Q: Can my roommate sue me for rent if I don't live there anymore but our lease isn't up?
I live in Massachusetts. I told my roommate about a month ago that I am leaving in mid May, but her new roommate isn't moving in until mid July and they want me to pay the rent until then. Our lease goes until November. What options do I have? What happens if I don't pay rent since I'm not living there? Can she or the landlord sue me?
A: It sounds like you might be breaching a contractual duty by moving out early and not paying what you owe. You may be sued for that for more than just the rent, including additional damages. Further, it sounds like an unethical move. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
