There are times in one's life that he or she wishes to have a roommate. There are too many good reasons why one needs a roomie. One of the pluses of having a roommate is having someone to split the rent. However, this advantage could be dispensed if the person you share your room with becomes annoying. When having a roommate becomes burden, it's time for the guy to hit the road. But the thing is you simply cannot kick the person out.
How can you get rid of the roomie legally, and less stressful too? Zillow has 3 tips to boot out the roommate that is giving you headache.
One tip for lawful eviction is to have a clear communication with the person. Communication is always the key in any given relationships especially in a co-habitation situation such as this. Whenever there is a problem that comes up, it is best to talk it out if not right away then at least soonest. "Perhaps your roommate is under unusual stress, isn't aware of the rules or just needs a little coaxing to meet obligations." This action plan most of the time works.
Yet in case, this tactic doesn't work between the two of you, you can always bring the landlord in the picture. The landlord can start the eviction process if your roomie clearly violates the lease agreement. However, if the person you share your room with is not a tenant of record, then bringing the landlord will not help you evict the guy because he or she obviously has not signed a lease agreement. The so-called "state landlord-tenant laws do not apply."
If that is the case, the option that you will have is "to seek an alternative legal remedy." Why legal remedy? You simply can't kick the man out of the door and eventually thrown the belongings on the street. "Most states have enacted a more civilized approach that provides the unwanted guest the right to notice and due process." First thing to do in this approach is to file a simple statement declaring that the arrangement you have with the person has ended. Give the person a deadline for him or her to move out- at least 15 days or maximum of 30 days from the time of notice. And most importantly, make sure the roommate receives the one-page document.
Now if the roommate refuses to take his or her graceful exit, it is time to proceed to the 3rd step or tip. You can now "file a petition for eviction in your local court, which is likely the same court that handles formal landlord-tenant matters." The court staff will assist you in filing the petition and will give you a schedule for the eviction hearing. By that time, be ready to present the eviction notice that was received by your roomie, include also an evidence that proves that the person you share your room with is not included on the lease of agreement that you signed with the landlord. "The court will likely grant the petition, and your roommate will have no choice but to vacate the premises immediately."
Livestrong has a similar article on how to rid of your roommate legally, which was previously published in its website. It says that only a landlord can evict the person who is included on the lease. So before you included the landlord in the picture, review the lease of agreement, making sure both your names are included in this legal document. The ease will also help you in "addressing roommate problems or changes."
So bottom line in this cohabitation situation, review the lease of contract and call your landlord. These are the most common ways to rid of your roommate legally.
How about you? Do you have tips on how to rid of your roommate legally? Share your tips below.