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what are my rights if I have a sublessor?

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F

freeusername

Member
What is the name of your state? Massachusetts.

I moved out of my apartment. My landlord approved the sublessor who signed the sublet agreement and moved in. Now I am getting phone calls all the time regarding various and sundry issues. The sublessor is very messy, the roommates are having trouble negotiating utilities etc. At first I was quite responsive. Now I am feeling harrassed. What are my rights and obligations if the sublessor is paying the rent? Do I have to take responsibility for his messy behavior? Do I have to return calls from the landlord? The lease goes through the end of August, the last months rent has already been paid. Can I assign my security deposit to the sublessor without the landlord's permission (so as to have no dealings at the end of the lease term.)?
 


B

Born to Lease

Guest
mbskis said:
What is the name of your state? Massachusetts.

I moved out of my apartment. My landlord approved the sublessor who signed the sublet agreement and moved in. Now I am getting phone calls all the time regarding various and sundry issues. The sublessor is very messy, the roommates are having trouble negotiating utilities etc. At first I was quite responsive. Now I am feeling harrassed. What are my rights and obligations if the sublessor is paying the rent?

******The terms of your Lease Contract include more than just paying rent. The LL has the right to call you, or s/he may elect to serve you and your sub's with notice to vacate prior to having them evicted.

Do I have to take responsibility for his messy behavior?

****** YES!!! You are STILL responsible for the terms of the LC until August 31st.

Do I have to return calls from the landlord?

******You do not HAVE to call her/him back; however, I highly suggest you do everything within your power to keep the LL from reaching her/his boiling point which is probably...right NOW!!!

The lease goes through the end of August, the last months rent has already been paid. Can I assign my security deposit to the sublessor without the landlord's permission (so as to have no dealings at the end of the lease term.)?

******NO. The LL has your SD in an account where it will remain until which time s/he mails the SD to you, or whomever you instruct the LL to mail the check...IF there is any money refunded...You have to remember you are responsible for damages, cleaning charges, etc. after the sub's have vacated.

*******You might want to discuss alternatives with the LL, asking her/him about the possibility of having them move out early since the rent is paid through the end of the lease...BUT you need to determine whether or not this would be possible in order to have your name/credit uninvolved in the process...and be sure, if this would be an option for you, the LL follows your state's laws regarding proper written notice to vacate, etc.
Click to expand...

Good LUCK!!!
 
F

freeusername

Member
At this point I have discussed, at length, with both landlord and sublessor their points of contention. I have acted as mediator and cool head between the two. While I realize ultimately I have responsibility for the condition of the place it seems the landlord's time is better spent working with the sublessor directly. In addition, the sublessor is renting a second room directly from the landlord on a month to month basis. Somehow it seems as if that should relieve me of some responsibility.

I didn't quite understand your response regarding the security deposit. The landlord has my money, but I am holding an equal amount from the sublessor. It sounds as though I can have my SD mailed directly to the sublessor and thus keep his money. Therefore I would not be out any money caused by damage, cleaning from the sublessor.
 
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