In most cases, it is possible and easy to add someone to an existing lease if it's allowed by the landlord. However, the landlord will need to write a lease addendum or lease amendment to add new information to the lease that can protect all parties.
The roommate agreement is between roommates and doesn't involve the landlord, while a lease is between one or more roommates and the landlord. Roommate agreements are essential in situations where your roommate decides to move out while the lease is in effect.
Your landlord or property manager will likely ask you and your new roommate to sign a new lease agreement. Some landlords may allow a modification of your existing lease agreement or a lease amendment, but most prefer to use a new lease.
How to write a roommate agreement Names of both tenants. The property address. The dates the lease begins and ends. The amount of rent each person pays. Who pays for utilities. Who pays the security deposit. Which bedroom each person occupies. Who buys food, or if you're each buying your own food.
In most cases, it is possible and easy to add someone to an existing lease if it's allowed by the landlord. However, the landlord will need to write a lease addendum or lease amendment to add new information to the lease that can protect all parties.
When a tenant has more than one roommate, typically all roommates are listed on a single lease as co-tenants. This means that all roommates are equally responsible for the terms of the lease, including paying rent and following the rules.
Most leases prohibit people not listed on the lease living there. The landlord may or may not be willing to add your girlfriend to the lease but without her being on the lease while still living there, you are probably in breach of your lease and presumably are subject to being evicted if she does not leave.
Yes, you can't just remove yourself unless the landlord chooses to let you. You can terminate the lease, and the landlord can sign a new lease with your roommate and any new tenant that moves in.
What happens if one or more, but not all, tenants move out early? In most cases, all tenants are responsible for the entire term, or time period, of the lease unless the landlord and other tenants agree otherwise in writing.