My son signed a lease for a house at school. He signed it in October, because they offered him the opportunity to stay there over the summer if signed early. He is not returning to school and the owner says he is responsible for his end of the lease. He was 20 years old when he signed it; we did not sign anything; he doesn't have any money. No paper work was given to him. The paper just had the list of students names who would share the house. Does this owner have a case? Or can my son get out of paying?

ANY question on law needs to include your general locale as laws vary by area.

In most areas 18 is the age of majority and anyone over 18 can legally sign and be held responsible for a contract.

The fact that no paper work was given to him is not relevant; it is his job to get a copy of anything he signs, as fast as possible.

Assuming it is in most areas , the age to make a legal contract is 18, he agreed to pay, and has to pay until they find someone to replace his rental.

So yes he is obligated to pay. In some areas ( like Florida) the landlord does not even have to try to replace him as a renter.

This is going to be an expensive lesson for him to have learned. To consider future before committing.

The area in question is Bloomsberg, PA

In Pa you can sign a binding contract at 18