Legal Question in Business Law in New York

Three people share professional space. All three signed the lease. There was a verbal agreement regarding the proportion of rent each pays (based on individual office size). Two wrote checks for their portions to the third who paid the landlord the complete rent. one of the three decided to leave before the end of the term of the lease. Is she legally obligated to continue paying her portion of the rent until another renter is found for her office?


Asked on 11/29/11, 2:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Without actually reviewing the lease a proper answer cannot be rendered. In general, every party who signed the lease is responsible regardless whether the party decided to leave the space.

Many leases also assign full responsibility for the lease to each party individually, so each of the remaining individuals may be responsibske for the entire lease. If there is a deficiency the landlord may choose to pursue the remaining individuals because it is easier rather than chase someone who left.

You should consider having an attorney review the lease and then send a demand letter to the individual who left. Many tines a letter from an attorney makes people respond and address outstding issues.

If you have any additional questions feel free to cotact my office at your earliest convenience.

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Answered on 11/30/11, 7:57 am


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