HOW TO CHANGE ROOMMATES OR NAMES ON
a lease
Living with a roommate can be both fun and challenging. Sometimes, you may need to change roommates or change names on the lease due to various reasons such as a move, breaking up, getting married, or simply just wanting to switch things up. While this process may seem daunting, it is important to understand that it is manageable. In this article, we will outline how to change roommates or names on a lease.
1. Check your lease agreement
Before taking any action, it is essential to check your lease agreement to determine what is allowed and what is not. Often, a lease agreement will outline the rules and conditions for adding or removing names from the lease. Some landlords may require the approval of all parties involved, while others may have set procedures for making changes. Therefore, it is vital to understand the stipulations outlined in your lease agreement before proceeding.
2. Communicate with your roommates
Effective communication is critical when it comes to changing roommates on a lease agreement. Therefore, it is essential to discuss any changes with your current roommate before taking any action. If your roommate has decided to leave, ask them to provide written notice to your landlord. In case they decide to terminate the lease early, find out whether they are willing to pay their portion of the rent or if you need to find a new roommate. In situations where you want to move out, identify someone who would take over your lease.
3. Identify a suitable replacement
If your current roommate is moving out, it is essential to find a suitable replacement. This person should be someone you trust and with whom you can live comfortably. Look for someone whose lifestyle and personality align with yours. You could ask friends, family, or use websites such as RoomieMatch, Roomster, or Craigslist to find a new roommate. Once you find a suitable replacement, discuss the terms of the lease with them and invite them to view the apartment. Additionally, ensure they understand the lease agreement and the rent payment process.
4. Contact your landlord
Contact your landlord and inform them of the changes you want to make on the lease agreement. Provide them with the name and contact information of your new roommate or the person taking over the lease. It is essential to follow the procedures outlined in the lease agreement for any changes. In some cases, the landlord may require the new tenant to fill in an application or provide additional information before signing a new lease agreement. Ensure that you submit all necessary documents to the landlord in a timely manner.
5. Sign the new lease agreement
Once your landlord approves the change, it's time to sign a new lease agreement. All parties involved, including the landlord, outgoing tenant, new tenant, and remaining tenant (if applicable), should sign the new lease agreement. This new lease agreement should reflect the changes that were made, including the names of the new tenants, rent payment details, the security deposit, and the start and end date of the lease agreement. Ensure that all parties involved retain copies of the new lease agreement for their records.
6. Dividing rent and security deposit
When changing roommates on a lease agreement, it is essential to consider how the rent and security deposit will be divided. Typically, all roommates on the lease agreement equally split rent and the security deposit. In cases where a new tenant is taking over a lease agreement, they may be required to pay their share of the deposit or be added to the existing security deposit.
7. Update utility accounts and mailing address
After changing roommates on a lease agreement, ensure that you update all relevant accounts, such as utility accounts and mailing address. Inform your utility company of the changes in tenants so that the bills can be appropriately divided. Additionally, update your mailing address with your bank, credit card company, and other providers to ensure that you receive your mail.
8. Conduct a walkthrough
Before moving out or moving in, conduct a walkthrough of the apartment to ensure everything is in order. This step ensures that the new tenant is aware of the condition of the apartment and any pre-existing damages. Additionally, it helps to avoid any disputes with the landlord over damages at the end of the lease agreement.
In conclusion, changing roommates or names on a lease agreement may seem daunting, but it is manageable. Effective communication, following lease agreement rules and procedures, finding a suitable replacement, and updating relevant accounts are essential steps when changing roommates or names on a lease agreement. Ensure that all parties involved understand the lease agreement, and keep records of all documents signed.