I live in New Jersey. I have a jointly signed lease with a friend in a multi-dwelling. He has petitioned the landlord for release from the lease based on a reduction in his salary due to psychiatric disability leave. Though his lowered salary is still well above the norm and leaves him well able to pay his share of the rent, it's possible the landlord will honor his request. (This request is based on NJ tenant law for people who become disabled.)
Question: Where does this leave me? If the landlord vacates the lease for my housemate, does that automatically end the lease for me? Do I have any say in this? This is a jointly signed lease, so are we viewed as one entity and therefore, my housemate's request is considered to be my request, or can I inform the landlord that I have nothing to do with this request?
In fact, I would be willing to leave this apartment, but I cannot be ready to do that in 40 days. My house mate has another dwelling in another state. I have no other housing.
What are my protections and rights in this situation?
Thank you.