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: 12/8/2006 Subject: Roomate Leaving before lease is up
Question My roommate is my cousin, to bad I trusted her. She tells me one day before the rent is due that she is moving. I got the apartment because her credit was bad and she was in a bad situation. Now I am stuck with the rest of the rent by myself. The lease is in my name but she is listed as an occupant. Is there anything I can do to get what I am owed.
Answer Hi Deanna
Now you know why her credit was bad. She is a number one A flake and I doubt very very much you will ever see another dime out of her. You can try suing her in court but I can tell you now, don't waste your time and money. This type of individual doesn't care about anything or how their bad choices affect others.
I think Deanna the best thing for you to do is move on with your life, take her off your Christmas Card list (and out of your life), and chalk up this whole episode in learning about life. Even you admitted you shouldn't have trusted her. I have learned over the years (32 years of having roommates), that your gut feeling, or intuition is usually right on and you should go with it instead of trying to justify doing something else.
Buy my Roommate Survival Guide, read it thoroughly and find yourself a responsible and compatible roommate. Trust me, if you follow the book, step by step, you will find someone more to your liking. The first rule in my Roommate Survival Guide is NEVER roommate with friends or relatives. Now you know why that is.
Good Luck.
Sincerely
Sylvia Bergthold
www.aroommatesurvivalguide.com
