Will i owe if she doesn't pay?

Question

me and a friend are moving in together but i am only going to be with her temporarily this is her place and yes i will pay 1/2 the rent, but i am going on the lease as a occupant i am going to pay her my 1/2 but i just wanna be care full how i am put on this lease so i wont be liable if after i am gone she screws up. Just coz i work & over 21 does that make me liable

Answer 1

maxmom is correct.  When you both sign the lease you enter into a contract with the owners stating that you will pay a certain amount each month.  They don't care who pays as long as they get paid.  You will be joined at the wallet with this person and probably not find out they didn't pay until after they, and you, are getting calls from collectors.  I would see if you could not be on the lease and only pay her the half each month.  As a leaser  you could contact the owners every month to make sure that she has indeed paid if you are on the lease.  This gives you information but you will have to pony up the other half if she doesn't pay.  

In other words, you could wind up paying one-half there and full wherever you are currently living.

Answer 2

Because your name is on the lease you are liable.

Answer 3

if you are on the lease you are liable....nothing else matters...

Answer 4

If you are only there for a little while, don't go on the lease.  If you're on the lease, you are liable for ALL the rent until the end of the lease.  If she can't qualify as a tenant without you - walk away.

Answer 5

Sorry but to me this has "bad idea" written all over it, I mean going into a lease with someone you already admit "screws up" it just begging for trouble.  

Anyhow, if you go on the lease you will be responsible for it until the lease runs out.  So, I'd suggest that either you plan of staying there through the entire lease period or don't get into this deal.  If you leave and are still on the lease and she does not pay, then you both will be held liable and both be taken to court for payment of the rent (even if you no longer live there).

Answer 6

The best of friends fall out over business deals and MONEY. Thus, if you plan to stay with this person only temporarily, DO NOT put your name on the lease. Instead, do a side contract that you and the person will have notarized, indicating how long you will stay there with them. This notarized contract will indicate what your agreement per month for your 1/2 of this and that will be, and state clearly when you will be vacating said premises. This way, you can't be sued for those months that you were NOT a part of your friend's lease. This would be a very positive agreement for reasonable people who are NOT rich. I wish you continued success. Peace!!!