There are some apartment complexes that advertise “individual leases” and some that do not. What this means is that in an “individual lease” every resident in the unit is responsible for their portion of the lease. Additionally, this means that every resident has their own lease.
In the event that your apartment complex does not offer individual leases, it is crucial that you are on the lease. Yes, it may appear easier to just put one person on the document and then have everyone else pitch in.
But this can lead to a nightmare.
If you’re not on the lease, then you have no say regarding anything in the apartment. This also means you can be kicked out at any time for no reason what so ever. If you and your roommates get into an argument and they mess with or break your belongings, there is nothing you can do.
Not being on a lease also means you have no right to renters insurance because technically you don’t rent.
There is nothing protecting you if your roommate loses the rent you gave her. Or if she spends your rent check instead of giving it to the landlord. Worse case scenario, your roommate(s) kick you out after you paid rent and you can’t afford to live anywhere else.
Before you give up on your apartment complex completely, call the rental office. A lot of the time places are willing to arrange two or more contracts so each roommate can have their own. And if that isn’t the case, ask them to add a roommate clause which places you on the lease protected by contract.
If all else fails and the apartment complex isn’t willing to comply with either of those options then create a roommate contract. Have all parties sign and give a copy to the parents or guardians of everyone involved.
Make sure that there is something with every roommate’s name on who will be living there. Friendships can fade but contracts are binding, you should always protect yourself.
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