Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington

Roommates abandoning lease

My roommates are talking about moving out of our apartment, even though we are under lease until June. However, I am not interested in moving out of the apartment, and they claim that if they give proper notice (1 month) to me it will be my responsibility to find subletters to pay for their remaining portion of the lease.

I was curious if this is possible if they have both signed the lease, or if they would be responsible for the remainder of the lease? Thanks.


Asked on 3/01/02, 2:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Andrew Hay Hay Law Firm

Re: Roommates abandoning lease

Generally, each party to the lease remains responsible for their obligations for the entire term of the lease. Unless you had some separate arrangement with the roomates where you agreed they could get out with a month's notice, they remain fully responsible for the lease.

As with most legal opinions, there may be something about your particular situation that would lead me to a different conclusion if I heard all the facts. Still, I recommend you stand firm in telling these individuals they will remain responsible to you for their full share of the lease payments for the entir term of the lease.

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Answered on 3/04/02, 12:26 pm


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