AHM
NES Member
(Emphasis mine).Doesn't work that way. If they all left and she was left alone in the house the worst thing she would have to deal with was heating a giant house throughout winter (unless H&HW are included in the rent, LL cannot shut that off during winter even during eviction process). At that point if one person didn't pay rent they would all be jointly and severally in violation of the lease and the LL could either try to work it out or begin eviction proceedings against all parties of the lease. Eviction proceedings are a MINIMUM of 6 - 9 months, collecting no rent. He cannot pursue her individually, he would have to pursue all parties including guarantors.If the other roommates suddenly left, she would be screwed.... No chance of making them pay because the lease clearly states any and all of them are equally liable for the 6k,and the landlord hates her and she is still there, so take a guess who he would pursue for the full amount.
Ignoring what would be prudent,
how is it possible for the landlord to be so-constrained -
given the definition of "joint and several liability"?
- Landlords Should Treat Tenant Roommates As One Person To Better Understand Joint and Several Liability and Resolve Tenant Disputes
- Policies and Procedures for Harvard University Housing Tenants (Including Rules and Regulations for Harvard University Housing) 2018 – 2019 Leasing Season [Not that this is Harvard-owned property, but even Harvard Freaking University reserves the right to pursue some but not all tenants.]
- Wikipedia: Joint and several liability