Hillsboro, OR asked in Landlord - Tenant for Oregon

Q: Moved into apt with roommate. 2 months into one year lease agreement, roomate, due to mental issues is now abandoning

Apt to go live with family. Are they still responsible for their half of rent? Can property go after them for rent? Will they evict me if I can't pay their half?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Gregory L Abbott
Gregory L Abbott
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Portland, OR
  • Licensed in Oregon

A: Yes, the tenant that abandoned the tenancy most likely continues to be liable for the rent, along with you if you both co-signed the lease. Understand in that situation, the landlord has their choice of whom to try to collect the rent from - all from him; all from you; some from each, however he can collect. To the extent you pay part of "his" rent, you likely have claims against him to be reimbursed. Also realize that if the other roommate abandoned the tenancy, you both are likely in breach of your mutual rental agreement and the landlord is free to evict you right now, regardless of rent being paid, if he so wishes. So you may wish to try to enter into a new rental agreement with the landlord that does not include your now departed ex-roommate. Good luck.

1 user found this answer helpful

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