Found new roommate-URGENT

[naagent]

I have one person moving out mid-lease, and have found another roommate, but the landlord is now asking for a security deposit more than 1 1/2 times the rent, from the new roommate. Can they do that, since I am trying to keep the lease I have in good standing?

 

[ndragon]

Is there a statement in your lease regarding adding and removing tenants from the agreement? Have you asked your landlord to reconsider?
Basically, landlord's can charge whatever they want for deposits (some states offer limitations) and can charge first and months' rent on top of that in some cases. It really depends on where you are located.
I know this isn't good news, but you should probably just talk to the landlord. Explain that you found a person to replace the current roommate but that he/she (landlord) is making it difficult to keep your lease in good standing by charging so much for the deposit. Show them how much you paid and ask if they would accept that amount instead.
Good luck.

-Nick

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Naagent

What state do you live in? As previously mentioned, some states limit what landlords can charge for security deposits. However, if the previous tenants are leaving and their security deposits are being returned (which must occur by a certain deadline in most states) then a new tenant would be responsible for providing their security deposit.

Gail

 

[naagent]

I am sorry, I am in Pennsylvania. I am the only one who paid a security deposit, she didn't. So they aren't giving her anything back, but they did tell the new roommate that until he pays the $1000 to get her in a new place, they won"t remove her from the lease?