Roommate Rent Responsibility Explained

Summary

In Virginia, if roommates have a joint lease, all tenants are equally responsible for the full rent. If one roommate leaves, the remaining tenants must still pay the entire rent. The landlord can sue the remaining tenants for any unpaid rent. Additionally, you can sue the roommate who left for their share of the rent. If rent remains unpaid, the landlord may evict all tenants, regardless of who failed to pay. You may also sue the current roommate if they are not paying their agreed share.

Full Conversation

I had a couple roommate in my house one room mate broken off and left and the other roommate legally binded to have all the rent paid or just a portion of the rent they had a joint lease
Hello ****, in many jurisdictions, if roommates have a joint lease and one leaves, the remaining roommate is usually liable for the full rent. However, laws can vary. Can you please share your location so I can provide more specific information?
Sterling VA
Hello ****, in Virginia:
- Joint lease means all tenants are equally responsible for rent.
- If one tenant leaves, remaining tenants still have to pay full rent.
- Landlords can sue remaining tenants for unpaid rent.
- You can potentially sue the roommate who left for their share.
The roommate who left hasn't paid her share of the rent and the roommate who is here still only paid half of the rent
In Virginia, if rent is unpaid:
- The landlord may evict all tenants regardless of who didn't pay.
- You can sue the roommate who left for their portion.
- You may also sue the current roommate if they are not paying their agreed share.