If a roommate moves out early, are they still responsible for paying for the utilities?
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If a roommate moves out early, are they still responsible for paying for the utilities?
My name is on a lease with roommate. She made our living situation unbearable. I moved home. I am still paying for my lease but she wants payment for the utilities until the end of the lease. I am not living there and my name is not on any of the utilities. She wants to sue in small claims court. Would a judge rule in her favor? Also, there is no roommate agreement.
Asked on December 27, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Georgia
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If there is no roommate agreement between you and your former roommate for the unit you were renting where you are paying on the lease for the unit but not on the utility bill under the master lease with the landlord, you are still responsible for the utility bill even though you are not residing in the unit.
I suggest that the best way to minimize the amount that you are paying on your former unit is to try and sublease the balance of your term under the lease to a third person.
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