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BeeBopN · Jan 28, 2012, 08:14 PM

Basically I just need advice on what to do.

My roommate is lazy, doesn't like to contribute supplies for the apartment, and doesn't clean. We have a 1 bedroom apt and he pays $350 for rent while I pay $600. To clarify things, I have the bedroom to myself while he stays in the living room. I know for fact that this isn't fair because I asked for $400 but since he was my only option left, I needed to accept $350. He's a good friend of mine from high school and now we are both studying in the same college. I tried kicking him out after our first semester together but he begged to stay longer because the rent/apartment is really convenient for him. So I am giving him another semester to live with me. Our lease ends in 4 months, so my plan was to kick him out after the lease ends. My name is under the lease too so I have every right to kick him out. **Also my main concern is that I feel like after I kick him out he'll have a spare key to get in and steal my stuff.** Just because we are friends doesn't mean I can entirely trust him with my property. He's just those friends you have in school, he's not a friend that I can hang out with other people.

So how do I kick out my roommate politely?
And should I change the locks to be safe. And if I should, do I have to tell my landlord as well?

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

ScottGem · Jan 28, 2012, 08:22 PM

Is his name also on the lease? If so, you can't do anything. He has equal rights to the apartment. You can negotiate with the landlord to lease the unit on your own instead of renew it together. You need to do this before the lease expires. In which case the landlord will have to inform him that he is not being renewed. And he has to do it according to the terms of the lease.

If he is not on the lease, then you are his landlord and you have to evict him according to the laws where you live.

Fr_Chuck · Jan 28, 2012, 08:35 PM

Politely? Guess you can take them out to a nice meal, dress up and have a third party come up and give them the notice.

Sorry, could not help myself, there is no polite way, there is the legal way, and the procedure that has to be followed.

First answer Scott Gem's question, since we have to be sure you can even legally do this.

And then your exact location makes a difference but in general, a 30 day written notice for them to move and if they do not move, you file for an eviction in court.

After ( and only after they are completely moved out) you can change the locks, you will have to give your landlord a key of course and change the locks according to any rule your landlord has.

BeeBopN · Jan 29, 2012, 05:37 AM

His name is not on the lease.

And what if he says no and tries to beg and negotiate?

ScottGem · Jan 29, 2012, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by BeeBopN

His name is not on the lease.

And what if he says no and tries to beg and negotiate?

Ok, so you are his landlord. That means you have to act like a landlord. You can search the web for samples of termination letters. You give him notice in writing and include a statement that if he fails to vacate you will file for an eviction order.

If he begs and pleads tell him he's an adult and to act like one.

JudyKayTee · Jan 29, 2012, 09:44 AM

If he begs and pleads to stay you act like an adult and tell him no.

Why are you allowing someone who clearly makes you unhappy to continue making you unhappy?

smoothy · Jan 29, 2012, 10:33 AM

I will also agree with what the others have said... being an adult means making choices that aren't always easy, and doing things that might be difficult.

But he's had plenty of chances and he decided to take advantage of you. Just do thing according to legal procedures and you will be through this quickly enough. I think most of us have been through a similar situation with a roommate at least once.