What Can Be Done If a Roommate Doesn't Pay Bills?
Roommate situations are tough enough between personalities and different ideals of cleanliness, but not paying bills can escalate roommate tension to new heights. Like any other conflict management, dealing with financial issues with your roommate means starting off by opening up communication. If the problem continues, you will have to follow through with tougher measures, with the final point being eviction.
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Rental Agreement/Contract
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Although it is not required, many landlords have their tenants sign a rental agreement or rental contract that specifies which day the rent is due and who will be in charge of paying the bills. Whether you are the landlord or a fellow renter, you can refer to the rental contract as documentation of what you both agreed to when you decided to become roommates. Approaching your roommate with clearly defined agreements and proof that these agreements aren't being fulfilled may communicate to him that he isn't holding up his end of the deal.
Landlords
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If direct communication with your roommate doesn't suffice, it's important to speak to your landlord about the situation. Although according to Finance Globe, "they are usually more concerned with receiving rent payments than how compatible the tenants are," it's important to be up front and let your landlords know that the financial trouble isn't coming from you. Your landlords may have dealt with similar situations in the past and have advice for you. Let your landlords know what your plan of action will be and how you plan on paying the next month's rent and bills if your roommate can't follow through.
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Legal Documentation
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Keep track of all of the late fees that are accrued through your roommate so that you have documentation of them. If the bills are in your roommate's name, the responsibility rests on her to pay the bills and the late fees. However, if the bills are in your name and she is late in reimbursing you for her share of the bill, keep a running total of the amount she owes you. According to an article called "Winning Roommate Roulette" on Kiplinger, "If any of your roommates consistently skip out on monthly bills--including rent--you may have some legal recourse to collect the money if she signed a roommate contract before moving in."
Eviction
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If your roommate continues to fail to pay her bills, you can ask her to move out. In the event that she refuses, you will need to investigate your state's tenant laws to learn how to evict her lawfully. If you are not the owner of the property, you can speak to your landlord about getting your roommate evicted as a violation of your rental agreement. Work with your landlord and an attorney to make sure your roommate is served a notice of eviction.
Protection
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If your roommate has made threats against you, you can file for an order of protection. Go to the courthouse in the county of your residence and ask for an order of protection form. You may need to fill out an emergency order of protection form if you require immediate protection. The process differs by state, and it is important to check with your local county courthouse for specifics in your area.
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References
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