Roommate Lease Dispute Resolution

Summary

In Washington, a tenant cannot be removed from a lease without their consent. Both tenants must agree to end the lease, and a landlord cannot force you to stay if the other tenant refuses to leave. If your roommate and landlord refuse to remove your name from the lease, you may need to seek legal counsel or contact the Washington State Attorney Generals Office for further assistance.

Full Conversation

My roommate wants to live alone and wants to kick me out. The office says I can’t get my name off the lease unless the apartment is vacated by both tenants. She said I can leave but my name will still be on the lease. My roommate is refusing to move.
I'm sorry to hear about your situation, Jason. Could you please tell me which U.S. state you are in? Laws about tenant rights and responsibilities can vary depending on the state.
Washington
In Washington, here are the rules concerning your situation:
- A tenant can't be removed from a lease without their consent.
- Both tenants must agree to end the lease.
- A landlord can't force you to stay if the other tenant refuses to leave.

For more assistance, consider contacting a local legal aid agency.
But how do I get my name off the lease if she won’t leave
In Washington, a tenant can request a lease assignment or subletting to remove themselves from the lease. However, both options require consent from the other tenant and the landlord. If this fails, you may need legal help.
My landlord is refusing to take me off the lease even if I move out
In Washington, without the agreement of all parties (you, your co-tenant, and your landlord), it's hard to get your name off the lease. You may need to seek legal counsel or contact the Washington State Attorney General's Office for further help.