What to do if due to irreconcilable difference with my current roommate, I wish to terminate my lease?

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What to do if due to irreconcilable difference with my current roommate, I wish to terminate my lease?

She has violated the terms and conditions by allowing her boyfriend (not on the lease) to reside without contributing to rent for about 4 months. He also recently verbally threatened me. My roommate wishes to amend the lease (with approval from the landlord) to include him and require him to pay rent. I am not comfortable with this, and if I do not agree to the amendment, he will be there all the time regardless. Are these sufficient grounds to terminate my lease and relieve myself of the remaining rent?

Asked on December 8, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Tennessee

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

No, unfortunately these are not valid grounds to terminate your  lease. One tenant may not use a dispute with, or the behavior of, the other tenant as grounds to terminate the lease. The lease may only be terminated due to the landlord's wrongful actions--e.g. not providing habitable space, not providing all the space which you are paying for, etc. You have the right to refuse the lease amendment, but that will not enable you to terminate the lease.


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