How to get out of a lease when you are sharing it with someone?

I've been told a few different things-
1) Because the lease was gotten through a special the rent would go back up to the original price.
2) The lease could be broken as long as a 30day notice was given.
Now the roommate says that the leasing office says the lease can not be broke and the other party is responsible for half of the rent.

If you can find someone to take over the other half of the lease agreement, and remove you, it is an option. This is not a guarantee however, as you are still responsible until the lease is over if you or your roommate are unable to find a replacement tenant.
The landlord has no obligation to let you off the lease either.
Sorry

Do you have a copy of your lease agreement that you signed? You should look at that. If you do not have a copy you should ask your landlord for one. It should cover this question.

You are responsible for the terms of the lease. If you leave the other roommate will be responsible to pay the full rent. If he doesnt and you havent had your name taken off the lease, then you are still responsible for your portion of the rent. If your roommate pays his half and you dont, then the landlord will evict you both and it will go on your credit reports. If subletting is allowed, I would try that. But that means you are still responsible for the rent. The subletter can pay you or the landlord. But dont forget the landlord must approve the subletter.

If one person bails (with or without notice) he is still on the hook for the entire term of the lease, including all damages.

No property manager in his right mind lets tenants pay 50-50. The lease no doubt contains a "joint and severally" clause which means he wants all his rent all the time and he is within his rights to sue and expect full payment from either party, no matter what their private arrangements were.

The only way to get off the lease is with a written document signed by all parties agreeing. The easiest way is to formally end the first lease and the remaining tenant(s) sign a new one.

Good finance question! I know of an organization that gives up to $1500 to people to help them with their rent or mortgage. It's available in most US cities, I highly suggest you check it out.


http://www.help-for-mortgage-rent.org

Best of Luck.