There are two types of leases – individual and joint leases.
If a roommate does not return to campus or moves out mid-semester, roommates are not responsible for paying that portion of the rent. However, because your lease is for one of the bedrooms, you have less control over who the other roommates are. If a bedroom becomes vacant, the property can assign another tenant to that space without your permission.
Joint leases are less likely to have any utilities included in the rent. This typically means all roommates split utility costs, but one student will need to set up an account with each specific utility company.
It is important to consider these factors as you begin your off-campus search. If you need assistance during your housing search, please contact Off-Campus Resources.