Disputes Among Co-Tenants
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Our office may be contacted in regards to a situation at your residence. First, let me make it clear that under no circumstances will we represent students against other students. However, we feel that it is important that all tenants who are involved in a dispute among themselves consider seriously the following information:
- IF YOU AND YOUR ROOMMATE(S) HAVE SIGNED THE LEASE SO AS TO ASSUME LIABILITY FOR EACH OTHER (JOINTLY AND SEVERAL LIABILITY), IT MEANS THAT SHOULD ONE OF YOU NOT PAY THE RENT, THE LANDLORD WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO EVICT OR SUE BOTH OF YOU FOR ANY MONEY THAT IS OWED.
- IF ONE OF YOU WANTS TO LIVE ELSEWHERE, IT IS IN EVERYONE`S BEST INTEREST TO WORK TOGETHER TO FIND A REPLACEMENT (SUBLEASER). ALTHOUGH IT MAY BE DIFFICULT, WE URGE YOU TO PUT YOUR PERSONAL FEELINGS FOR THE OTHER PERSON(S) ASIDE, AND YOU BOTH SHOULD TRY YOUR BEST TO FIND A NEW ROOMMATE.
The question is sometimes asked: “If I have to pay more rent, will my roommate have to pay me back? What if I sue him/her?”
Whether you are able to get anything from a roommate who may owe you money sometimes depends on whether he/she has any money. If not, even if you sue them, you may end up with only another piece of paper.
Whether your roommate should have to pay you something if one of you leaves may depend on whether you have a written agreement and who caused the problem. IT IS BEST TO CUT YOUR LOSSES AND TRY TO WORK AT GETTING A REPLACEMENT ROOMMATE.
IF YOU HAVE PAID YOUR $8.00 QUARTERLY FEE FOR OUR SERVICES (INCLUDED ON YOUR TUITION BILL), YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO FREE MEDIATION SERVICES THROUGH THE ATHENS AREA MEDIATION SERVICES. CALL 592-2068. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS SERVICE FOR ROOMMATE PROBLEMS.
