Lease terms, explained

Joint and several liability

If a roommate stops paying, the landlord can ask any one of you for the full rent, not just your share.

Guarantor

Someone who agrees to cover your rent if you can't pay. It's usually a parent.

Sublease

When you rent your room to someone else for a while, but your name stays on the lease.

Prorated rent

If you move in partway through the month, you only pay for the days you're actually there.