First some history..
I live in Oak Park, California.. and started renting a 1 bedroom apartment on 5/20/2004. On Jan 1st, I moved to another apartment, a two bedroom. The original lease is being used with the exception that the lease now goes to the end of the month. I pay 1749 a month for this place (it's california
The problem:
Approx, April 15, I gave notice that I am moving out at the end of the yearly lease. My notice was verbal and conducted in front of everyone in the office. The top manager, and several other office workers who deal with regular business.
The manager gave me a form for indicating I was moving out. When I checked the form, it was an intent to break lease form. I took it back and got the correct form. The correct form has a clause that is also in the lease (I still have to verify this), that I must give 30 day written notice. The form itself had a blank spot for indicating the number of days I was suppose to submit the form prior to leaving. Normally it was suppose to have 30 days hand written into the blank, but was left blank in this case.
On May 15th, I turned in the form and was told I was now responsible for rent to June 15th. I explained that the form didn't have the number of days on it but they said it was in my lease.
So I guess I have several questions..
1. I gave verbal notice and not written. But I gave 6 weeks notice. Will this have any merit in small claims court?
2. The fact that the form didn't have 30 days written in the blank spot (even though its probably in my lease), is this a factor? Are they obligated to either fill that in or verbally remind me?
3. If I am obligated to pay rent until the 15th, is it a continuation of my existing lease or do I have to pay market rate?
Hope someone has some advice out there..
Thanks
Mark

