Renting – Early Termination – Joint Tenants

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Quick question...(private rental via agency)

What happens if half way through a tenancy the relationship between two joint tenants breaks down, and one person wants to stay in the property but wants the person who’s left to still foot half the bill. What happens if the rent goes unpaid – or only half paid?

El_Torro

The tenant that is leaving remains liable for their share of the rent until the tenancy ends. Usually a tenancy can be ended at any time even if it is a fixed term contract, as long as all parties (including the landlord) agree. Once the tenancy has ended the remaining tenant can start a new agreement with the landlord, assuming the rent remains affordable. 

Under a joint tenancy both tenants are usually liable for all the rent, not just their 50%. If Tenant A stops paying and Tenant B continues to pay their 50% then both tenants are liable for the deficit.