landlord wants to terminate lease before contract is over

[ralibin]

We signed a rental contract in September 1999 until September 2000. However, on June 10, 2000, we received a 30-day notice that we needed to vacate the property by July 10, 2000. When we questioned the landlord, she said that she needed for us to move out because she was moving back in and that she did not want to sign another lease at the townhouse apartments that she currently lives in so she's telling us to move out. 30 days is not a reasonable amount of time to expect us to move out because we did not budget for the expense of moving our furniture or for the deposit for another rental home. The rental contract that we signed does not express that she can terminate the rental contract before the 1-year term. Do we have any rights because we really cannot afford the moving expenses or storage expenses or rent deposit expense because we did not anticipate moving until the end of the lease in September 2000. Also, we have never been late with rent and we have taken care of the property and yard.

 

[Fellow Renter]

I am not a lawyer, but have been a renter for too long! I don't see how she can give you notice if your contract states a 1yr term. I guess she can try to evict you, but she must have cause. Go to www.state.tx.us and look under "statutes". There you will find the
TX state property code. There is a lot of information for you. In addition, go to your local law library /JP office and see if they have the Texas Apartment Association REDBOOK. This has the TX Property code in it with detailed explanations of the statues underneath each section and also gives information that Landlords will use to evict, etc. This may help you. Personally, I wouldn't leave. She is making her problems yours. Good Luck!

 

[Tracey]

L has to bribe you into moving voluntarily. You may stay there until the end of your lease. Any attempt by L to interfere with your possession of the house is illegal & subjects L to HUGE damages. Make L pay you a lot of money -- 3 months rent + moving exenses would be a good starting point. After she gets up from the ground, she may decide to go find a month to month rental somewhere! /

Send L a letter (certified, return receipt) that the house is yours until 9/30 and you aren't leaving unless she pays you a "mutually agreed upon sum."

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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws.