cancellation fee

[sdrenter]

I have rented in an apartement complex for 3 years. Every time I renew my lease (usually on a half year term), the landlord made me sign an Addendum to the lease that requires me to pay a large amount (more than my monthly rent and increases at each renewal) of cancellation fee if I need to move out early. During my last term of lease, I bought a house and had to move out before the lease was due. Just when I was prepared to pay off the cancellation fee ($800)in addition to various cleaning fees that the landlord calimed just to keep my $350 deposit, I found out that I actually didn't sign the Addendum of Lease Cancellation in conjuction with my last lease. This was apprently a mistake by the landlord and thus I refused to pay the cancellation fee (Morally I am fine with it since the landlord had taken every opportunity to profit from my mistakes in the past). However, the landlord insists that the Addendum I signed in conjunction with my
previous (expired)lease should carry over (there was not such language on the Addendum though). Does the Addendum really carry over even when the lease it attaches to has expired? Am I legally obliged to pay the cancellation fee? I have been contacted by a debt collector hired by the landlord. What rights do I have if I dispute the payment?
What is the worst thing that can happen to me if I don't pay? Please help!

 

[Bill Benson]

It ould be essential to read the exact language to tell you. The worst thisng that can happen is he can sue you, and if your lease provides for it, collect attorneys fees in addition to what he is asking for. It can also mess up your credit rating.