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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    1

    Default Roommate Won't Pay Rent

    My question involves a roommate in the State of: Florida

    I signed a lease with a landlord on my own. Came across a friend of a friend that needed some help, so I made an verbal agreement with them for a month to month room rental. They paid the first month, but the second month, they blew all their money on going out on their birthday, while I was away on business. In addition to not paying the rent they drove my car while I was away, without my permission, and whatever happen resulted in a total loss of my vehicle with a $1000.00 deductible, totaling $1450.00 owed to me. I have reason to believe they will come in a pack their stuff and leave without paying anything. Do I have the authority to change the locks, and withhold what little personal property they have until I am paid? Or perhaps just the authority to kick that person out, since they are not legally bound by a lease and are over 3 weeks late on payment of the rent to me? They have not been home in over a week, and will not return my phone calls or text messages. Any suggestions or assistance would help out greatly. Thank you for your time.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Toledo, OH
    Posts
    16,307

    Default Re: Roommate Won't Pay Rent

    Do I have the authority to change the locks,
    Nope. That's illegal eviction...

    and withhold what little personal property they have until I am paid
    ...and that's theft. Don't do that.
    Or perhaps just the authority to kick that person out, since they are not legally bound by a lease and are over 3 weeks late on payment of the rent to me?
    Nope, that's also illegal eviction.

    A verbal lease is still a lease. Give him a three-day notice to pay or beat it, formally evict him, and pursue damages in small claims court.

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