My roommate is on the lease, I'm not. They're moving out. Am I screwed?
CAnewleaf20261 month ago
Been here a year. Only my roommate is on the lease. They told the landlord they're leaving. Do I get kicked out?
Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.
1 reply
✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
Depends. If you've been paying rent (or part of it) directly to the landlord, accepted in writing or by their conduct, you may have become a tenant by acquiescence even without signing. If all payments went through your roommate, you're more vulnerable. Your best move: ask the landlord NOW whether they'll add you to the lease in your roommate's place. Bring proof of on-time rent contributions, employment, no history of trouble. If they refuse and you've established occupancy, an attorney can help you defend any eviction action. Don't wait for the notice.
More conversations about this topic
Around the case
Other things people in your situation usually need to handle. Some are paid partners; some are free community resources — labeled clearly.
🤝 Community resource · We don't earn from this
211 · Local assistance
Local food, housing, childcare aid · Free · 24/7
A single phone number (or website) that routes you to local programs in any US state — food, housing, childcare, utility help, and more. Free and confidential.
Dial 211 →✦ Sponsored partner
MoveRescue Movers
Same-day moving · $120–$220 / hour
Local family-court-aware movers for restraining-order moves and post-eviction relocations. Discreet and licensed.
Request a crew →🤝 Community resource · We don't earn from this
LSC · Find local legal aid
Legal-aid directory · Free · income-qualified
Legal Services Corporation directory of every nonprofit legal-aid program in the US. Most provide free representation for income-qualified clients.
Find your local office →Add your reply
Share what helped you. Be kind — and remember this is your experience, not legal advice.
Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.