You know, friends don't always make good roommates. Consider sticking it out at the student housing. The rent is almost the same and you'll always have a second place to stay if either pad gets a little too crazy/boring/dirty. I crashed on many a couches during my college days. Besides, anything beats the dorms! Good luck, Timothy! Let me know when you or your friends are ready to invest in a house.

Timothy,
You may be obligated for the full amount of the lease. You'll have to read the lease. As others have said I think the best thing to do is talk with the landlord. Look at both sides. What if you had signed the lease, but the day before school starts the landlord said he's decided not to lease to you, that he's found someone willing to pay more or is a better tenant? How would you feel? Would you feel he owes you anything? Most landlords are business people, so if you don't want to rent from him, he probably doesn't want to force the issue, but you may need to offer him something to entice that decision. If you have given a deposit you might need to offer him the deposit as damages. Perhaps if you can get someone else to live in the apt or room that might work too. Good luck.

Timothy, have you put down a deposit? Assuming you have, I'd go with what Bill said and talk to them ASAP. If you didn't put a deposit down yet, I don't think you have any worries. Good Luck.

Timothy,

What would happen if you dropped out of school, went into the military, or decided to get a full time job in another area?

Have you had a converstaion with the landlord? We recommend having a conversation with him/her to present your change of heart. Remember, many people cook their own goose by providing too much information. Simply stated, I'm sorry, my plans have changed and I can no longer lease this property.

Do not wait to do this.....sooner is much better than later.

Good luck