Virginia: Tenants had a falling out, now one wants to move out.

[Randy Frederick]

My original tenant had someone move in with them last year and they both signed the renewed lease jointly and severally for period of 6/20-6/21. Apparently they have had a falling out and the new roommate wants to move out. Lease stipulates a 30 day written notice if they choose not to renew for the next year. There is no clause about moving out prior to end of lease term.

This is the first time I have had to deal with this, so I am curious how others have handled this in the past and what obligations that tenant has in terms of the remaining time on the lease?

Thanks in advance for any helpful critiques!

[Steve Morris]

Just go to the section of the lease that says if they don't get along they only have to pay half the rent.

Oh snap, that doesn't exist?  Circle the joint/severable liability part and tell them both or either are responsible for ALL the rent for term of the lease.

I have this discussion about half the time with roommates it seems.