Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

My ex girlfriend and I used to live together. We broke up due to her drug use and domestic violence on her end. She refused to leave the apartment. Even though it was just my name on the lease. So eventually I called the leasing office and I told them I was moving out because I feared for my safety. I told my ex what's going on and she has 30 days to move out. It only took me 3 days to move , so I left . After I left the apartment and turned my key into the office, my ex set the apartment on fire. There was over two thousand dollars worth of damage to the apartment. Now the apartment complex debt collection agency is coming after me for the damages. Can I sue my ex for the 2000 dollars or can I get the collection transferred to her name?


Asked on 11/21/13, 4:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Corbett Corbett Law Firm LLC

As the tenant, you are responsible for your guests. So long as the lease is in effect, that is true even if you don't reside in the premises. So, the landlord is within its rights to hold you responsible unless you got a release (express or implied). You, in turn, can hold your girlfriend responsible. However, since you no doubt had renter's insurance, you should also notify your insurer because they may want to defend the claim.

See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm

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Answered on 11/21/13, 8:20 pm


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