Hello, I am currently renting a space for my business. I currently split all the business bills with another party and we are jointly responsible for the lease.

I recently had a falling out with this other party and do not want to continue the business relationship. How do I get out of my lease? There is a 3-month notice clause in the lease. What happens if I want out and the other party does not? Am I forced to remain there for the full lease term of three years? If not, is the other party responsible if I tell my landlord I want to give three month's notice?

Please help! Thanks.

Hello ny:

Residential landlord/tenant law does not apply. You'll be dealing with contract law...

Therefore, the answer to your question should reside in your lease, or in your partnership agreement with your "other party".

If neither agreement addresses the issue, and you BOTH signed the lease, it would be MY view that either one of you can void the lease.

I'd certainly ADOPT that view and let them sort it out.

I'd send your landlord a certified letter giving him three month notice. If your "other party" wants to re-rent the premises after you're gone, then that's up to him and your landlord.

excon

Thanks excon. Actually, there is no "partnership agreement" with the other party. The building expenses are shared, but each party operates their own business on the premises. Thanks for the advice.