Q My wife and I moved into a low-income apartment. When we noticed a lot of gang activity, we repeatedly contacted the management, asking to move to another location. Finally, we moved out with three months left on our lease.

We continued to pay the rent. But the managers said we violated Minnesota statute 504B.178, subdivision 8. They said that on top of damages to the unit, which we are contesting, we owe a penalty of $1,055. Our rent is $755. Is this right?

Also, during our final walk-through with managers, their form listed the condition of the unit plus how much it would cost to clean. They circled one. On the sheet they sent us later, they circled a different one that cost more. Can they do this?

A Tenants can move out of their residence if they feel unsafe, but they have to pay the rent unless the landlord agrees to terminate their lease or a court makes a determination in the tenants' favor.

Most leases require that you give your landlord notice when you intend to move, whether or not the lease is up. The notice period is usually stated in the lease. Failure to give written notice in the required time frame can result in your lease rolling over for a month or two months, depending on the length of the notice period.

It doesn't sound as if you gave written notice of your intent to move. While this might sound trivial, having an empty apartment in a high-crime area can lead to squatters and additional crimes, so courts like it when tenants let their landlords know they have moved. The additional amounts you listed might be added rent, as well as penalties for not paying the rent.

The Minnesota statute you cited prohibits a tenant from refusing to pay the last month's rent, with the expectation that the damage deposit will cover that amount. If you didn't pay your last month's rent, you might be able to overcome this by testifying why you moved.

In addition, while most landlords are honest, some take advantage of tenants. If you can show the two documents, and that they changed something in their favor, this would be powerful evidence that your landlord is attempting to deceive the court.

In summary, your only recourse is to pay the debt, try to negotiate a settlement with your landlord (if you do get a settlement, make sure to get it in writing) or to sue in conciliation court for your damage deposit, alleging that it is being wrongfully withheld.

Kelly Klein is a Minneapolis attorney. Participation in this column does not create an attorney/client relationship with Klein. Do not rely on advice in this column for legal opinions. Consult an attorney regarding your particular issues. E-mail renting questions to kklein@kleinpa.com, or write to Kelly Klein c/o Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488. Information provided by readers is not confidential.