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Can I Swap Roommates, as in One Move Out and a New One Move In? How?

Roommate changes are extremely common people move, change jobs, get married, or simply need different living arrangements.

Audience: current residents living with roommates who want to replace one person on the lease with another without ending the entire lease.

 But swapping roommates is not as simple as handing over keys. Because leases are legal contracts, every person living in the home must be screened, approved, and added through the proper process.

Here’s how roommate swaps work, what’s allowed, and what can get you into trouble.

FAQs ❓

Can one roommate move out and a new one move in without ending the lease?
Yes. if the new person is fully screened and approved before moving in.

Do all roommates have to apply?
Anyone added to the lease must complete the full application and screening process.

Can the new roommate take over the old roommate’s portion of the deposit?
This must be handled between roommates privately. Management cannot transfer deposit ownership.

Does the entire lease need to be rewritten?
Often yes. A new lease or lease addendum is required to remove one person and add another.

Can someone stay temporarily without being on the lease?
No. Unapproved occupants violate the lease and can jeopardize tenancy.

How Roommate Swaps Work (the Right Way) ✔️

Here’s the proper, legal process for swapping roommates during an active lease:

1. Submit the request to your property management team 🏡

Roommate swaps require approval. Management will explain:

  • What paperwork is needed

  • Screening steps

  • Fees (if any apply)

  • Timeline expectations

Never bring a new person into the home before receiving approval.

2. New roommate must apply and be screened 👤

The incoming roommate must complete:

  • A full rental application

  • Background and credit screening

  • Income verification

  • Identity verification

This ensures they meet the same criteria as any other resident.

3. Management reviews the application 🔍

Approval depends on:

  • Credit

  • Background

  • Income

  • Rental history

  • Compliance with occupancy limits

If denied, they cannot live in the home at all — even temporarily.

4. A new lease or addendum is signed ✍️

Once approved:

  • The outgoing roommate is removed from the lease

  • The new roommate is added

  • All remaining roommates sign the updated agreement

This protects everyone legally.

5. Roommates settle the deposit privately 💵

Property management cannot:

  • Split deposits

  • Transfer deposits

  • Refund deposits mid-lease

If one roommate moves out early, the group must privately handle any deposit exchange.
The full deposit stays with the original lease until everyone moves out at the end.

The Wrong Way to Swap Roommates ❌

These actions violate your lease and can cause eviction or charges:

🚫 Allowing an unapproved roommate to move in

Even temporarily. Every adult occupant must be fully approved first.

🚫 Letting someone use your old roommate’s keys

Key-sharing or unauthorized entry is a serious lease violation.

🚫 Having someone “stay” unofficially

Long-term guests = unauthorized occupants.

🚫 Expecting management to mediate money disputes

Deposit splits and rent-sharing arrangements are not handled by the management company.

What If a Roommate Leaves Without Proper Steps?

If one roommate walks away without completing the process:

  • All remaining roommates are still fully responsible for the rent

  • Unauthorized occupants cannot move in to replace them

  • A lease violation may occur if someone moves in without approval

The safest move is to notify management immediately and start the official process.

🔗 Related Articles

These articles help clarify lease obligations and shared responsibilities: