Obligations After a Subtenant Disappears

[lokimotiv89]

Hey guys, I'd appreciate any advice you can offer.

Here's the situation: I signed an apartment lease to run from August '05 to August '06. I graduated from college in December of '05, so I sought out a subleaser. I found one, and everything seemed fine. He signed the papers to sublease and made the first month's payment. (I feel it's important to note that the arrangement has him paying the landlord directly; It's not a situation where he pays me and then I pay the landlord. Doesn't that somehow exclude me from the mix?) He has not paid since then, and has actually moved out of the apartment altogether.

I got a call today from the management company saying we (my subleaser and I) owe the balance of $2200. She also noted that I have no court case against him, since we are both liable for the rent.

How do I approach this situation? I feel making a simple phone call won't do it. Perhaps I should appeal to his parents, unless there's a case to be made in court against him.

I don't want to make any contact at all until I have some good advice on my side.

I would greatly appreciate any help.

Thanks,

Mark

[Mr. Knowitall]

I got a call today from the management company saying we (my subleaser and I) owe the balance of $2200. She also noted that I have no court case against him, since we are both liable for the rent.

No court case against whom?

Unless you were released from your lease when the subtenant moved in, which you suggest did not happen, you are liable for the full rent. You may have a claim against the subtenant for contribution.