Early Lease Termination: State of Virginia

[MKS]

I recently moved out of a living situation where I was sharing a single family home with two other tenants.

I have already moved and vacated the property due to circumstances which could be deemed abusive. As both of my co-tenants are young men whom I also work at the same company with, I do not wish to take them to court to press charges. However, I would like to pursue the option of the landlord holding the two of them completely accountable for the entire portion of the rent. I moved out two months ago, and have been paying a third of the total amount of the rent, with the two of them paying their thirds, respectively.

I am just trying to gather some information regarding early lease termination in the state of Virginia and how I could go about this without making it a huge court case...is that even an option?

Thanks.

[sandyclaus]

Originally Posted by MKS I recently moved out of a living situation where I was sharing a single family home with two other tenants. I have already moved and vacated the property due to circumstances which could be deemed abusive. As both of my co-tenants are young men whom I also work at the same company with, I do not wish to take them to court to press charges. However, I would like to pursue the option of the landlord holding the two of them completely accountable for the entire portion of the rent. I moved out two months ago, and have been paying a third of the total amount of the rent, with the two of them paying their thirds, respectively. I am just trying to gather some information regarding early lease termination in the state of Virginia and how I could go about this without making it a huge court case...is that even an option? Thanks.

You don't have an option to force the remaining 2 tenants to pay for your rent.

You made a choice to live with these 2 other people and I assume you all 3 share the lease on the rental. When you decided to vacate, for whatever reason, you did not release yourself from the obligation of paying a share of rent. Only an agreement between you and the LL & remaining tenants can do that. You can REQUEST a release, but they must all agree to it. Otherwise all 3 of you remain fully liable for payment of rent and damages to the property until the end of the lease or it is vacated by all.