rental-property landlord tenant
Michigan Lease Contract Auto Renewal
<p>My lease states the following:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>LEASE TERM. The initial term of the Lease Contract begins on the 12th
day of October, 2019 and ends at midnight the 11th day of October,
2020. This Lease Contract will automatically renew (see section 15) unless either party gives at least days written notice of termination
or intent to move-out as required by paragraph 37. If the number of
days isn’t filled in, at least 60 days notice is required.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I was unaware of an auto-renewal clause in my contract didn't give written notice of cancellation until 9/8/20 (deadline was 8/12/20). Now my complex is trying to stick me with a huge bill to buyout the new lease contract, which begins 10/12. How would this contract renewal likely be interpreted under MI law? It does not explicitly define the exact duration(e.g. begins 10/12/20 and ends 10/12/21) of the auto renewal and section 15 makes no reference to the matter. If not explicitly stated, I believe an auto renewal by default in MI would move month to month. Would this qualify?</p>

<blockquote>
<p>I believe an auto renewal by default in MI would move month to month. Would this qualify?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Not really. The closest to the constraint you have in mind is <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(xzi2kuykgjarzs3gx1dhb51y))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&amp;objectName=mcl-554-601a" rel="nofollow noreferrer">MCL 554.601a</a>. You would need to meet condition (1)(a) or (1)(b) of that statute.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I was unaware of an auto-renewal clause in my contract</p>
</blockquote>
<p>If you signed the lease, the fact-finder will have to reach the conclusion that --from a legal standpoint-- you were aware of the clause even if in reality you were not. Hence the importance of making sure one fully understands the contents of a contract prior to entering it.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>How would this contract renewal likely be interpreted under MI law?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>At the outset, an interpretation of that clause would favor the landlord's position insofar as you failed to provide the requisite 60-day notice.</p>
<p>The reference to section 15 prompts the question of whether something therein could make a difference, but you only mention that it &quot;<em>makes no reference to the matter</em>&quot;. Therefore, based on the information you provide, it appears that unfortunately there is nothing you can do other than try persuading the landlord to be lenient.</p>
