My daugher rented and moved into an apartment in June 1,05. The disorganized rental company didn't give her a lease until July. On May 1, 06 she gave notice she would be moving out May 31. They accepted this notification. When I received the security deposit return it was minus a months rent (june 06) plus a $50 late fee. They said the contract was for 13 months. I asked them to e-mail me a copy since the one in my daughter's records doen not have any numbers filled in and does not have this top sheet. Their copy had cross outs and 13 months handwritten in. I can't say it was faked cause I honestly don't remember. It did say 60 day notification was required. Did she break the terms of the lease? I never heard of a 13 month lease though the corporate office says it is common. Isn't it their fault for being late with the lease contract. My daughter felt pressured to sign it because whe was all moved in and thought they would say she had to leave and didn't have any place to go (she was attending a nearby college). Is she entitled to a full refund of the security deposit (no damage to the apartment)? What are her legal rights now and for future rentals?

Optional Information:
newark, New Jersey

Already Tried:
calling local rental agency located in her building and at the corportate level to get inforamtion. Talked with action officer and was told my daughter was lucky to get something back because she broke the 13 month lease. I had assumed it was for 12 months with 30 day notification like ones I use to sign. Never heard of 13 month lease. I want to give my daughter some basics on these legal issues so she won't make so many mistakes in the future. I told her to keep all documentation so we can revisit issues easily. They don't teach this in college- even the best colleges seem to neglect important daily legal issue the students will eventually have to deal with. thanks for any help in this area.