I have a rather long question. I have a roommate who has not paid me any rent since May 2004. She and I are both on the lease. I pay the full amount of rent and would like to know, how should I go about getting the her portion of the rent. I have asked her verbally and in writing to pay her half of the rent and her half of the utilities. She does not. She owes me more than $5000 dollars and it keeps growing. I have asked her to move out since she is not paying rent, and she again refuses. Would it be my best move to take her to small claims court to recoup my money? I pay the rent, so it is not late, I don't want a mark on my rental history. I know it also shows she is paying too on her rental history. I just need some advice please.

