Am I responsible for my roommate's unpaid rent in Pennsylvania?

If you and your roommate both signed the lease, you are typically liable for the entire monthly rent, even if your roommate leaves early.

Can my landlord evict me if my roommate moves out?

Yes, if the rent is not paid in full, the landlord can file for eviction against tenants listed on the lease who remain.

Can I bring in a new roommate or sublet?

Only if your lease allows subletting or you receive written landlord consent. Always seek approval before adding a new occupant.

Where do I go if I get a court eviction notice?

Attend the local Magisterial District Court as directed on the notice, and consider seeking legal assistance for your hearing.

What if my landlord refuses to change the lease after my roommate leaves?

Your legal obligations generally remain as written unless the landlord agrees in writing to remove or release you from the lease.

Who Pays Rent if a Roommate Moves Out in Pennsylvania?

Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Pennsylvania published: June 21, 2025

If you rent an apartment with roommates in Pennsylvania and someone moves out, it can create uncertainty about who is responsible for paying the full rent. Understanding your liability for rent in this situation is important for protecting your rights, avoiding eviction, and maintaining a good rental history. This article explains Pennsylvania's rules, official forms, and action steps for renters facing a roommate's departure.

Understanding Joint and Several Liability for Rent in Shared Housing

Most Pennsylvania leases with multiple tenants include what's called joint and several liability. This means each renter on the lease is individually responsible for the entire rent—so if one roommate leaves, the remaining tenants may be held liable for the full monthly amount.

If both you and your roommate signed the same lease, the landlord can legally demand the full rent from either of you, not just "your share."
If your roommate had an informal or verbal agreement and isn’t listed on the official lease, your liability is still determined by your own lease terms.
If there are separate written agreements (like individual leases), your liability may only extend to your personal rent portion.

Always check your written lease for terms about "joint and several liability." If you’re uncertain, consult the official leasing language from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

What Happens if a Roommate Moves Out Without Notice?

When a roommate leaves suddenly, your landlord can still require full rent payment from those who remain, as long as you are all listed as tenants on the lease. If you cannot pay the entire amount, the landlord may file for eviction through the official court process.

Landlords in Pennsylvania cannot collect double rent, but can pursue any tenant on the lease for unpaid amounts.
Your legal obligations do not change unless your landlord formally releases you or amends the lease in writing.
Trying to sublet the room without landlord approval can also violate your lease (see below).

Steps to Take If Your Roommate Moves Out

A quick summary: if your roommate leaves, you should know your rights and responsibilities and act quickly to avoid financial risk or eviction.

Review your lease agreement for liability clauses.
Communicate promptly with your landlord about the situation.
Do not stop paying rent: you’re still on the hook for the full amount.
Explore legal subletting or replacement roommates if allowed by your lease.
Document all communications for your records.

If you're unsure about your lease or facing eviction, resources like the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office or local legal aid can review your situation and help protect your rights.

Subletting and Replacement Roommates in Pennsylvania

Subletting is only allowed if your lease says so, or if your landlord gives written consent. Review your lease for "sublet" or "assignment" clauses. To officially sublet, you may need to complete a landlord-specific form or written request. Your landlord has the right to approve or deny a proposed subtenant, usually within a reasonable timeframe.

There is no statewide sublet form, but always get any agreement in writing. For a sample, see the PHFA Sample Rental Application, which can be modified for roommate screening.^[1]

Pennsylvania Residential Tenancy Law and Tribunal

Pennsylvania does not have a separate landlord-tenant tribunal, but Magisterial District Courts handle landlord-tenant disputes, including eviction when rent is unpaid.^[2] Key Pennsylvania statutes include the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 and the state's Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Complaint procedures.^[3]

Official Forms for Renters

Landlord-Tenant Complaint (AOPC 310A)
Use if your landlord files for eviction because of unpaid rent. You’ll receive this form as notice. Respond promptly by following the instructions included with the form and attending your court hearing. More info at the PA Unified Judicial System's Landlord-Tenant Forms page.
Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form
Use if you have a landlord-tenant dispute and wish to file a complaint for investigation. Access and submit the form via the Pennsylvania OAG website.

Always respond to court and agency notices by the stated deadlines to prevent losing your housing rights.

FAQ

Am I responsible for my roommate's unpaid rent in Pennsylvania?
If you signed the lease together, you’re typically responsible for the full monthly rent, even if your roommate leaves.
Can my landlord evict me if my roommate moves out?
Yes, if full rent is unpaid, the landlord can start the eviction process against all tenants remaining on the lease.
Can I bring in a new roommate or sublet?
Only if your lease allows it or you receive written consent from your landlord. Always get approval before someone new moves in.
Where do I go if I get a court eviction notice?
Attend your local Magisterial District Court as directed in the notice, and consider seeking legal help.
What if my landlord refuses to change the lease after my roommate leaves?
Your legal responsibilities remain as written in your lease unless your landlord agrees in writing to remove you or adjust tenancy terms.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

If your roommate leaves, you are still responsible for rent if you’re on the lease.
Communicate promptly with your landlord and never stop paying your portion, if possible.
Use court and government forms carefully and seek help from official Pennsylvania resources if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. “Sample Rental Application.” Download from PHFA (2023).
Pennsylvania Courts. “Landlord-Tenant Complaints.” Official Landlord-Tenant Forms (2024).
Pennsylvania Legislature. “Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951.” See the statute (Current as of 2024).