Q: Domestic Assault - Vacating Lease Question
I was involved in a pretty horrific domestic assault on 1/4/2021. My, now ex (who is facing criminal charges due to this) and I were on a lease together. However, due to Colorado law and domestic violence victims, I notified our landlord immediately with the protection order and vacated the home on 1/5/2021 and moved across the state. My ex contacted the our landlord and informed her that I owe for the rest of February's rent, which is about $900. He pays approximately $1600. We have no written agreement regarding who pays what each month, but am I responsible for this even though I let my landlord know about the domestic assault and left the home on 1/5/2021. I don't know why I would be responsible considering he is on the lease as well. Any help is appreciated.
A: I am sorry to hear about your situation. The statute allows for your release from the lease though you would still owe one month's rent. As for landlord collection, the landlord vies both people on the lease as being financially responsible and can seek to collect the rent from either person for that one-month period.
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