Roomate won't leave or let me out of lease!

[StuckinNC]

My boyfriend (ex now) and I are joint tenants in a lease of an apartment in NC until November. I want out NOW - he has been physically abusive. If I could choose, I would like to keep the apartment and have him leave. Were this not an option, I would find another place to live. (I have a 5 year old son that I share custody of (not this idiot's child!))
Either way, I do not wish to continue living with this person, but he refuses to sign me off the lease, knowing the financial position he is putting me in. He is currently unemployed - I am paying his portion of the rent/bills anyway. I do have a signed, notarized contract with him agreeing to release me from the lease should he not pay his portion - will this help at all or is it useless? Do I have any chance of getting out of this without spending a fortune?? Please help!!! Thanks!!

 

[Tracey]

If he's been physically abusive, go to court and get a restraining order that prevents him from haveing any contact with you or from living in the apartment. Take along the agreement regarding the release, & proof that he's not paying his portion of the bills. Phone the local battered women's hotline for assistance in obtaining the restraining order. Make sure you get his keys & arrange for a police standby when he picks up his stuff.

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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws.