questions & answers

Question: I recently entered in to a lease with myself, my long time girlfriend, and her friend. We used my credit to qualify because neither of them has credit. The friend and I put most of the money down for the deposits and all utilities are in my name. Less than a month after we made the move, my girlfriend terminated our relationship. The two of them expect me to go on living there with them until the end of the lease. I am not ok with that. Is there is any way I can force them to find someone to sign in place of me on the lease and refund my deposit money so I can move out? They refuse to go

Answer: That's a tough situation. I always recommend consulting the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act found here: https://housing.az.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/AZ%20Residential%20Landlord%20and%20Tenant%20Act%20-%20Revised%20July%203%202015.pdf If they weren't on the lease with you, you could evict them. If they are on the lease with you, you cannot unless you have some agreement about how much of the rent/utilities, etc. they pay and they fail to comply with that agreement. The landlord is not going to let you (the person with the credit) off the hook. If there is or becomes an issue with domestic violence (this can include harassment, damaging your things, or physical violence), you could obtain an order of protection and demand exclusive possession of the residence. If granted, your girlfriend would not be able to return to the residence. Additionally, under A.R.S. 33-1318, you can terminate a lease early for domestic violence. Read the statute carefully. It requires a police report or an order of protection. Please note that I am providing general information based on the very limited information available to me. I am unable to provide you with legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created hereby.