Breaking "roommate agreement"

[russell1905]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania
I have a question concerning tenant/landlady responsibilities. My wife and I
are currently renting a house. Instead of a traditional lease, our landlady
had us sign a one year "roommate agreement". Though the term of the agreement
is for one year, we are 6 months into it and my wife and I have finally found
a home we can afford. There is nothing written into the agreement concerning
how to end it early or if there are consequences for doing so. We have tried
to contact our landlady about the matter but as of yet have not heard back
from her. Are there rules governing how we can proceed? Unfortunately, we do
not have an amicable relationship with her and are concerned that she will
make the process unnecessairly difficult. Any advice you can provide will be
greatly appreciated.

 

[treese]

Instead of a traditional lease, our landlady
had us sign a one year "roommate agreement". Though the term of the agreement
is for one year, we are 6 months into it and my wife and I have finally found
a home we can afford. There is nothing written into the agreement concerning
how to end it early or if there are consequences for doing so.

There is nothing written in the agreement because you are expected to fulfill your lease obligation.

Are there rules governing how we can proceed?

You can be held liable for rent until the lease ends or a replacement tenant is found as well as any costs (ex: advertising costs) the LL may incur due to your breach.

The LL has an obligation to mitigate her damages. She must attempt to find a tenant to replace you. She cannot just collect rent from you for the remainder of the term without making any attempt to find another tenant.

Unfortunately, we do not have an amicable relationship with her and are concerned that she will make the process unnecessairly difficult.

She can and very well may. You signed a one year lease and now want out. You need to realize that by letting you out, she would be doing you a favor.

Any advice you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Your best bet would be to negotiate a lease buyout or termination. Offer her $$$ to release you from any further liability. If you can come to an agreement, get it in writing.