldn't get off the lease she should have never told me to write that letter then she signed it and allowed me to leave.

[ScottGem]

If she accepted your vacate letter then they can't go back on it. If they try to take you to court you have that letter as proof.

[bylaw]

My thoughts exactly.I sent a certified letter to the corporate office disclosing this situation. I haven't heard from them yet, but I hope they can resolve this issue before it becomes out of hand.

[Fr_Chuck]

Did the room mates and the landlord ( management company) all sign to release you ?

[bylaw]

@Fr_Chuck: only the property manager signed it, because I didn't like my roommates violent behavior and didn't want any unreasonable incidents. She told me for my security she will comply with my request.