questions & answers

Question: My ex and I moved into a place together, now that we are not together neither of us is willing to move out of the rental. The utilities are in my name, I get mail here, since we moved in a couple months ago he has paid the rent but I have paid the utilities and groceries ect. Can he legally kick me out and make me leave?

Answer: Whether your ex can kick you out depends on whether you are on the lease agreement. Generally, a lease is treated as a contract and a party who breaks the lease can be held legally responsible. A.R.S. sections 33-1310 (12), 33-1314. Some apartment complexes have utilities included as part of the rent amount due. While others require you maintain separate utilities.  Based on your question, I am assuming that utilities are separate and that you pay those bills.  The really big question is who is on the lease.  If you are both on the lease, you have equal rights to live in the apartment.  If the lease is in his name only, he is essentially your landlord and may ask you to leave.  There are other considerations that may be under the lease agreement.