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-   -   Old roommate didn't pay bills and I took out of her deposit (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=287559)

  • Dec 2, 2008, 03:02 PM
    heatherpratt
    Old roommate didn't pay bills and I took out of her deposit
    So I got an apartment on my own in NYC and only I am on the lease. I paid first month, last month, security, and broker fee to move in. in the mean time I got a roommate then she moved out. Then I got a new roommate that paid her first month rent and a security deposit. Not to the landlord but for me. To cover me getting stuck with bills or damage or getting robbed or anything. This is what is always done and not unheard of.
    So after I move out and my roommate she was given a 45-day notice, we agreed that either of us only needs to give 30 days. So I got an apartment on my own in NYC and only I am on the lease. I paid first month, last month, security, and broker fee to move in. in the mean time I got a roommate then she moved out. Then I got a new roommate that paid her first month rent and a security deposit. Not to the landlord but for me. To cover me getting stuck with bills or damage or getting robbed or anything. This is what is always done and not unheard of.
    So after I move out and my roommate she was given a 45-day notice, we agreed that either of us only needs to give 30 days.
    I get my deposit back I paid to my landlord when I got the place on my own. I get stuck with all kinds of unpaid utility bills that my old roommate left in my name. So I deduct that and give her the remainder of the money she gave me. She thinks I’m in the wrong. And wants to sue me, but I have all the unpaid bills and I am the only one entitled to the deposit from the landlord. Please help
    I get my deposit back I paid to my landlord when I got the place on my own. I get stuck with all kinds of unpaid utility bills that my old roommate left in my name. So I deduct that and give her the remainder of the money she gave me. She thinks I’m in the wrong. And wants to sue me, but I have all the unpaid bills and I am the only one entitled to the deposit from the landlord. Please help
  • Dec 2, 2008, 09:47 PM
    chocolate101

    Well I think you shouldn't have taken her money and used it but you could have done something about the bills in your name
  • Dec 9, 2008, 11:45 AM
    badboymagnet
    According to NYS Laws you were basically subletting but you didn't mention if the roommate signed any sort of lease. If not, then you probably have no grounds to keep her deposit even if she caused any damages. Since you mentioned you received your full deposit back from your previous landlord then I assume there were no damages. If the ex-roomie takes you to small claims court then I would counter sue, state your case with bills in hand and cross your fingers because if it was just a verbal arrangement then it will be a "he said-she said" situation which you could still win. I live in NY but not a lawyer... it's just a similuar situation a friend experienced.

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