I am from MN as well as one of my other roommates. They non-paying person is from WA. We all signed a lease last year to rent a house from our current landlords. The house we are renting is in ND. Both me and my roommate as well as my landlords received letter today informing us that the third person is not going to pay rent for the remainder of the lease. I guess I have a few questions. First off, is there anyway that we can get him to pay the remainder of the year? And if someone moves out are they responsible for finding a new person to take their spot on the lease or is it our responsibility? Thanks for the help.

Hello Dan:

You are partners (co-renters) with your roommates. If you decided that you would replace yourself if you moved out, then that's between you. There is no roommate law, only landlord/tenant law.

In any event, he is responsible for his share. If he doesn't pay, sue him. I'm assuming he's moved.

excon

If I were to sue him, could I sue him for the rent he will owe or just what he has not paid? We are on the lease until may. We have been trying to get him replaced by finding a new roommate and the soonest we could get someone is in January. So would I be able to get the money for up to that point or will I have to sue him after the whole lease situation is over with?

Hello again,

You cannot recover in court, that which you have not lost (yet).

excon