u/Livid-Cheesecake8467

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Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice regarding a shared rental in Victoria.

Both my co-tenant and I are listed on the lease, and we are currently on a 6-month fixed-term agreement. On 14 August 2026, my co-tenant emailed me stating that he is officially vacating the property on 31 August 2026. So, he has given me only around 17 days’ notice.

I did not agree to end the tenancy on 31 August, and I have not asked to leave.

My understanding is that because we are both named on the lease, he cannot simply remove himself from the lease by giving me notice. I believe the proper process would involve the rental provider/property manager approving a replacement renter or formally changing the tenancy.

The situation I’m trying to clarify is:

If he leaves on 31 August without an approved replacement co-tenant, does his obligation to contribute to the rent continue?

Can he simply decide that I must take responsibility for his share of the rent and bills after 31 August?

If a replacement tenant is found and approved by the property manager, would his responsibility end once the lease transfer formally takes effect?

What happens if no suitable replacement tenant is found by 31 August?

Does his email on 14 August legally count as sufficient notice to end his responsibility under the lease?

Am I required to agree to a replacement tenant, or does the rental provider/property manager handle the approval?

Is there anything I should formally put in writing to the property manager now to protect myself?

I’m happy to cooperate with reasonable inspections and the process of finding an approved replacement tenant. However, I don’t want to accidentally agree to becoming solely responsible for the entire rent simply because my co-tenant has decided to leave.

I’m particularly interested in advice from anyone who has dealt with a co-tenant leaving a fixed-term lease in Victoria, or from people familiar with the Victorian rental process.

Thanks in advance.