Boston, MA - Roommate trying to break lease

[feagirk]

I have a roommate now that wants me to sign him off the lease, he just bought a condo. I currently have not been able to find another roommate yet to take over his part of the rent. He has still not moved his stuff out as of December 1st and told him today that until I find another roommate (he has not assisted me at all in finding anyone else, I am doing all the work and have been posting like crazy trying to find someone, but have only gotten two people to even respond), I was holding him responsible for his half and would not sign off. Today I paid my half of December's rent and was wondering what the legal responsibilities were on his part. He told me that he would not pay.

I was told by the leasing agents in my building that we would both be held responsible for our rent even if I paid my part. After 14 days, they would send us a notice about eviction. What can I do to collect the money from him?

You will have to pay his half to the LL in order to avoid eviction. Then sue the roommate in small claims court for his share of the rent. He is on the lease as being repsonsibe for this debt.