Advice on Roommate situation and renewing a lease

[Michael Nahm]

Hello to all,

I'm seeking thoughts and advice on a new situation I'm in.

I own a home that has been rented out for a few years to a few roommates. All roommates signed the lease and are jointly and severally liable for the payments. I receive one check each month (I required it on the lease). 

The roommates notified me that one of the roommates will move out at the end of the term and the rest would like to continue and reside there.

Advice is appreciated on the following issues: can I simply have the remaining roommates sign a short renewal indicating the removal of the one roommate from the original lease? Should I inspect the property upon the roommate's move-out or do the remaining tenants take responsibility? Should I return a portion of the deposit of the roommate leaving? (I received one check for the deposit, so really, there was never a discussion of which portion was paid by who).

Any advice would be greatly appreciate! Thank you in advance.

[Theresa Harris]

If the remaining roommates are okay still paying the rent, then get all of them, including the one who is moving, to sign an amendment to the lease removing the person who is moving.  As for the security deposit, the roommates can sort that out amongst themselves.  Mention this to them when they sign the amendment.