I am on a lease agreement with 2 other roommates. Our lease ends on Jan 31,2011. However, I want my name off the lease asap. This is because I have already suffered due to their irresponsibility in some common matters. As per our lease agreement, the other roommates need to sign a release form that will release me from the lease agreement. Legally, can they refuse to release me ? If they do, what recourse do I have ? I do not want my name on the agreement since I do not want to be held responsible for any damages caused by them when the lease expires on Jan 31,2011. It would be great if anyone can offer suggestions as to how I can make them sign the papers ? For the record, I am based in California.

A lease is a contract and wanting out of one isn't simple. You can ask but they can refuse and the landlord has a say in this too, your contract is with him. Each of you is responsible for the other two as well as yourself. You could try to make an offer to them like forfeit your share of the deposit or two months rent but they do not have to let you out. Does your lease allow sub-leasing?

They may refuse and there is nothing you can do, you have a legal obligation