penalty for moving out without written notice

[lasalle]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? South Carolina

I moved into a rental for 2 1/2 months and told the leasing agent I was leaving on 10/31/08 when my house was built. I went this week to see if I can extend the lease by a month as my closing was pushed back to 11/24/08. I was told I have to pay rent for Nov and Dec as I had not given 60 day written notice as is stated in the lease which I signed. I did not read the lease and I assumed since I told them verbally I was moving 10/31/08 that would be fine. I was told verbal was not sufficient. I asked why was it not pointed out that I needed to put in writing in the next 2 weeks if I wanted to move out in 2 1/2 months and was told that was not their responsibility to point out or explain the lease, that it was my responsibility to read it and verbal notififcatio I was moving was not sufficient and that under SC law since I signed the lease I was responsible and verbally telliing them means nothing.
Sorry for the long post, but do I have a leg to stand on or will I be forced to pay rent for Decemebr even though I will not be living there. Thanks in advance

 

[mwbarton]

Does the lease end on 10/31? I don't know about SC law, but most short-term leases allow you to continue as a month to month tenant, in which case you would need to give 30 days notice.

You really need to sit down and read that lease.

 

[lasalle]

The lease said I had to give them 60 days notice, I gave them verbally 60 days, which they said was not binding, I just gave them 30 days written notice, but they said it has to be 60 days as stated in the lease.

 

[FarmerJ]

Verbal notices have the same value as a fart in walmart the smell is there for a short time and memory fades. Notices with rentals need to be written sent via method of delivery that gives proof of the date it was sent.