Can my landlord go solely after me for remaining balanceof our lease if 3 of us are on it?
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Can my landlord go solely after me for remaining balanceof our lease if 3 of us are on it?
I moved out and my roomates stayed but years later I’m now getting sued for the full balance of what was owed.
Asked on September 19, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Michigan
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
A lease is a contract that cannot just simply be broken. If you moved out but remained on it, then you were still liable for the rent payments, etc. The reason is that when a lease is signed all tenants become legally responsible for it. This is known as "joint and several liability". Therefore, if a tenant doesn't pay their share of the rent any of the other tenant(s), either individually or collectively, are liable for it.
However, you may be entitled to reimbursement for any money that you are out-of-pocket as a result of this. If too much time has not passed, you can sue the offending roommate(s) in small claims court for reimbursement.
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