I moved into a house with some friends after a guy they were living with had to move out. When I went up to the leasing office they added me on to it and dated it for Jan 5 this year. About a week ago they sent me a letter telling me I owed them the previous guys rent from Dec and Nov of last year and all the late fees that went along with it. They did not tell me about the unpaid rent before I signed and was wondering if it is even legal under Georgia Law for them to do this? I know since it is a joint lease that they can hold the roommates responsible, but I didn't sign up until after fact. The only thing the lease has written about the situation is "Any assignment or subletting hereunder shall not relieve original tinant of any liability or obligation, including, without limitation, the payment of ret, additional rent and other sums, under this lease. Any consent by landlord to any assignment or subletting shall not constitute a novation (<- that is their spelling), nor be a waiver of landlord's right to grant consent for or refuse consent to any subsequent assignment or subletting hereunder." It sounds like I am in the right but if anyone could clarify it would be great.

As long as you weren't living there before Jan. 5th, you are not responsible for any rent or late fees prior to that date. You are only responsible for rent and other charges as of the date you moved in, or the date of the lease, whichever is earlier. The language you quoted merely means that the former tenant is responsible for any charges that may not be paid by someone he assigns or sublets to. It has nothing to do with your current situation.

As long as you weren't living there before Jan. 5th, you are not responsible for any rent or late fees prior to that date. You are only responsible for rent and other charges as of the date you moved in, or the date of the lease, whichever is earlier. The language you quoted merely means that the former tenant is responsible for any charges that may not be paid by someone he assigns or sublets to. It has nothing to do with your current situation.


I agree with the answer given.