Can I be evicted if I move out and surrender my keys?
I need help with a lease agreement.
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I’m so sorry about this situation! I want to address your situation with a detailed response, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask because this law stuff can get complicated.
- Legally speaking, it is possible for you to still face an eviction if you surrendered your keys, so long as your landlord has not released you from the lease agreement. Even if you gave back the keys, unless the landlord has formally released you from the lease, you still have liability.
- With respect to your partner, if you two have an agreement that your partner would cover you in this case if you paid, your partner does have a right to sue you if you don’t, but must honor their promise if they do.
- Nearly anything can be used as evidence. This includes, but is not limited to, written testimony, oral testimony, text messages, photographs, videos, public records, police reports, medical records, etc. “Good-faith” behavior can be used as evidence that you’ve either totally or substantially performed.
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I need help with a lease agreement.
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand you need help with a lease agreement. Are you the tenant or the landlord in this situation?
It’s a joint liability between me and a roommate.
Legal Eagle
Hello! Legal Eagle here, and I am an attorney specializing in your area of law. I am more than happy to help you with your situation!
Are either of you being sued at all?
No, I am not being sued currently.
Legal Eagle
Ok, thank you so much for including that! To clarify, what concerns you about liability with your lease?
I was told that I could be facing the threat of eviction even if I’m not occupying the space, and surrendered my key.
Legal Eagle
I’m so sorry about that! Why do they want to evict you?
We had a joint business that my business partner decided to end one week into our lease.
We made a verbal agreement that I would help pay for a few months in exchange for being taken off the lease. Now he is withholding his signature and threatening me if I don’t pay.
Legal Eagle
I’m so sorry about that! Why does he think you aren’t going to pay? What prompted this kind of threat?
I was advised not to pay for a legal defense of fraudulent inducement or misrepresentation because the business was a clear part of me signing the lease.
I was told paying would be an acceptance of the liability. I surrendered my keys and am no longer benefiting from the unit.
Legal Eagle
Understood! Now that I have this info, what is your legal question for me?
How can I still face eviction or a potential lawsuit if I already surrendered my keys? I’m still on the lease; they are refusing to sign me off.
Legal Eagle
No problem! I’ll certainly address that. Anything else you’d like to add that you think is relevant before I answer?
Legal Eagle
I’m so sorry about this situation! I want to address your situation with a detailed response, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask because this law stuff can get complicated.
- Legally speaking, it is possible for you to still face an eviction if you surrendered your keys, so long as your landlord has not released you from the lease agreement. Even if you gave back the keys, unless the landlord has formally released you from the lease, you still have liability.
- With respect to your partner, if you two have an agreement that your partner would cover you in this case if you paid, your partner does have a right to sue you if you don’t, but must honor their promise if they do.
- Nearly anything can be used as evidence. This includes, but is not limited to, written testimony, oral testimony, text messages, photographs, videos, public records, police reports, medical records, etc. “Good-faith” behavior can be used as evidence that you’ve either totally or substantially performed.
Legal Eagle
Does that help clarify things? I want to make sure I didn’t leave anything out.
Legal Eagle
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