About Sylvia Bergthold Expertise I can answer questions dealing with roommate situations including compatability, leases, placing roommate wanted ads, what you have to offer to a roommate, sharing of utilities and other services, interviewing techniques and questions, some legal aspects of housesharing, clearance information, etc.
Experience I have had roommates in my home for over 32 years and am the author of:
"SORRY, THE BOA HAS GOTTA GO!" A Roommate Survival Guide
Publications The Los Angeles Times, The HB-FV Independent, The Arizona Tribune, Lansing Michigan Rental Guide, Roommate Locator Newsletter, The Plain Dealer,, Las Vegas Sun, Apartment Lifestyles Magazine, Instyle Magazine, The Whiz.com, Cosmopolitan, Under 25, The Portsmouth Herald
Expert: Sylvia Bergthold Date: 12/14/2006 Subject: Kicking out a roommate
Question Thanks so much for the help. My bf typed up a letter and had it notarized with instructions to vacate by Jan. 15th. His roommate responded back by threatning him and stating he was not leaving and that this was a violation of squatter's rights (I have no idea what that means). His roommate said that since he has lived in the apartment for more than 30 days that he is supposed to be on the lease. His roommate has said that he will make this a legal matter. Is any of this information that his roommate says, true? Is there any way to have this guy out before the 15th? If he is not out by the 15th, is it correct to file an eviction notice on the 16th? Any advice and help would be appreciated. Thanks!!
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
-----Question-----
My boyfriend got a 2 bedroom/ 2 bath apartment. Having an extra room and bath, he decided to get a roommate. His cousin recommended a friend to him and so his cousin's friend moved in late October. My boyfriend told his new roommate that all he would like is for him is to clean up after himself and that everything would be fine. His roommate leaves his belongings all over the living room, doesn't wash his dishes, doesn't even flush his own toilet nor can he keep his bathroom clean. My boyfriend feels as if he is living w/ a child who has to be told to do his chores. He has gone into my boyfriend's room w/out permission and taken some items of him and does not return them. After talking to him repeatedly about needing to keep things clean my boyfriend is fed up and so he has asked him to move out. He is giving him one month to move out. He is not on the lease and he now his roommate says that this is a violation of his rights and that he will make this a legal matter. Does his roommate have a case?
-----Answer-----
Hi Connie
What rights? The roommate does not have a case IF your boyfriend gives him a WRITTEN 30 day notice to vacate. He is NOT on the lease so therefore your bf is the acting landlord.
And this is what I suggest about the cleanliness bit. Gather up all his stuff he leaves around including dirty dishes, clothes, papers, etc. and dump them on his bed. Do this EVERY DAY. It doesn't matter if the dishes are soaking in the sink, dump the water out and on the bed they go.
And if he EVER takes anything of yours without permission again, call the police and file a report for theft.
I don't need to tell you that there were MANY errors made in this arrangement. The first one being someone suggested him as a roommate. Please buy my Roommate Survival Guide and learn how to go about getting a responsible and compatible roommate. I think your bf has a good idea about renting out the room, BUT he needs to do it the right way. After 32 years of having roommates, I know it has to be handled in a business like way.
Good Luck
Sincerely
Sylvia Bergthold
www.aroommatesurvivalguide.com
Answer Hi again Connie
Take all copies of the paperwork involved in this mess, including the 30 day notice, the lease agreement with the landlord, receipts of payments and anything else, and go to the Fair Housing Council in your city. It is usually located in city hall. Tell them exactly what the roommate has said and find out what the local laws are pertaining to this type of situation. Ask them for advice or what your options are.
I have no idea what the roommate is talking about. He is attempting to intimidate your bf into believing a bunch of stuff to scare him. I also think your bf should get the assistance of his cousin (who recommended this yahoo in the first place) to help out in this disaster.
And get all the help you can from the landlord. Explain the entire situation to him and have him use his eviction service if necessary to get this leech out of your life.
So go now to the FHC in your city....Pronto! Good Luck.
