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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Posts
    2

    Default Roomate Won't Pay Her Share of the Rent or Bills

    My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: PA
    I'm not sure where I could post this question, but if this is the wrong board I can move it.
    This isn't exactly an issue with my landlord, but with my roommate. My landlord happens to be an old family friend, and I'm sure he will work with me.
    2 months ago I signed a lease with a "good friend" of 13 years. She was having money issues so I told her I could pay then as long as she was able to pay me something back the next month. This is because we were both fleeing unhealthy living situations. She moved in, and after 3 weeks went by, She returned to work after taking a month or more off for "depression". She is attempting to pass this off as a disability although I let her know that is impossible. I don't know about other states, but I know for a fact that there is a certain amount of time that needs to pass, and proof of a lifelong illness to be considered to have a disability. In reality, she has an internet addiction, and starting staying at her mothers. she claimed this was because we did not have internet in our home (she was too lazy to call and set up the connection). We share a phone plan in her name, and she went over our data making my half $288 for ONE MONTH. I have been asking for money, but she tells me that she hasn't received her paycheck yet,and doesn't know how much she can give me since she doesn't know the amount. That makes no sense whatsoever. even though after this long of being back to work; I know very well she would have gotten one. Her room is filthy. I found that instead of using the restroom, or trash, she had been leaving used sanitary napkins attached to her undergarments. I refuse to touch that, and this is absolutely disgusting. I've taken pictures because it smells.. bad.
    As of right now she owes me a total of $785 for rent and bills. She has yet to acknowledge any of the bills in her name, which, I am not concerned about. So far, I covered her half of the rent for 2 months, the security deposit, and her half of the bills. except for the the 2 she has in her name (phone line, and electric).
    I am considered disabled with 4 severe mental disorders (not sure if this helps anything). I am not to live alone due to my history of self harm, and alcoholism, and psychotic features. I have missed 5 days of work this month due to mental distress because of her not doing her part. I work full time, and I'm in danger of losing my healthcare because of my missing hours. I'm not exactly sure, but I believe I can receive assistance because of my situation, and being abandoned. I have no clue where to start with that issue, so any advice with that would be greatly appreciated.
    My main concern at the moment is getting my money back. I've read about taking her to small claims court, but I'm sot sure if I'd have a case. I have my bank records showing that I withdrawals for the rent, and my landlord has only received payments out of my pocket. (I got to his home to pay each month). I'm hoping he will let me pay my half of the rent that is due tomorrow, and contact her for her share. I know that I am held responsible even though both of our names are on the lease, and am going to offer to cover her share in a weeks time if she does not pay. I'm looking into finding a new roommate at the moment, and I know he will have no problem removing her from the lease.
    Thank you in advance for any input

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    OH10
    Posts
    17,019

    Default Re: Problem with Other Tenant. Hasnt Paid Creating Messy Situation

    You need to legally evict her.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Problem with Other Tenant. Hasnt Paid Creating Messy Situation

    Quote Quoting Disagreeable
    View Post
    You need to legally evict her.
    Is this a step that I need to take in order to get my money back. I have no idea when it comes to any of this.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    1,026

    Default Re: Problem with Other Tenant. Hasnt Paid Creating Messy Situation

    "Is this a step that I need to take in order to get my money back."

    From her? No.

    Your best bet is to get her out of there so you can get a roommate in who pays his/her share of the rent.

    Gail

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