What options do I have if my fellow apartment tenant cannot pay their half of the rent?
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What options do I have if my fellow apartment tenant cannot pay their half of the rent?
Asked on November 27, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If the landlord does not get all the rent--regardless of which tenant pays how much--you will be in breach of the lease and may be evicted. So if you do not want to face eviction, the possible loss of some or all of your security deposit (to pay unpaid rent), possibly being sued by the landlord for any amounts you may end up owing through nonpayment, and potential damage to your credit and rental histories, you have to make sure the landord gets the full rent, even if you have to pay it yourself.
You may, however, sue your roommate for his or her share of the rent, to recover what the roommate should be paying from him or her.
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