renters question

[Papa_Complex]

Typically first and last month's rent is exactly that; rent. You can't usually use your security deposit as your last month's rent (legally), though people do sometimes do it.

Which brings me to the real problem, if this landlord is a whack-job. You're unlikely to get back your security deposit and watch to be sued for "additional damage." These days I wouldn't rent a place without first walking through it with a camera and getting a written/signed list of deficiencies.

Better read your lease, because frequently the 30 days notice commences at the end/beginning of the month. If you give notice halfway through a month, then you may be obligated to pay a full, additional month.