Will the SCRA also allow my roommates out of our joint lease?

2019-02-21T14:40:37-05:00

My wife and I signed a lease to our apartment with her sister and her husband. I have orders to PCS, and was under the impression that it would terminate the lease as a whole, and even asked the management a few months ago if this would be the case and they told me it would.

After going to the office today to make sure everything would be in order before giving my notice, the worker tells me it will only get my wife and I out of the lease.

I’m trying not to screw my roommates over because I told them months ago that it should cover both of us, and even verified it with the apartment representatives

Will it get both of us out or just my wife and myself? I know some states have differences added into the SCRA, so if it changes anything I’m in Tennessee.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2019 2:52 PM

2019-02-21T14:52:24-05:00

The SCRA says it terminates any housing leases if you deploy for 90 days or more. Terminating the lease, to me at least, means ending the entire agreement to all parties.

However, it makes sense if it only applies to the service members family as well. I’d probably contact legal and see what they say.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 21 at 2019 4:35 PM

2019-02-21T16:35:27-05:00

I suggest you contact the base legal office for assistance. A letter from them on official letterhead might just swing things in your direction.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2019 4:37 PM

2019-02-21T16:37:18-05:00

SCRA only protects the rights of the service member and family. If the room mates are listed as a co-renter it is up to the landlord to make the decision to amend or terminate the lease. If they choice to amend the lease then your room mates could quite possibly still be on the hook for the remainder of the term. I do believe there is assistance with these matters through Military OneSource

Best of luck