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TaraCL091991 · Oct 12, 2012, 05:48 PM

My roommate has not paid her half of one month's rent, though I borrowed money from my grandfather in order to pay it. She also has brought home a cat which is prohibited by the lease agreement. She has agreed to move out when I told her no pets, but she refuses to find another place for the cat until she moves.
I'm afraid the landlord will find the cat before hand, or she will tell the landlord that the cat is mine. What can I do legally with out the landlord to fix this situation.
Also, her name is not on the gas or electric bill. Is there a legal way to get her to pay her half of that one month's rent that has not been paid yet, and her half of utilities before she leaves?

ScottGem · Oct 13, 2012, 05:43 AM

First its not a good idea to piggyback your question on another thread. This can lead to confusion. So I've moved your question to its own thread. Second, is your roommate on the lease that you both signed with the landlord?

If so, there is little you can do without landlord intervention. She is a party to the lease and her relationship is with the landlord, not you. So the only thing you can do is inform the landlord, in writing, that she has violated the lease by bringing in a pet and not paying her share. That you have asked her to leave as well as leave the cat someplace else.

Once she leaves, you can sue her for any part of her share that she has not paid. But until then you will have to pay it or the landlord can evict you both.

Fr_Chuck · Oct 13, 2012, 06:23 AM

You may sue her in court for the money owed, you also need to give her written notice to move, what if she does not move, even though she said she would, then you have to start all over giving notice. Start now, then if she does not move, you can start formal evictions

joypulv · Oct 13, 2012, 06:39 AM

What I might do is tell the landlord what is going on and that you are doing your best to get her out. That should help you from getting kicked out too, showing that you are responsible and honest. It's a risk, but it's also a risk to hide it.

ScottGem · Oct 13, 2012, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by joypulv

What I might do is tell the landlord what is going on and that you are doing your best to get her out. That should help you from getting kicked out too, showing that you are responsible and honest. It's a risk, but it's also a risk to hide it.

I don't think it's a risk at all. I think its necessary. If the landlord finds out about the cat and the OP didn't do anything, the landlord will probably go after both.