Roommate Moved Out, Owes Lots of Money

[thebootlegsaint]

My question involves a roommate in the State of: New York

I signed a lease with a guy we'll call Bob last September(2008). He moved out in the middle of January 2009 after paying for all 5 months he was here. I found a new roommate, a guy we'll call Bill. Bill and I got a new lease with both our names on it starting in February 2009 ending at the same time the least lease ended, August 31st 2009. Bill has only made four of the seven rent payments and currently owes $1429.50. He knows this and has been told on many occasions including when it was only one months rent he was missing. My building manager and I went through all the receipts for rent since February and have proof he only paid 4 times while I have paid all 7 times. (This is my third year in this building and have always paid rent on time).
I had not seen him in weeks at the apartment and checked his room today and found his bed and furniture gone. He left the candle wax stain on the wall though.
I am wondering if I can take him to court or not? My building manager seems to think it won't work but I'd like to try something instead of just giving up my $1175 security deposit for a horrible roommate.
Thanks
Dave

[LawResearcherMissy]

Why does your building manager think it won't work? Or do you mean that he thinks Bill won't pay up even after a judgment is rendered?

Take his deadbeat butt to small claims court. And once judgment is rendered, have a chat with the Clerk of Courts to get the relevant forms to file for a garnishment of his wages.