Question about shared accomodations in renting

[Jets4Life]

hey all,

I have a rather simple question about renting an apartment with another person. My girlfriend and I rented a one bedroom suite a couple of months ago. However, it looks like the relationship is ending. My question is if we each have signed our name to the lease agreement, and one partner takes off and leaves the other to pay for the entire amount, can you demand that the partner that is planning on vacating the suite pay 1/2 the amount of the rent (as per the original lease agreement) until the suite's lease either ends or the landlord gives permission to sublet. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[REDVAN]

Originally Posted by fotze

You can see why that relationship ended.

Truer words have never been spoken by you.

As per the original question-

yes both parties are responsible for the rent. If all parties to the rental agreement (if I understand correctly, that's you, your (soon to be ex) gf, and the landlord) can agree to dissolve the agreement, then the person who is staying at the rental property can re-sign with the landlord to a single-name on the lease. OR, if the person staying at the place can cover the rent and doesn't want to be an a-hole, then that's that. The landlord really just wants their money, they don't care who gives it to them.

So, if you are the person leaving: yes you are responsible for the rent. If your ex-gf pays NONE of it, the landlord can take you both to court to get the rent.

If your ex-gf is the one leaving, then yes she can be responsible for the rent, should you not all agree to dissolve the lease agreement.

My personal opinion is that whoever stays should just pay then rent and don't fight about it- it certainly won't help the rest of the break-up go smoothly. I am speaking from personal experience- I had a lease with a girl, and we agreed with the landlord to dissolve it and I still live there and am responsible for the entire rent.

On the other hand, too, this will be a valuable lesson. NEVER sign a lease with more than one name on it. Just have yourself identified as an "additional approved occupant" and it's all good.

edit: I see you're in Manitoba? My experience and "knowledge" is from Alberta, so I'm not 100% certain if it's the same for you there.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

Truer words have never been spoken by you.

As per the original question-

yes both parties are responsible for the rent. If all parties to the rental agreement (if I understand correctly, that's you, your (soon to be ex) gf, and the landlord) can agree to dissolve the agreement, then the person who is staying at the rental property can re-sign with the landlord to a single-name on the lease. OR, if the person staying at the place can cover the rent and doesn't want to be an a-hole, then that's that. The landlord really just wants their money, they don't care who gives it to them.

So, if you are the person leaving: yes you are responsible for the rent. If your ex-gf pays NONE of it, the landlord can take you both to court to get the rent.

If your ex-gf is the one leaving, then yes she can be responsible for the rent, should you not all agree to dissolve the lease agreement.

My personal opinion is that whoever stays should just pay then rent and don't fight about it- it certainly won't help the rest of the break-up go smoothly. I am speaking from personal experience- I had a lease with a girl, and we agreed with the landlord to dissolve it and I still live there and am responsible for the entire rent.

On the other hand, too, this will be a valuable lesson. NEVER sign a lease with more than one name on it. Just have yourself identified as an "additional approved occupant" and it's all good.

edit: I see you're in Manitoba? My experience and "knowledge" is from Alberta, so I'm not 100% certain if it's the same for you there.

In my experience very few landlords are going to go for that, they want as many names on the lease as their are occupants as it gives them additional parties to hold responsible.