(Pennsylvania): I am listed as an occupant on a 1 year apartment lease with my boyfriend listed as the lease holder. We are 4 months into this lease and I want to know if I am legally obligated to pay the remaining balance of the lease if I move out.

I have a verbal agreement to pay it. When I move out (by the end of the month), I have suggested that I would pay 2 months of my portion of the rent (50%) and he could have my portion of the security deposit which is 50% as well. This would equate to 3 months rent and provide him with 60 days in which to find a roommate or make alternative arrangements.

While I feel morally bound to pay the full portion of my verbal agreement on the lease, I cannot afford to do so if I move out.

What are my legal rights in this situation? I want out but don't want legal issues.

Legally you are off the hook. You are simply an occupant and have no legal obligations under the lease.

Scott, you are certainly correct in regards to Cheri not having an obligation to the landlord. That being said what do you think about her verbal agreement with the Bf? Sounds like Cheri contributed to the rent and some of the security deposit too.

Well it would depend on the agreement with the boyfriend and why she is moving out.

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Originally Posted by Cheri9724

(Pennsylvania): I am listed as an occupant on a 1 year apartment lease with my boyfriend listed as the lease holder. We are 4 months into this lease and I want to know if I am legally obligated to pay the remaining balance of the lease if I move out.

I have a verbal agreement to pay it. When I move out (by the end of the month), I have suggested that I would pay 2 months of my portion of the rent (50%) and he could have my portion of the security deposit which is 50% as well. This would equate to 3 months rent and provide him with 60 days in which to find a roommate or make alternative arrangements.

While I feel morally bound to pay the full portion of my verbal agreement on the lease, I cannot afford to do so if I move out.

What are my legal rights in this situation? I want out but don't want legal issues.

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Breaking up with boyfriend. Yes I contribute 50% for everything... rent, security deposit and utilities.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

well it would depend on the agreement with the bf and why she is moving out.

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Verbal agreement was that I would not dump the 12 month lease on him if things didn't work out. I said I would live as a roommate if things didn't work out, however, I feel really uncomfortable and I'm concerned about his mental status and my safety.

Sometimes verbal agreements are held up in court, sometimes not if the two parties disagree on the wording. It sounds to be that you made a financial commitment for 12 months and now want out. Legally you may be liable for 50% until the lease ends but what does your ex say he expects/needs?

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Sometimes verbal agreements are held up in court, sometimes not if the two parties disagree on the wording. It sounds to be that you made a financial committment for 12 months and now want out. Legally you may be liable for 50% until the lease ends but what does your ex say he expects/needs?

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My ex expects and needs 50%. My ex is also a police officer which leads me to believe he'd probably win in court.

You are really between a rock and a hard place. I don't think I know enough about your ex to give you any further advice since you are worried about your safety. Cops don't win in court any more than any other profession, maybe even less. Hopefully yuou or he can find a new roommate, maybe another cop, who can take over 50%. Best of luck.

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

You are really between a rock and a hard place. I don't think I know enough about your ex to give you any further advice since you are worried about your safety. Cops don't win in court any more than any other profession, maybe even less. Hopefully yuou or he can find a new roomate, maybe another cop, who can take over 50%. Best of luck.

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Thank you all for your input! I appreciate it.