Getting out of expiring joint lease
Location: Washington State
I am currently on a joint lease in a large property not an apartment that is going to expire at the end of the month. The landlord has asked me and my roommate about renewing for another year and also will be increasing the rent later in the year. I wish to not renew as I need to leave the state to move closer to one of my family members whose health is declining but my roommate wants to stay. Since we are on a joint lease I understand it is trickier for one party to end their part if the other refuses to cooperate. I have been trying to get the answers from the internet on this about how much trouble this could be. The lease only says we need to vacate the property at the end and turn in the keys and does not specify when we need to give renewal or termination notice but I understand that in my area leases that expire roll into month to month after expiration. My roommate is very unhappy that I am leaving and we have had a few arguments about this already I know for sure they really want to stay but I was wondering about my options if they refuse to also leave or help find someone to replace me. I have heard horror stories about people being trapped indefinitely on joint leases but am not sure how much that is a possibility. I do not know if my roommate would actually be that uncooperative but I was wondering about my options if worst comes to worst. One of the ai answers I got stated that one party refusing to renew on a lease essentially causes it to terminate and the landlord needs to draft a new lease if my roommate decides to stay. I have also heard that one party can not unilaterally terminate the lease without mutual consent of the others even if it is expiring. If it is the worst case scenario could I get legal representation to force their hand? I can afford an attorney if necessary.