If you’re moving into a shared house or flat – whether as a student, young professional, or just trying to split costs – you’ll probably need to sign a tenancy agreement with your housemates.
Everything seems simple enough… until you see the phrase “joint and several liability.”
It might just sound like legal jargon, but this one clause could mean you (or your guarantor) is responsible for a lot more than just your share of the rent.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What does “joint and several liability” actually mean?
When you rent a property with others under a joint tenancy, you’re all signing one contract together.
That means:
Jointly responsible
As a group, everyone is liable for the full rent and any damages.
Severally responsible
Each individual is also responsible for the entire amount if something goes wrong.
In other words, if one housemate can’t (or won’t) pay their rent, the landlord can legally ask anyone else on the contract to cover it, including you or your guarantor.
Real life example
Let’s say four friends, James, Aisha, Luke, and Naomi, share a flat with a total rent of £2,400 per month. Each pays £600.
But halfway through the tenancy, James loses his job and stops paying rent.
Under Joint and Several Liability, the landlord doesn’t need to chase Alex. They can demand the missing £600 from anyone else – Aisha, Luke, or Naomi – or even their guarantors.
And if damages occur, the same rule applies. Even if you weren’t involved, you could still be asked to pay.
Why does it catch so many renters (and guarantors) out?
Most people assume they’re only responsible for their portion of rent. But under joint liability, the law treats the group as one entity.
That means if one person falls behind, the others have to pick up the slack.
This can be a shock for:
- Students moving into their first shared house
- Working professionals renting in expensive cities
- Couples or friends signing their first joint lease
- Parents or relatives standing as guarantors
It’s not uncommon for guarantors to think they’re only backing one person when in reality, they’re backing the whole house.
How to protect yourself
That’s exactly why Only My Share exists.
Our rent guarantee service is designed specifically for people in joint tenancies. It ensures that if another tenant fails to pay their rent, you (and your guarantor) are only ever liable for your own share – nothing more.
– You’re protected from your housemates’ missed payments
– Your guarantor is only responsible for your rent
– You avoid financial risk and awkward housemate tension
So if your flatmate stops paying rent, you don’t have to.
Why understanding joint and several liability matters
Shared housing is part of modern life, but the legal and financial risks hidden in tenancy contracts often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Understanding joint and several liability before you sign a contract gives you the power to:
- Ask the right questions
- Protect yourself and your guarantor
- Avoid stress, disputes, and unexpected costs
Whether you’re:
- A student renting their first home
- A professional sharing a flat
- A parent or guarantor supporting someone starting out
…you deserve clarity, protection, and peace of mind.)
Protect your share today
At Only My Share, we make renting safer for everyone. Our cover ensures you’re only ever responsible for your portion of the rent, not anyone else’s. Start your quote today and protect yourself (and your guarantor) from unnecessary liability: visit onlymyshare.com
