Los Angeles, CA asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for California

Q: Is there a contract I can create that removes my financial responsibility for repayment agreement that a co-signer owes?

I was a “roommate” co-signer on an apartment with a couple who weren’t able to qualify in their own. I have not lived at the apartment and was never given a pair of keys to the premises. 4+ years later the couple has not been able to pay rent and the property management is considering eviction and collections unless they are able to move out 10 days from now. Is there a contract I can have the couple sign that would relinquish my financial liability to pay any money owed to the property management?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: You are likely on the hook; however, if you can show that the current agreement amongst the landlord and the tenants is a new one (and one that you are not involved in), you may be able to claim that there was a contract novation.

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.