To Whom It May Concern:

My roommate literally takes up 90% of the household (two-bedroom house). He verbally harasses me and my boyfriend for any and everything. He has tried to bully me and my boyfriend. He will not allow us to place anything in the house other than what he wants to place about (i.e. his stuff). We all pay the same amount of rent, but I pay the same as him for just a bedroom. Also, he runs up the utility bills only to ask us to pay for it equally. He threatens me for money, but is extremely behind in rent. My name as well as my boyfriend's are not on the lease. What should I do? We are trying to move out, but he is making it very difficult. I live in Van Nuys, California (L.A. County) and want to know if there is anything legally--action-wise--that I can or should do?

E

If you and your boyfriend aren't on the lease what is the problem with just moving out?

Cut your losses and just move out. You are very lucky you aren't on the lease, although if you had a verbal agreement that can stand up in court in come states.

If he is threatening you and you want to get out quietly, start moving things out slowly (when he is at work) even into a storage unit if you have to. When you are ready to get the big things out, rent a truck and do it when he isn't home.

Try to move out as soon as possible as this guy could get pretty nasty or nastier than he usually is about things. You are not on the lease which is great, but did you have some sort of agreement with this guy that could hold up in court if he sued you for moving out?

I agree with all of the above posts, get out before he goes completely postal!

Even if he had a verbal agreement it might not stand up in court if the landlord would have to say it was okay with him. If it wouldn't be okay with the landlord he might not even want to pursue it if you move out.