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jjlex · Jan 22, 2007, 08:31 PM

I got a roommate living with me since June, 2006. He added his name as a co-applicant to my lease agreement. According to the lease agreement, the rent should be paid by the 1st day of each month. For the first 3 months, I paid all the bill(rent, utilities,. ) first, then he paid his part to me by cash during the middle or the end of that month. But since Oct. 2006 he told me he hasn't money so I let him pay me one month later.

Then nightmare begins:
1). At the end of November, he told me he will pay me 2 weeks later. Two months fee needed to pay me at that time(Oct. Nov.).
2). Just before Christmas, he paid me only one month fee. And said he will pay the rest 2 weeks later. Two months fee still needed to pay me at that time(Nov. Dec.)
3). During Christmas and till now, he lives in his mother's house for most of the time. And it's hard for me to contact him. Last Thursday he came back and told me he would pay me part of his bills on last Friday. But nothing happened till now, and he disappears again. Now he owe me 3 months fee(Nov. Dec. and Jan.)

I'm going to travel outside U.S. for about 2 months since Feb.. He knew this. It looks like he's going to deceive my money. What can I do? I'm in Kentucky.

Thanks in advance!

ScottGem · Jan 23, 2007, 07:29 AM

You have a lease agreement with your landlord, and he is signed as a co tenant on that lease, correct?

If so, you have a big problem. Since you are not his landlord, you can't evict him. The landlord would have to do that, but the LL doesn't care who pays the rent as long as it is paid. So if you start paying only your half, you may find he evicts you both.

Your best option is to sue him for the share he owes you.

jjlex · Jan 23, 2007, 11:47 AM

Thank you, Scoot. Yes, he signed as a co-tenant on my lease. I have no idea of how to sue somebody. Could you please refer some webpage or something to me on this?

In addition, since I'm going to travel outside U.S. for about 2 or 3 months starting from Feb. I will quit the lease. The lease will be terminated on the date I leave.Does this affect if I sue my roommate 2 or 3 months later?

Thank you for the good suggestions!

ScottGem · Jan 23, 2007, 12:00 PM

When does your lease expire? Have you given notice to your landlord yet? If your roomie doesn't move out at the same time, the landlord might be able to hold you responsible for the rental.

As for suing him, do a Search on small claims court for your area. I would wait until you return to do so.

jjlex · Jan 23, 2007, 02:36 PM

Thanks for the quickly response!

My lease will be expired on April 1st. I've told landlord that I'm going to quit on Feb 1st. The landlord agrees this and will return my deposit after he checks the apartment. He also says my roommate needs to sign a new contract with landlord if he want to stay here after Feb. 1st.

ScottGem · Jan 23, 2007, 05:02 PM

Nice landlord, waiving the last 2 months. Must be an easily rented area.

jjlex · Jan 29, 2007, 08:46 AM

Can I still sue him if he moves to another state after I come back from the journey?

ScottGem · Jan 29, 2007, 09:10 AM

Yes.

jjlex · Jan 29, 2007, 09:25 AM

Thanks for the response! One more question.

I made a bill for my roommate and had his signature on it. The bill contains detailed bill item followed by a statement, "I, John XXX, confirm this bill and will make the payment to my roommate, XXXX, before Jan 19, 2007", following by signatures of both of us.

Is it enough for me to sue him?