Joint Leases: Who Owes the Landlord?

On a joint lease, each tenant is usually responsible for the whole rent, not just their share — often called joint and several liability. If one roommate stops paying, the landlord can typically pursue any tenant on the lease for the shortfall. How you split the rent among yourselves is a private arrangement: a roommate agreement can help you recover from a roommate who doesn't pay, but it doesn't change what the landlord can collect.

Rules on leases, deposits and subletting differ by state and city. HUD's tenant rights page links to state resources. This is general information, not legal advice — check your lease and your local law.

Last reviewed 2026-10-29. General information, not legal or tax advice. Check your lease and your state and local law.