I am five months into a year-long lease. My friend chose the place, paid the deposit & agreed to be responsible for paying the rent. He was trying to help me obtain credit, as I am only 19 and didn't have any credit at all at the time of my moving in, so we put it in my name, and he co-signed. He recently passed away & I cannot afford the apartment myself. I tried finding someone who wanted to move in & take over rent, but to no avail. Now I know the remainder of my lease is a very small percentage of his Estate, but was wondering how this would affect my credit score if they do turn to his Estate & deduct it from there... I am very confused how this will work & want to avoid negative comments on my credit report. I live in Michigan, if that helps answer the question, I know laws are different depending on state. The rent has never been late & is still paid to date... Please help!

I am five months into a year-long lease. My friend chose the place, paid the deposit & agreed to be responsible for paying the rent. He was trying to help me obtain credit, as I am only 19 and didn't have any credit at all at the time of my moving in, so we put it in my name, and he co-signed. He recently passed away & I cannot afford the apartment myself. I tried finding someone who wanted to move in & take over rent, but to no avail. Now I know the remainder of my lease is a very small percentage of his Estate, but was wondering how this would affect my credit score if they do turn to his Estate & deduct it from there... I am very confused how this will work & want to avoid negative comments on my credit report. I live in Michigan, if that helps answer the question, I know laws are different depending on state. The rent has never been late & is still paid to date... Please help!

He's dead... you aren't. They are not going after his estate for any debt that occurs after his death, they are coming after you, and it WILL reflect on your credit history.. His liability ended at his death... only debts incurred by him before he passed away could be atached to his estate, not those that happened afterwards... such as rent.

The only way you are going to avoid negative reports on your credit history is to find a roommate.. or get a second job to keep the rent paid on time.

Yep, Smoothy covered it all. His legal obligation does not continue after death and cause the estate to pay.