Joint and Several Liability for Tennessee Roommates

Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Tennessee published: June 21, 2025 Flag of Tennessee

Many Tennessee renters share their homes with roommates to split costs, but shared leases come with unique responsibilities. One key concept is joint and several liability—an important legal rule affecting what happens if someone misses rent or causes damage. Knowing your rights under Tennessee law can help you avoid unexpected bills or disputes.

What Is Joint and Several Liability?

When roommates sign a lease together in Tennessee, you often become “jointly and severally” liable. That means each roommate can be held responsible for the full amount of rent, damages, or lease obligations—not just "your share." If one person can't pay, the landlord can ask the others to cover the rest.

  • If your roommate doesn’t pay rent, the landlord can require you to pay the missed amount.
  • If there’s property damage, everyone listed on the lease can be billed for repairs.
  • This applies unless your written lease states otherwise.

This rule is outlined in the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.[1]

How Does This Affect Tennessee Roommates?

Understanding joint and several liability is crucial before sharing a lease. Here are some scenarios Tennessee renters commonly face:

  • One roommate moves out early: The remaining tenants must pay the full rent, even if the person who moved out stops contributing.
  • Lease violations: If one roommate breaks the lease (like subletting without permission), all leaseholders could be at risk of eviction.
  • End-of-lease damage: Any listed tenant can be charged for unaddressed damage, not just the person who caused it.

How to Protect Yourself When Renting with Roommates

  • Read your lease carefully: Make sure you understand if it makes you jointly and severally liable.
  • Write a roommate agreement: This private contract can clarify how roommates split costs. Note that your landlord can still pursue any leaseholder for full payment.
  • Communicate: Stay in touch with your roommates about rent payments and responsibilities.
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Roommate situations can be unpredictable. Proactive communication and documentation help minimize potential conflicts and safeguard your finances. If a lawsuit arises or there’s a dispute, these protections can make a big difference.

What Happens If Roommates Disagree or Someone Leaves?

If a roommate leaves or stops paying, the remaining tenants may need to:

  • Pay the full rent to avoid eviction or negative credit impact.
  • Negotiate an early lease termination with the landlord (if everyone wants to move out).

If you and your roommate have a dispute about finances or damages, try resolving it directly or seek local mediation services. Tennessee law doesn't require landlords to arbitrate between roommates—they can seek payment from any or all leaseholders.

Official Forms and Where to Get Help

For official complaints about rental issues, you can contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – Consumer Resources or consult your local city or county housing authority.

Tip: To avoid liability headaches, only live with roommates you trust and always get agreements in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can my landlord make me pay if my roommate doesn't?
    Yes. In Tennessee, if you are on the lease, the landlord can require you to pay the full rent or damages, even if it was your roommate who missed payment or caused the problem.
  2. Does joint and several liability mean I have to pay more than my share?
    It can. If your roommate can't or won't pay, the landlord can demand you cover the whole amount. You can then pursue your roommate privately for their portion.
  3. Is a roommate agreement legally binding?
    A written roommate agreement can help settle disputes between roommates, but it does not change your obligations to the landlord under the lease.
  4. How do I remove a roommate from a Tennessee lease?
    Speak with your landlord about formally updating the lease. All tenants and the landlord typically need to agree in writing to remove a leaseholder.
  5. Where can I get help with a shared housing dispute?
    You can contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, local legal aid organizations, or a tenant advocacy group for advice or mediation.

Key Takeaways for Tennessee Roommates

  • Under Tennessee law, all roommates on a lease can be held responsible for the full rent or any damages.
  • Roommate agreements can clarify internal arrangements but do not override your lease liability.
  • If someone leaves, the remaining tenants must still fulfill the lease obligations unless released by the landlord.

Staying informed and proactive helps protect your rights and reduces the chance of financial surprises with roommates.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-28-101 to 66-28-521)
  2. Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – Renters Resources
  3. Tennessee Residential Rental Regulation Rules
  4. Tennessee General Sessions Courts

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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