My son is renting a house with three other students while away at college. All had gone well so far and everyone gets along and pays their bills. Next summer, the boys will not be there and one of the boys would like to sublease his rooms for the summer. My son had asked the landlord if he could, and the landlord had said no and to "read the lease" (they need written permission from the landlord per the lease). So, I told my son not to do it and we'll consider the summer rent the cost of doing business.
My son now tells me one of the other students is very tight on money and intends to sublease his room anyway. This raises a bunch of red flags to me. I suggested my son make an appointment with Student Legal Services (I believe it is free because he paid the annual fee) so at least they can make an informed decision. Student Legal Services seem to specialize in off-campus housing questions.
My concerns:
1. The lease is "joint and several", which I interpret as if one student does something all are responsible. What could the landlord do if/when he finds out? Cancel this years' lease, cancel next years' lease (already signed), demand money, etc?
2. I guaranteed the lease. I am extremely concerned about liability in this new person accidentally burns down the house or causes a flood, etc. I have umbrella insurance on my home/car, and had my son get renter's insurance with $1 million liability coverage. This insurance has both our names on it.
So, is it reasonable to at least ask my son to talk to Student Legal Services (and take his roommate if need be)? My son and my wife think I worry too much and refuse to even do that. My wife's opinion is that the other student will sublease anyway and this will just cause tension. Any other suggestions?
My son now tells me one of the other students is very tight on money and intends to sublease his room anyway. This raises a bunch of red flags to me. I suggested my son make an appointment with Student Legal Services (I believe it is free because he paid the annual fee) so at least they can make an informed decision. Student Legal Services seem to specialize in off-campus housing questions.
My concerns:
1. The lease is "joint and several", which I interpret as if one student does something all are responsible. What could the landlord do if/when he finds out? Cancel this years' lease, cancel next years' lease (already signed), demand money, etc?
2. I guaranteed the lease. I am extremely concerned about liability in this new person accidentally burns down the house or causes a flood, etc. I have umbrella insurance on my home/car, and had my son get renter's insurance with $1 million liability coverage. This insurance has both our names on it.
So, is it reasonable to at least ask my son to talk to Student Legal Services (and take his roommate if need be)? My son and my wife think I worry too much and refuse to even do that. My wife's opinion is that the other student will sublease anyway and this will just cause tension. Any other suggestions?
Statistics: Posted by Boglenaut — Tue Feb 04, 2025 6:31 pm — Replies 4 — Views 377