How to Get Someone Off Your Lease

To get someone off your lease, you’ll need your landlord’s approval and either proof that you can pay the rent alone or a qualified replacement tenant. This guide walks you through the entire process, from reviewing your lease terms to managing roadblocks, such as uncooperative roommates.

Whether your co-tenant has already moved out or the situation is more complicated, you’ll learn how to remove someone from a lease.

1. Understand the situation

Before reaching out to your landlord, review the terms of your lease and consider your available options. You can start by asking yourself these three questions:

Can you cover the rent cost on your own?

When requesting to remove someone from a lease, your landlord will want to confirm that you can still pay rent in full. That may mean showing proof of income or finding a qualified replacement tenant.

With rent up 29% over the past three years, according to Zillow’s 2024 Housing Trends Report, most renters already feel burdened by the cost of rent. Consider whether you can cover the full cost of rent on your own. If so, you will likely have an easier time removing a co-tenant from the lease. You can use the Zillow®  Rent Affordability Calculator to estimate your rent affordability based on your income, monthly expenses, and saving goals.

Is your landlord willing to remove the co-tenant?

Lease changes always need landlord approval. Most landlords won’t agree to remove someone from the lease unless all current tenants sign off and a new agreement is put in place. 

The removal process depends on the cooperation of the departing tenant. If they’re still living in the unit and refuse to leave, landlords cannot intervene without legal authority like restraining orders or other court judgments. For tenants who’ve already moved out but haven’t signed removal paperwork, landlords generally still need clear documentation that the tenant has permanently vacated the unit before updating the lease.

Understanding whether your landlord is able to remove someone from the lease should be a key factor in whether to move forward with the plan or simply wait until the lease is up.

What rights do you have as a renter?

Renters rights vary by state. Some situations, like domestic violence or harassment, trigger special protections. In some states, survivors can terminate or change a lease without penalty.

If you’re trying to remove someone from a lease without their consent, it likely won’t be allowed unless you have legal grounds. If things are contentious or unclear, check your local tenant rights or consult legal aid before taking the next step.

2. Initiate the process

Once you’ve assessed your situation, the next step is to contact your landlord and initiate the formal request process.

Notify your landlord

Put your request for tenant removal in writing. Be specific: state who’s leaving, when, and whether you’re continuing solo or adding a new tenant. Ask about the required paperwork and whether any fees apply.

Documenting any communication to help ensure everyone’s on the same page, especially if issues arise later.

Find a replacement tenant 

If your landlord won’t approve the lease change without a co-tenant, you’ll have to find someone to take over. This proactive approach demonstrates responsibility while protecting your landlord’s interests.

Most landlords will want a new applicant to meet income requirements, pass a background check, and agree to a credit check. Some may also require the new tenant to provide additional references. If possible, screen potential candidates yourself first to avoid wasting time on unqualified applicants.

Make a formal request

Once you confirm that your landlord is open to the change, ask for written instructions on what comes next (or review any procedures they may have already provided).

Don’t assume anything is official until you have signed paperwork, because verbal agreements are difficult to enforce in lease modifications. Without a lease amendment or new agreement, the original tenants remain fully liable for rent, damages, and lease violations. This liability persists even if the departing tenant has moved out and ceased making rent payments.

3. Amend the lease

Removing someone from a lease requires a formal lease update, which can either be an amendment to the current lease or a new lease altogether.

Draft an amendment or a new lease

If your landlord allows amendments, this document should list the departing tenant and release them from financial and legal responsibility. If a new tenant is joining, their name should be added simultaneously.

In some cases, the landlord may require all tenants to sign a new lease instead. Be sure to read through it carefully before signing.

Review and sign new paperwork

Lease amendments or new leases should be signed by the landlord and all remaining tenants. Keep a copy of the signed document for your records. It’s your proof that the leaseholder list and obligations have been updated.

4. Plan for potential fees

Even with approval, removing someone from a lease can come with financial costs. Don’t get caught off guard.

Early termination fees

If your landlord views this as a lease break, they may charge a penalty, even if other tenants remain. Communicate openly with your landlord if you have questions about whether early termination fees will apply.

Subletting concerns

Temporary sublets may seem like a fix, but unauthorized subletting could violate your lease. Always obtain written approval from your landlord first. Many landlords prefer to screen and approve new long-term tenants directly.

Security deposit confusion

Unless your landlord refunds each person individually (which is rare), you and your co-tenants may need to sort out who will get what. Agree in writing on how to divide the security deposit, or how you’ll repay the departing tenant’s share if needed.

If you’re the one planning to leave or the situation feels too complicated to resolve, it may be easier to start fresh. You can browse listings and apply for rentals online with Zillow.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and is not intended to provide tax, legal or financial advice.