Final answer:
Failure to pay the last month's rent can lead to legal actions for rent recovery, retention of security deposit, credit score damage, and additional rent and damages if possessions are left beyond the termination date.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a tenant does not pay their last month's rent after the leasing period, they can face legal and financial consequences. According to most lease agreements, the tenant is obligated to pay rent for the entire term of the lease, including the last month. Failure to do so can result in the landlord taking actions to collect the owed rent, which may include retaining the security deposit, initiating a legal process for rent recovery, or reporting the delinquency to credit agencies which can affect the tenant's credit score. Termination of the lease requires a 30-day written notice, and upon vacating the premises, all belongings must be removed and keys returned to avoid additional charges. Should the tenant leave possessions beyond the termination date, they may be liable for additional rent and damages, which could include compensation for the landlord's loss of prospective new renters.