Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois

Co-signed 3 month lease. Lease up! Am I still responsible?

We co-signed a 3 month lease with my brother in law and paid for 3 months and 1 month security up front. At the end of the 3 month lease (Jan. 2002) Landlord contacted me and asked if brother-in-law would be financially responsible to continue to live there. I told her that he was working and making a fair amount of money. She implied she was signing new lease with him. Now (Oct.) I have recieved a phone call and letter stating that I am still responsible because she choose to ''renew lease for one year to Jan., 2003'' and he is behind in rent. I did not sign a new lease. I did not recieve any written notice that lease was ''renewed''. Am I responsible?


Asked on 10/30/02, 10:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Shestokas Shestokas, & Associates

Re: Co-signed 3 month lease. Lease up! Am I still responsible?

If you only signed a three month contract, that is all you are responsible for. The landlord cannot unilaterally renew the lease (unless such a right was granted in the original document, which is possible, but unlikely). In fact, there is a good probability that she owes you your security deposit back. If you have further questions call 630-243-0099. Good luck.

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Answered on 10/30/02, 11:40 pm


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