[sa226]

I used to live in Winnipeg and moved to Calgary at the beginning of November because of my Job. I had\have a lease on an apartment in Winnipeg.

Because nobody apparently wants to move at that time of year, I have been stuck paying for this apartment up until the end of January. I can't get rid of the stupid thing. A contract is a contract.

Last week I got a call that finally somebody would take over my lease, my three months of flushing money down the toilet was over. So I mailed the keys etc etc.

2 days later I got a call with some "good news and bad news, but I think you'll be okay with both"

The person who wanted the apartment, backed out. They didn't want it anymore. But because they signed the paperwork, they were on the hook for the place, and I was off the hook. The manager said they would process my damage deposit and that would be it.

Fast forward to this morning. There is a message on my phone from the building manager saying that the person who backed out didn't sign all of the paper work, so I am still responsible for February's rent and ultimately the apartment. She did assure me that they are still trying to rent the place and still trying to collect February rent from this other person who backed out. And politely asked me to forward February's rent at my earliest convenience.

So basically, what the hell do I do?

I have not embellished any of this story.

Keeping in mind that this has all been discussed over the phone, I am in Calgary. Apartment is in Winnipeg.

If I am still on the hook for February, why are they still trying to collect from this other guy?

How do they conveniently say he didn't sign ALL of the paper work?

I think I have a case here, but I don't have much of anything to back it up. All phone conversations.

Any advice or experience is appreciated.