Protect Finances When a Roommate Moves Out

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Review your lease for joint liability so you understand your risk if roommate defaults.
• Document all shared expenses and unpaid balances with receipts.
• Request a written vacate notice to confirm your roommate’s exit timeline.
• Conduct a joint walkthrough to photograph damages and assign responsibility.
• Update or close shared utility accounts to avoid being liable for unpaid bills.
• Draft a release agreement detailing rent, utility, and damage responsibilities.
• Collect your roommate’s forwarding address for deposit or bill follow-up.
• Notify your landlord in writing about your roommate’s exit to clarify liability.
• Negotiate a security deposit split and document the agreement in writing.
• Get landlord confirmation of any lease changes or reapplication needs.
• Cancel shared subscriptions to prevent future charges in your name.
• Keep all exit-related correspondence for at least a year to resolve any disputes.