How can I get out off a lease on which there are 2 other people?
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How can I get out off a lease on which there are 2 other people?
I talked to our lease office and they told me that I need a letter signed by all parties in order to vacate. This will not be possible because of personal differences between us recently. Both of these tenants have moved out over the weekend. Will I be caught with all payments if they are gone over 30 days? I plan to attend a school in a different state and wish to be relieved of my part. Is there a way I can do this?
Asked on August 1, 2011 Virginia
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If you and the other two people signed a written lease for property with the landlord, all three of you are on the hook for the balance of the lease's term and monthly amount.
If you remain in the unit as a tenant, you are obligated for the full amount of the rent if the other two former tenants refuse to pay their respective shares of the rent.
Your options are: 1. ask the other two to come up with the maounts owed, 2. sublease the apartment to help defray the monthly shorftall in rent payments to the landlord, 3. pay entire monthly rent yourself, 4. contact landlord and see if he would end lease early.
Make sure that the written lease states all named tenants are on the hook for full amount or not. Potentially the lease might just say each tenant is reponsible for their own share. If so, you have an argument that you are responsible for only your stated amount on a monthly basis as rent.
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