How to Legally Get Rid of a Deadbeat Roommate
Having a roommate has a lot of perks and can help you cut costs on a lot of things by splitting the bills. You also have a built-in friend to hang out with and help you with chores around the house. But sometimes roommates cause more trouble than they are worth, especially when they don't pay their rent on time or their personal habits are out of control. Luckily, there are some ways to kick them out legally, depending on whether they are co-signers of the lease with you or not.
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Instructions
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Evaluate who signed the lease. If you are the only one who signed it, this will make it much easier than if you both co-signed it. If you are both co-tenants, you can still file a complaint to your landlord, for example stating that your roommate does not pay his rent on time.
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Sit your roommate down and talk to him directly about the issues you have been having with him. Give him at least a 30-day notice to move out and find a new place.
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File an eviction notice at your local courthouse if your roommate refuses to move. Or else enlist your landlord to help you evict this roommate.
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Make sure to state the exact reason on the eviction notice why you are kicking out your roommate. Give the notice to your roommate and explain that you have legally requested him to move out. Emphasize that if he doesn't comply, there will be legal actions taken against him. Give him at least a 30-day notice to find a new place.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not sugarcoat the reason why you want your roommate to move out; be direct and clear on your intentions because it will only make it easier for both of you. Be firm in your decision; do not let your roommate persuade you to reconsider your choice.
Do not change the locks in your place and lock your roommate out of his or her own home because this is considered an unlawful eviction. The rules vary from state to state, so make sure to check first what the rules are for evicting someone where you live.
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