View Full Version : Poor roommate situation, how do we handle?
TinaInNYC
Jan 12, 2014, 04:11 PM
Only one of the roommates is on the lease however we strongly suspect she doesn't pay nearly as much rent as we do and she doesn't use the money we give her for utilities to actually pay the bills which results in late fees. We have a month to month roommate agreement however she will not share info about the landlord. Is there anything we can do to take over the lease?
ballengerb1
Jan 12, 2014, 04:27 PM
Which roommate is on the lease, is it the girl who pays less rent and keeps the money?
ScottGem
Jan 12, 2014, 05:18 PM
Ball asks a very pertinent question. If this roommate is the only one on the lease than SHE is your landlord. You have no right to know anything about HER landlord. Nor does it matter whether she is paying more or less than the others. The others agreed to pay whatever they agreed to pay.
The only thing that does matter is if the utility payments are given to her on time and she doesn't pay the utilities on time, then SHE is responsible for the late charges.
XOXOlove
Jan 12, 2014, 11:20 PM
I don't think you can really do anything if you are not on the lease. You will need the landlord's permission. Maybe ask your roommate to be on the lease when the time comes to renew it. If she doesn't let you in consider leaving. There really is no reason for her not let you in when time comes to renew the lease. If I was in your position, I would pay what I agreed to and then leave as long as I didn't sign any paperwork saying I would stay for a certain amount and pay x amount.
joypulv
Jan 13, 2014, 04:58 AM
Anyone can find out who the owner of a building is, at the city hall deed or tax department. He or she could be the landlord, or it could be done by a manager or mgmt co.
You have no say in how much rent she can or can't charge you, since it's her rental - UNLESS you live in a rent controlled area. NYC has a long, long list of tenant rights that are separate from NYS laws.
If your rental is furnished, however, even with just a bed and dresser in your bedroom, in most places, all bets are off, and rent control doesn't apply. I don't know about NYC specifically in this regard.
You do have a right to refuse to pay late fees on utilities, and I would demand to see the bills so that you only pay what you owe. Keep careful proof of what you paid and when.