Isthere anything I can do about roommates who refuse to pay there share of bills?
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Isthere anything I can do about roommates who refuse to pay there share of bills?
I have 2 roommates with drug and drinking habits that have spun out of control. I have been staying with a friend for the last 6 weeks and have been working hard to have my name removed from the lease as I feared eviction. My roommates refused to turn in the paperwork needed for me to be released and, as expected, we were evicted last week. There is a large paper trail on my efforts to be released. I have also now paid this month’s rent, including my roommate’s late fees and utility bills. My credit will obviously suffer from all of this.
Asked on February 13, 2012 under Real Estate Law, North Carolina
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You could your roommates for their contribution. As other signatories to the lease, they are also bound by it. If they do not pay pursuant to the lease, you may sue them for their contributions; you may also be able to recover other costs or losses you have suffered, such as the cost to move out or find new housing due to their failure to honor the lease. For several hundred dollars, you probably should sue in small claims court, acting as your own attorney; for several thousand, you should retain an attorney. Good luck.
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