Do i need sign the apartment contract?

Question

If my friend is living in a two bed room apartment alone now and she has signed the contract, then I move with her,do I need sign the contract with the lease owner?

Because i guess maybe I will stay less than 5 moth,so I just want to pay my friend and ignore the contract. can I?

Thank you!

Answer 1

If you are not staying there for the duration of the lease, your name can be added to the lease for your own protection but your friend would be the one responsible for rent. It comes in handy should you ever need to get in or use some of the complex facilities that are only allowed for renters. On the other hand it may not be that necessary.  

Answer 2

Read the lease.  You may not be allowed to live there if your name is not on the lease.  If you are required to sign the lease and you don't, then your friend has broken the lease and could be evicted.  On the other hand, if the lease says nothing about additional people in the apartment, you should be okay.  Just remember to read the whole thing.

Answer 3

Yes you are!