What is Joint Liability?
Joint liability means everyone who signs the tenancy agreement shares responsibility for:
- Rent payments.
- Damage to the property.
- Breaches of the tenancy agreement.
This is sometimes called joint and several liability.
What Happens if a Housemate Stops Paying Rent?
Under a joint tenancy, the landlord can pursue any tenant for unpaid rent.
This means one tenant may end up covering another tenant's unpaid share.
What Happens if One Tenant Gives Notice in a Joint Contract?
In joint tenancies, notice from one tenant ends the tenancy for everyone.
Because of this, housemates should communicate with each other and the landlord before anyone serves notice.
What is Individual Liability?
Individual liability means each tenant has their own separate agreement.
You are generally responsible only for:
- Your own rent.
- Damage to your own room.
- Your share of communal damage if you caused it.
If Another Tenant Stops Paying Rent, Do I Have to Pay Their Rent?
No.
With an individual tenancy agreement, the landlord cannot require you to cover another tenant's rent.
Does My Notice to Quit Affect Other Tenants in an Individual Contract?
No.
Giving notice under an individual agreement affects only your tenancy.