Q I am a first-time home buyer and was recently preapproved for an FHA loan. I would like to take advantage of the market and buy a house before prices possibly go up, but I am locked into a lease on an apartment until Aug. 31. Is there a law that allows me to give notice early if I am buying a house? I know that if I do this, I will not get back my deposit, but I am concerned that it will affect my credit and possibly my loan approval status.

A There is no such law that allows tenants to give early notice to buy a home, but you should ask your landlord if you can terminate your lease early because you have this opportunity.

Many landlords will accept a couple of months' rent for early termination, especially in today's housing market where people have lost their homes and need to rent apartments. Early termination cannot affect your credit or the approval status of your loan if you have an agreement with your landlord.

If you do enter into such an agreement, make sure to get it in writing and signed by both you and the landlord. Do not agree to make the payment and then remain responsible for rent while the landlord looks for a new tenant. That is a worse deal than just paying rent.

Q I have been a tenant at my building for more than two years. My original lease, which ended in September 2006, says the notice period is 60 days. My landlord just gave me notice to vacate within 30 days. Is he still bound to the original lease notice period?

A The rule in Minnesota is that documents are construed against the people who draft them. Because your landlord gave you the lease, the 60-day notice provision is construed against him, even though it is questionable whether he could enforce such a notice.

There is an argument that such a notice is void, and therefore automatically ineffective. You should write your landlord a letter telling him that the notice does not comply with the lease, and you will await a proper notice. Save a copy of the letter for your records.

Kelly Klein is a Minneapolis attorney. Do not rely on advice in this column regarding a legal situation until you consult a qualified attorney; information provided by readers is not confidential; participation in this column does not create an attorney/client relationship, and no such relationship is created without a retainer agreement with Klein. If you have questions concerning renting, you can e-mail her at kklein@kleinpa.com, post your questions at www.startribune.com/kellyklein or write in care of Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488.

Read past columns and study rental market data at startribune.com/rent.