Protecting myself when I move out early and leave roommates behind (apartment, lease agreement)
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I currently live with my now ex-boyfriend and two other roommates. We are all on the lease together, and it ends at the end of September. I will be moving out now that my ex and I are broken up. I am not concerned about them paying the rent, and if that was the only issue I wouldn't even bother doing anything about it honestly, but I want to make sure I protect myself in terms of liability. I am more concerned about them burning the place down accidentally and having someone come after me or something.
Do I need to make sure a new lease is signed without me on it? Or as long as I have a record of me notifying the owner that I will be moving out with my roommates assuming the responsibility of the full rent (and him accepting it) am I ok?
I'm not worried about breaking the terms of the lease. I don't anticipate any problem with that when he's getting his rent either way, but I want to protect myself legally in case anything happens to the house between now and the end of the existing lease.
I'm in VA in an apartment in a house where the owner resides, if that matters.
Contact your landlord and ask him how he wants to do it.
Even if this is the first time it won't be the last time this will happen to him...
so he should have a protocol in mind that allows you to do what you need and still protects his interests which might mean he asks EVERYONE to get out or to re-apply etc.
But the bottom line is that you are still obligated under the lease terms even if you move out...
The bottom line is that you're a leaseholder in common with the other tenants and thus you all are jointly and severally responsible to abide by all the terms of the lease agreement until it ends.
I suggest you talk to your landlord and ask that your name be removed from the lease. It sounds as though your room-mates are agreeable to that but it has to be set down in writing and notarized so that you're off the hook. Hope that helps.
Did you pay part of the deposit? What are your plans for refund when all roommates eventually vacate? This needs to be addressed as well in your plans. Definitely talk to your landlord and see what his policy is then get that in writing before you move out.
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