Which tenant(s) are responsible for finding new housemate?

[Krisba]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Massachusetts

This is more of a tenant-tenant legal issue, I think. I live with two other people and we are all co-signors of our lease. One housemate needs to break her lease because she has bought a condo. We started looking to replace her about two months before she is due to move out (1/1/09).

The first problem occurred when we had to decline one interested party, because the other remaining tenant refuses to live with a man and was too old. No other party has expressed interest in taking the room. Our second problem is that the person leaving the apartment claims to have done her part (found someone to replace her) and wants to charge us each a third of her rent if we don't replace her by 1/1/09.

Do I accept the guy who was interested despite my other housemate? Can the housemate who is staying protest that legally? Can the housemate who is leaving charge us a portion of her rent, legally?

basically, how far does the housemate who is leaving have to go to fill her spot?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Who's Liable?]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Massachusetts

This is more of a tenant-tenant legal issue, I think. I live with two other people and we are all co-signors of our lease. One housemate needs to break her lease because she has bought a condo. We started looking to replace her about two months before she is due to move out (1/1/09).

The first problem occurred when we had to decline one interested party, because the other remaining tenant refuses to live with a man and was too old. No other party has expressed interest in taking the room. Our second problem is that the person leaving the apartment claims to have done her part (found someone to replace her) and wants to charge us each a third of her rent if we don't replace her by 1/1/09.

She si incorrect. You do NOT have to accept someone whom you do not feel comfortable living with. She needs to continue the search until a suitable replacement which ALL SIGNED PARTIES can agree too.

Can the housemate who is leaving charge us a portion of her rent, legally?

No, she has no authority to charge you rent, only your LL does.

basically, how far does the housemate who is leaving have to go to fill her spot?

Until a suitable replacement is found.

 

[Krisba]

Thanks for your help!