How to Get Out of a Lease if You Have a Roommate

You and your roommate can separate amicably.

Breaking a lease can be difficult. It can be even more difficult when you have a roommate, and you have to consider his living situation as well as your own. Fortunately, there is a proper way to break a lease with your roommate, and in the process, preserve your friendship.

Instructions

1. Discuss ending your lease with your landlord. Your landlord may allow you to sublet your living space or allow your current roommate to select a new roommate in your place. Inquire about ending your lease altogether, should your roommate choose to leave as well when you break the lease.

2. Discuss your desire to end your lease with your roommate. Explain the options that your landlord has approved and any consequences of each decision, such as the landlord having to meet a new possible tenant, or you owing fees for early termination of the lease.

3. Pay your rent for at least one additional month after deciding to move out, to give your roommate time to transition into a new living situation.

4. Pay any fees incurred for early termination of a lease, early cancellation for television or Internet service, and other other expenses that would not be incurred if the lease were not terminated ahead of schedule. Do not make your roommate pay money for a decision that you made.

5. Make decisions about who will keep any shared furniture or appliances. Be fair when choosing who will take each item, and keep in mind that you are forcing your roommate to possibly incur purchasing expenses that that person would not have to otherwise incur at the present time.

6. Discuss the final decision about your lease with your landlord. If you leave the home but your roommate stays, request that the landlord complete an inspection right after your departure. This way, if any money will be taken out of your security deposits for damages, you will split the cost, rather than forcing the cost on your roommate when your roommate terminates the lease. Also discuss the next steps for your security deposit. You may have to leave your security deposit for the duration of the original lease period, or your roommate may have to put down additional money since you will be taking your money back.

References

• Nolo: What to do When a Roommate Leaves