If my roommate just left in the middle of a lease, would I be responsible for their half of the rent and bills?
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If my roommate just left in the middle of a lease, would I be responsible for their half of the rent and bills?
Asked on March 7, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Oklahoma
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, typically you would be resonsible for these amounts. When you sign a lease jointly with another person, for example, you are both potentially liable for the full amount of the rent--the landlord could look to either of you for the full rent, and may also evict the remaining roommate (you) if he or she does not get the full rent. You in turn would be able to take legal action against your roommate for the amounts he or she owes pursuant to either the lease that the two of you signed, or according to any other agreement between you for other costs (e.g. utilities).
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