I spoke too soon [1]. We received the following letter today from our wonderful Rental Office:
This letter is to advise you that in accordance with paragraph 17 of your lease agreement, the manager of XXXXXXXXXXXXX Apartments is giving you official notice that your lease is due to expire. Please be advised that we will not be renewing your lease agreement, nor will you be given the opportunity to remain as a month to month resident.
YOU MUST MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS TO VACATE THE PREMISES KNOWN AS XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, Boca Raton, FL 33433. If you fail to turn in keys and do not vacate on **9/30/04**, we shall have no alternative but to advise our attorney's office to proceed in regaining possession of your unit. Please be advised that in accordance with Section 83.58, Florida Statutes, the landlord is entitled to demand double your monthly rent for as long as you remain a resident.
Surprised us.
Thought we had until January, but it looks like the Rental Office thinks otherwise. We found our copy of this years lease so hopefully this is all one big happy mistake. I hope so.
Now, Florida law has changed a bit regarding the breaking of leases, and now, if we were to break the lease, we owe the Rental Office a fee of $3,000. If this isn't one big happy mistake, does that mean the Rental Office now owes us $3,000 for breaking the lease?
Somehow, I think not.