Does landlord – tenant law cover roommates?
Generally yes. There are two basic types of roommate arrangements. The first arrangement is when all of the roommates have signed the lease. Each roommate is in privity of contract with the landlord. In this situation, landlord – tenant laws, always covers all roommates. The next arrangement involves the original tenant taking in a roommate to help with the rent or for some other reason. The new roommate is usually called a subtenant. Most states require that the landlord follow the general landlord – tenant rules when dealing with a subtenant. In addition, most states also require that the original tenant follow the rules of landlord – tenant law if wishing to terminate the roommate arrangement.
