Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Michigan

About two months ago, A friend and I got an apartment together. Her boyfriend was my boyfriends best friend so we all hung out. Well things ended for them and she now packed up her stuff and left. We were told we couldn't get out of the lease until 6 months (out of a 12 month contract) and pay 800 dollars. My boyfriend and her ex live together and said they could move in to help me pay rent because I'm sure she is not going to continue to pay. They both make pretty good money but don't have very good credit. I can't just take a credit hit because I have a two week old son to take care of and have no place to go. Is there any legal way to get her out completely, she still has a key to come and go as she pleases, and maybe get someone else on the lease?


Asked on 11/13/10, 12:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL private practice

If your "friends" name is on the lease, she is obligated to pay her share. You are both obligated to pay the entire amount to the landlord, so if she doesn't pay, you will have to pay her share, and then take her to court to collect from her. Usually taking a recalcitrant roommate to court for rent payment is enough to get them to turn over their key, in exchange for being released from the lease. Get a judgment against her for the rent, negotiate from there.

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Answered on 11/19/10, 4:54 am


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