Can you buy/rent a house when you are still on a lease where you no longer live?

Questioner

I split up with my ex-partner and moved out of the apartment we rented together. We are 50/50 on the contract. I want to get out of the contract, but my ex-partner asks me to stay on it for another 1 to 2 years (because he will earn enough then) because there is a chance that he will not be able to rent it alone and will have to move. He wants to write a statement that I am not (anymore) responsible for the apartment. I would prefer to close this and get out of the contract, because I think it will hinder me in the future (I am now temporarily living with my mother again) and I do not want to be held liable for any problems or debts of his in the future. If I were to remain on a temporary contract, could I have problems buying/renting another home and is his explanation sufficient or should I choose for myself and continue contract-free? Thanks in advance!

Lawyer

In this way, you remain on the contract as a co-tenant and are therefore jointly and severally liable for the rent and the deposit and damages. You must jointly request to put the contract in one name. If the landlord refuses, the remaining tenant can go to court.