Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Missouri

I got into a one year lease with my ex boyfriend and both of our names are on the lease. Things didn't work out and he elected to leave the house. I informed the Landlord and since both of us are no longer occupying the residence, he wants me to vacate the premises and informed me that he will be suing us in small claims court. What rights do I have under tenant/Landlord laws? What can I do to avoid a judgment on my credit and how much can we be sued for?


Asked on 12/11/12, 9:53 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Anthony Smith LawSmith

It its rare for a landlord to evict one tenant because another has vacated. As long as you're paying the total rent, he may not have a basis to get an order of eviction. If the total rent isn't getting paid, he can terminate the lease, have you evicted, and get a judgment for double rent for the period that you stay after the termination. This usually doesn't occur in small claims court though.

If you pay the entire rent, I can probably successfully sue your ex to get reimbursed his half.

Good luck

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Answered on 12/12/12, 5:25 am


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