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    xroomie's Avatar
    xroomie Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Oct 22, 2011, 12:20 PM
    Roommate Rights
    I lived in a house off and on for about 7 years but was never on the lease. One of my roommates states she was on the lease left for 5 years and returned a couple of years ago. Since then it has been hell. The other roommate that was on the lease has moved out long ago. Because of our differences she told me to find a new place to live because she was going to pull the lease and leave herself. So I found a new place at the beginning of the next month. I began moving my things and was told to leave on one occasion, which I did because it was late in the evening. The next time I show up the deadbolt has been removed from my once locked room and all of my things gone through. I try to keep the peace and act like I am not bothered being that we are also co-workers and need to try to get along. On my next trip I gathered a load to take and when I returned for another I am locked out and the door is not answered when I knock. My next visit is arranged and when I arrive I find that all my stuff is in the living room packed for me. When I proceed to go downstairs where my room was, I am stopped and told not to go down there because all my things were right here. After much efforts I get what is upstairs to my new home to notice that I have serveral missing items. Missing shoes to pairs, and everything tossed about in caos. I make a list of the items I still do not have which are clearly still in the other house and give it to her and ask that she let me know when I can pick these things up. She does not reply, instead neighbors call to tell me that there are things sitting out on the curb that might be mine. I drive by and they are but in pieces with parts missing or broken. Since then I have noticed many other items missing so have added to the list, but I fear that there will be continued neglect to my pursuit. What can I do? I should also mention that my x roommate is under the impression that I have stole from her which I haven't and she has no proof, I mean really now, she packed my stuff up she should know. What legal rights do I have or what should I legally do regarding all the matters mentioned. Breaking into my locked room, going through all my personal items and not giving my my belongings? I'm trying my best to keep the police out of this because they will say it is a civil matter.
    ScottGem's Avatar
    ScottGem Posts: 64,966, Reputation: 6056
    Computer Expert and Renaissance Man
     
    #2

    Oct 22, 2011, 02:43 PM
    Right it is a civil matter. To be assured of what your rights are we need to know your general locale as laws vary by area.

    She asked you to vacate (this should have been done in writing) though there is some question as to whether she had any right to do so. Only the leaseholder or the landlord has the right to do so. If she moved, even if she returned there would be some question as to whether she is the leaseholder.

    But since you voluntarily vacated, that point is moot. The question is when was your rent paid until and what is the official date you vacated. If you moved out officially, but left some of your belongings without an understanding of when you would remove your things, she may have been within her rights to open the door and move your things out.

    Of course, you can sue her for your missing and damaged belongings.

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