Tenant Refund Request

[Joshua Lappin]

I have an interesting situation with a now former tenant that has come up.  

Tenants lease expired, so I offered a new lease with a $25 increase.  Tenant does not want a rent raise so opts to move out.  Lease expired at the end of November 2024.  Tenant goes month to month and on December 15th give notice that they plan to leave by March 31st, 2025.   Tenant then comes back on Jan 6th stating that they will now be out by 1/31/25.  Tenant leaves the unit and turn in the keys on 1/16/25.  Move out was conducted and security deposit returned.  

Tenant is now requesting to be refunded rent from 1/16 to 1/31.  

I am curious to get opinions on which dates are considered the 30 days of notice and am I obligated the return the final 2 weeks?

Thanks.

[Greg M.]

Assuming NC requires 30 days notice for M2M leases, the tenant owes you rent until February 6th. 

Tell the tenant that you accepted their 1/6 notice of lease termination and 1/31 move out date. While technically you (tenant) are liable for 30 days rent after the notice of move out, I am forgiving the 6 days of February and using your stated 1/31 date as that of the end of the lease. 

Tenant gets no rent refund.