Nolo Logo Lawyer Directory Newsletter Nolo Now: Nolo's Online Document Service Blogs Cart
TENANT ISSUES WITH ROOMMATES
Judge Joe Brown ad

Renting With Others

When two or more people simultaneously sign the same rental agreement or lease, they are cotenants and share the same legal rights and responsibilities. However, there's a special twist. One cotenant's negative behavior -- not paying the rent, for example -- can affect everyone's tenancy. And if a friend moves in without permission, it can spell trouble with the landlord. Here's a summary of the legal rules affecting roommates.

> more

Must I leave my security deposit with my college apartment-mates?

I share an apartment with three other students. I'm graduating, but the others are staying on a year. My problem is with the security deposit. We each paid $400 (a month's rent). The new roommate won't buy me out -- he's afraid of being charged for old damage. The landlord won't do an inspection with only me moving. Am I stuck playing wait and see?

> more

Can my roommate evict me?

I feel that I am being wrongly evicted from our apartment by another roommate who claims to be the only one on the lease. I'm pretty sure I signed it, too, but I can't remember. We moved in together and we've lived here for the last year and a half.

> more
Make a legally valid will online.
Every Tenant's Legal Guide
Every Tenant's Legal Guide
Book / $27.99
eBook / $23.99

Renters' Rights
Renters' Rights: The Basics
Book / $20.99
eBook / $16.99

California Tenants' Rights
California Tenants' Rights
Book / $21.99
eBook / $17.99

Nolo New Editions