If you and a roommate signed the same lease, you are usually each responsible for the whole rent. A roommate leaving does not automatically reduce what you owe the landlord.
Joint and several liability
Most leases make each tenant liable for the full rent and damages. The landlord can ask any one tenant to pay the entire amount. You may then try to collect your roommate's share from them.
Options
- Find a replacement roommate and ask the landlord for approval.
- Ask the landlord to add the new person to the lease or release the departing roommate.
- Negotiate a new lease in your name only if you qualify.
- Sublet with permission.
- Break the lease if you cannot afford it, understanding the costs.
Collecting from the roommate
- Keep records of payments you made for them.
- Send a written demand.
- File in small claims court if necessary.
- Check any roommate agreement for terms.
Protect yourself
Get changes in writing from the landlord. A roommate agreement helps, but it does not bind the landlord. See our guides on roommate agreements and subletting.
Frequently asked questions
What if my roommate was not on the lease?
They may owe you under your arrangement, but the landlord looks to the tenants on the lease.
Does a deposit return change?
It depends on whether you stay and how the deposit is handled.