Expert: Sylvia Bergthold - 12/20/2006

Question
My situation is similar to Annelise's letter of 11/27/06.  A "friend" has terminal cancer and was going to live out of her car after getting out of the hospital 3/2/06.  I invited her to live with me until she could find a place.  I don't charge her rent.  She has not been successful finding another place to live, but I need her to leave.  It has become very stressful for me.  Suggestions?

Answer
Hi Dottie

Give your roommate a WRITTEN SIXTY day notice to vacate. (usually they are 30 days).  Tell her that you were happy to help her in her time of stress but now it is time for her to move on. You are giving her 60 days rather than the required 30 days because you wanted to give her time to find a place.

If she doesn't find a place in 60 days, start charging her $125.00 a week for rent plus splitting ALL the utilities with her. It is not your job to provide free rent to anybody. It is time for you both to go your separate ways.

Sincerely
Sylvia Bergthold
www.aroommatesurvivalguide.com