Can My Roommate Kick Me Out
My question involves an eviction in the state of: Washington
Hi, long story short, I flipped out today. Not to say I was solely at fault (after harassment from my roommate), but I threatened to beat my roommate today. In my fit of rage, I directed my anger at his coffee table (instead of his face) which is now broken. (I offered to pay for it)
He has since asked me to find a place to live in the next 7 days and insinuates there will be "people here to make me listen" if I don't leave on my own.
My stance: Fine, personally I can't stand the guy and I think its better for both of us if we part ways. But realistically for me, 7 days is just not enough time to find a place to live, and relocate all my stuff without a car on a limited budget.
I want to know two things. What is my legal standing as a co-signer on the lease. Am I afforded protection from this kind of thing? Also, if I do end up leaving, am I entitled to any of my money back from the lease agreement if taken off the lease (i.e. half of the security deposit, half of the last months rent which we paid upon moving in)?
For the record, he did not call the police. But he did call over one of his friends (as backup i presume) who offered to take me to rent a truck, put all my stuff in storage, and drop me off at a hostel. So gracious.
Thanks in Advance,
Joon
Re: Can My Roommate Kick Me Out
Quote:
What is my legal standing as a co-signer on the lease.
Your legal standing as co-signer of the lease is that you can stay put until the end of the lease term. If you choose to move, you're still responsible for your share of the rent, until the end of the lease term, unless you both agree on a suitable replacement to take over your portion of the lease (and provided your landlord also agrees.)
Essentially, the only person with legal standing to throw you out is your landlord, and he has to do it through the courts. None of the landlords of my personal acquaintance are willing to get involved in roommate disputes.
Tell your roommate to cram it.