Roommate trying to walk out on lease, illegal?

Question

My roommates and I moved into our apartment 3 months ago, signing a 1 yr lease. One of them (we'll call her roommate A) moved here to Chicago for a job. Well...last month she irresponsibly quit that job.

We got into a minor argument today and she blew up saying that shes moving out. I left the house for about an hour... came home, and she's showing the apartment off to someone she's trying to get to take over her share of the rent/bills. My question- is this as illegal as I think it is? She can't just find someone to replace herself without mine or my other roomies consent? AND if she does try to leave Isn't she legally obligated, under our lease to pay her portion of the rent until myself and "Rommie B" find a suitable roomie?

Is there anything specified under Illinois Law that deals with these issues???

Answer 1

confront her tell here what she has to do (you the boss here) and if she refuses to coperate by not paying tell her you will sue for the money she owes  

Answer 2

You might want to get in touch with Illinois Legal Aid.  They will probably have a handbook for landlords and tenants.  Your landlord probably prohibits "subletting" the apartment by any of the tenants, so your roommate probably cannot just find someone to move in like that.  Unfortunately, all roommates are equally on the hook for the lease, so if she moves out, you'd have to sue her for her share of the lease.

Answer 3

.   Judge Judy says you can never rent an apartment unless you can afford it by yourself.  Otherwise you will be stuck with the lousy "replacement" tenant that your roommate is choosing.  

Make this your last "roommate" living arrangement. Illinois law allows her to do this.

Answer 4

If she leaves, you and your roomie have to pay the full rent to the landlord or you will all be evicted. You are "jointly and severally" (any one or all of you) on the hook for the rent.

She might be legally obligated to reimburse you for her share of the rent, but you'll have to take her to court to try to get it.

She can't just bring in a new person without the landlord's approval.