So here's my situation. I moved into an apartment taking over an existing occupant's remainder of lease. There is one girl that has been living there for several years, and I took over her roommates portion. I signed an occupancy addendum saying I would abide to the article of the Lease. The Addendum clearly states that I am not a signatory on the lease, and that I am directly responsible to the other tenant (my roommate) as my conduct as an occupant. It states states the signatory (my roommate) is the only party directly responsible to the landlord.
I asked my LL is we could just transfer the lease again, as I did, and that I would find a stable candidate to fulfill the lease. She came back with a $650 fine plus charging the new tenant and additional 1,500 deposit on top of first, last, security, and admin fee. Which brings up the cost for a new person to move in to a ridiculous amount.
My questions are:
A. Is this legal, can she charge whatever fine, security deposit she wants?
B. Am I even liable being I am just listed as an occupant and did not sign the original lease only an occupancy addendum?
I feel like I did the good thing by going to her and asking for a reasonable out. Please any advice would be of great help.
Another note (and this was stupid I know), I didn't see nor do I have a copy of the original lease.
- Lost In NY