What will happen with my room mate moving out?

Question

My room mate is moving out this week. I've known for a few months and am totally fine with taking over the rent on my own. I'm excited to not share! So because of this it didn't even cross our minds to tell the landlord. Now that she has an exact move out date, we told the landlord about it so she can put the elevator on service for us. But she said that my room mate can't just move out like that and we have to call the head office. She's going to call later today. But now I'm nervous. Will they give us any trouble? Is there anything they can do legally?

Some more details - We've lived there for over two years. When our second year lease was up and we renewed for another year, I'm pretty sure my room mate didn't even sign it. I think I just signed it and handed it in. So we could use that as ammo if they cause trouble I guess.

D.E.B.S. · Accepted Answer

The landlord can't NOT let someone move out.  What they CAN do is not take them off the lease and make them continue to be financially responsible along with you.  That's a fine deal for you but not so much for your roommate who is leaving no matter how much trust there is.

The landlord will want to see that you qualify to pay for the rent on your own prior to granting anything.  If you are in rent control, then this may trigger the ability for them to raise the rent.

One last thing, you want to protect yourself when it comes time for you to move out.  If there is any damage you think might be deducted from the deposit when you vacate then deal with it now with your roommate.  If you don't, it will all be on you in the end.

babyboomer1001 · Answer

Your roommate is still bound by the lease she signed.  Generally, 30 or 60 days before expiration, she should give notice.  Since she is moving out now, she should give notice of not renewing.  It may mean nothing if you continue to pay the rent and everything goes smoothly.

coraann · Answer

No,that will not have any importance in a tenant moving out before the lease is up.
There could be a penalty and a forfeiture of deposit money and or damage costs.

sunshine_mel · Answer

Your room mate would have needed to give at least one full month's written notice to the landlord - the same week is not sufficient

So you will both be liable for the rent, irrelevant of whether she's there or not

linkus86 · Answer

There is no need for ammo.  The property manager is just confused on what is and isn't allowed.  Your roommate is free to move out, just as you are.  Signing a lease doesn't require you to use the property, just to pay for it.

Ti · Answer

If both your names are on the lease, your roommate does not need to give notice at all. She will still be responsible for unpaid and damages until you either vacate the apartment or sign a new lease.

tro · Answer

depends on who signed the lease, if  in the renewal of the expired lease you both signed at that time and only you signed the new one, your roommate is not even on the lease any more
the landlord can complain all they want but if you are the only one on the current lease it is entirely up to you, the roommate was just that, a roommate to you, paid the rent to you and you were notified of  the intent to vacate

realtor.sailor · Answer

Your landlord can't stop her from moving out but she won't be relieved of her liability for the rent.

Maxi · Answer

Maybe you didn't tell them you will be paying 'her share' so they are still getting the full rent, so it shouldn't matter.......... I think if you make it clear she is going however it changes nothing as you are paying the rent as before ( yours and hers)

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What will happen with my room mate moving out?

9 Answers