[cag2014]

We are in dispute over rent, as she thinks we (3 tenants) should be paying the 4th tenants rent as this is her daughter.

We took legal advice, and they advised we only pay our share, and deduct from future payments the "over payments" we had been making for 6 months. (we are on a 12 month contract).

Because we are doing this, she has been harassing us and has now taken away the TV in the living room, and clothes dryer from the kitchen.

Can she do this?

Thanks

[cdad]

Were those items in the rental contract?

[ScottGem]

What does your lease say? In general, most rental leases state that all tenants are responsible for the rent. Unless you have separate leases, then the full rent needs to be paid. And if one of the leasees doesn't pay, the other leasees have to make up the shortfall and sue the non paying lease for that share. If the full rent is not paid, then the landlord can evict.

As for removing the TV and dryer. I doubt if the TV is part of the lease unless the lease specifies all furnishings. A clothes dryer, on the other hand, is usually an included appliance.

But the only way this will be resolved is in court. A court will look at the lease and rule according to the terms of the lease. So without knowing those terms its hard to answer.

Also any question on law needs to include the general locale as laws vary by area.

It would also help if you made it clear what you are renting. Is it a single house or apartment with the 4 of you as roommates on a single lease. Or what?