last month's rent - URGENT!!!

[candygirl007]

What is the name of your state? DC

When my roommates moved into our $1900 a month apartment, we paid first and last month's rent (no other deposit required). I moved out a month early (at the end of June) and just found out that I was supposed to have paid my portion of the rent for July even though we already paid our last month's rent when we moved in. According to the landlord, the 2nd month of rent was to be used as a security deposit. The landlord is friendly with us, and he won't be more harsh than necessary. Basically, what is the worst that can happen to me if I just don't pay the last month rent? (I am fine with him keeping my "security deposit", which is the same amount as a month rent, of course.) I don't want to be sued or have any other adverse action.

 

[alligatorob]

I am a landlord not a lawyer but it seems to me you need to read your rental agreement. You either paid the last month’s rent in advance or you paid a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. You need to figure out which and what you are legally obligated to do.

Practically speaking if the apartment is left undamaged the landlord probably will not sue you. But you really should figure out what you agreed to do and do it.

 

[candygirl007]

I never got a copy of the lease, but my former roommate has told me that it was a deposit, not last month's rent. There are no damages, so I hope he just accepts the security deposit. I was always a very good tenant and never paid even one day late.

 

[condaggitt]

I guess you will learn from this, that you never hand over your hard earned money, and leave without a reciept and/or the lease.

 

[hexeliebe]

candygirl007;

If you are on good terms with the landlord then ask them for a copy of the lease and read it for yourself.