Returning my keys while still paying rent

[Sam G.]

Hi BP. So I signed a lease last year that doesn't expire until 8/31/18. Back in April I bought a house and moved out of my old apartment and into my new home at the end of June. I gave property management over 2 months notice before I moved out and they said that they would try to re-rent my unit, but until then, I would still be responsible for my rent per my original lease agreement.

After a month without any contact or updates, I just got an email from property management asking that I return my keys despite the fact that my lease is still active until 8/31/18 and I'll be paying rent until 8/31/18. Obviously I don't need the keys because I'm not living there, but paying rent on a property that I'm physically unable to enter just seemed strange to me. Is this typical for when a tenant vacates the property early?

Thanks for your help and advice