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Last year, some buddies of mine had an apartment with an empty spot to fill because one of their roommates backed out for financial reasons. Their lease began in August, for a period of one year.
I lived in the same building, different unit. I'd been living in that apartment for two years, but I wanted to move out (didn't know the new people on the lease), so I was looking for a place to stay temporarily. I told my buddies I could move in with them. They said OK. I let them know that it would be a short-term thing, and that I would move out probably around end of 2014, early 2015. They said OK.
I moved in. I did not put down a security deposit. I did not sign a lease, but I did let the landlord know I was moving to the new unit. I pay the rent directly to her.
I want to move out by the end of February. I let my roommates know online. They said OK. I let them know in person. They said OK.
Do I have any legal responsibilities? I've been trying to find a replacement roommate to fill the gap, but if I end up not finding one (I already got one person veto'd even though he was willing to move in ASAP), do I risk the possibility of being sued for backrent?
Thank you for any of your input. I really appreciate it.
Last edited by andrewgrace; 01-15-2015 at 11:13 PM..
Reason: added in a detail that may be important
Sounds like you basically have a month-to-month agreement. If you are not on a written lease, then the default is a month-to-month agreement. In that case, you have to give 1 month's notice, which you did.
Your only possible liability would come from your previous place, it that's not settled, or if you move out and there are charges for damages from what you've done, IMO.
My remaining roommates keep telling me that they don't have time to look for a new roommate, so I feel guilty over leaving them in the lurch (which I am not trying to do), and then I get to thinking that I actually owe them something, but glad to know that it sounds OK...
You're giving them way more notice than you need to. Don't let them guilt you. Sounds like you've been very fair and responsible. If they're too lazy to find a replacement, that's on them. IMO. Best wishes to you :-)
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