Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

Roomate did not pay rent

Four people entered a one year lease, all signing this lease for a house. After on year one person moved out, leaving three still on the lease. After this first year, one person had approx. $1,000.00 of back rent and late fees accrued. (This person who owed money did not leave the house/lease) A second year was added to the lease. After the second year, the same person owed another $1,000.00 of back rent and late fees. It has been approx. 6 mos. since all three people left the house (with permission of the landlord). If the landlord files a suit, what will happen in court? What do the two innocent, rent paying people do to avoid paying the debt of the non-rent paying person, and avoid credit defamation?


Asked on 8/07/00, 2:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Roomate did not pay rent

Unfortunately, when you signed the lease, you became personally responsible for the entire rent, as did your roommates. While you have a right to bring any of the roommates into a collection suit as co-parties and ask the court to hold them responsible as well, the landlord has the right, and as a practical matter, will look to the "deepest pockets" to collect. Thus if he takes you to court and gets a judgment, there will be a black mark on your credit record even though you paid your pro rata share of the rent.

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Answered on 9/14/00, 2:32 pm


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