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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

You are here: Experts > Education > College Life > Dealing with Roommates > A guest who has overstayed her welcome

Topic: Dealing with Roommates

Expert: Sylvia Bergthold
Date: 12/20/2006
Subject: A guest who has overstayed her welcome

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

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