Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York

Breaking a lease

A friend and I were to share a two-bedroom apartment. Because she's in another state, I signed the lease and the landlord sent her a copy to sign, as well. I later tried to get in contact with my friend when the landlord said my friend hadn't sent in her signed portion of the lease. At first, I received an e-mail from the renatl agent stating that the lease was incomplete and I thus had no lease, so the place was to be put back on the market. When I asked them to put up the place, the landlord then suddenly said I was responsible for both our halves. Is there a way to get out of the lease, since I can't afford the total rent?


Asked on 6/26/03, 8:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Seth Kaufman Seth M. Kaufman

Re: Breaking a lease

It depends on what the lease says and what evidence exists to show that the landlord never intended to lease the premises to you alone. The e-mail from the agent may serve you well in this respect, or may even constitute breach or revocation by his principal, the landlord. On the other hand, there's a chance that you're on the hook - even if both you and your friend signed the lease, it would typically provide that each individual tenant is jointly and severally liable for the entire obligation. I need to look at all the materials to properly assess your case. Call me at 212-367-9167 to discuss this further, if you wish.

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Answered on 6/26/03, 10:13 pm


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