Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Connecticut
Joint lease - abusive flatmate
A former work colleague and I signed a joint lease on an apartment in September 2002 for 12 months and paid a deposit of $960 each. My flatmate has turned into a different person and recently demanded that I move out so one of her friends could move in - I agreed on the premise that she accepted full responsibility for the rent for the rest of the agreement (taking over my payments), and to have her new flatmate pay a deposit in order that my deposit would be returned, to which she agreed. However, as soon as I moved my belongings out she has locked the apartment and stated I am still responsible for half of the rent, and will not allow me back into the building; also she has threatened me physically over this issue.
I am paying rent elsewhere at the moment and my flatmate has gone back on our verbal agreement - the landlord is saying he can't do anything, but the fact that I have been physically threatened (and it was witnessed) should hopefully help legally, as I cannot go back for the risk of being attacked. Where do I stand legally on this matter? I am paying rent for a property I can't access and am intimidated to the point where if I was to get in I fear being physically attacked. Any help would be great, thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Joint lease - abusive flatmate
Between you and the Landlord you are responsible for the terms of the lease. However, you have a good case against her for being responsible for the entire rent. Both of you agreed that you would move out and she or her new co-tenant would be resposible. You carried out your end of the bargain and she did not. She, also, barred you from entering the apartment and threatened you if you did. I would stop paying the rent to the her landlord, but you may be held responsible later by the landlord, if she refuses to pay. You could also loose your portion of the deposit; then, you would have to sue her to try to get your money back. Tom Noonan
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