Roommate problems...

[Adrjunkie]

So my roommate and I moved in with one another so he would be able I keep his job and not have to move back in with his parents. I already had a place to live but he was a friend so I found someone to take my place there and moved in as a favor to help him out. Now 8 months into our year lease he has decided to quit his job and open a restaurant an hour from our house .

He hasn't moved out yet however rarely stays there and has kept all of his belongings there. He has now decided he doesn't have to pay all of his half of the rent because he no longer gets a steady check and is "hurting for money". Which I believe it's safe to say we all are currently. Should I just tell him to get his things out so I can replace him and have someone's be in for the duration of the lease. Or should I have him keep paying his full share of the bills and hold him responsible for his commitment.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[darbo]

At a minimum he needs to pay for the storage of his belongings or get them out so you can get someone else to move in and help with the rent and utilities. You can't afford to support him. If he doesn't understand that he's not a friend.

[Rock and Glock]

I'd hold him responsible until he's replaced, unless you made another agreement or contract (verbal, written or otherwise) initially.

[Jetfuelrm]

I would say if he is on the lease make him responsible unless you wish to be a nice person and are able to handle the bills. I know if it were me I would make them pay the bills but that's me. I am a little confused though if he is hurting for money how he can open a restaurant? It did catch my eye

[OldVet]

I really hate folks who claim to be a friend and take advantage of you. Who signed for the lease where you and he are staying? Or you can tell him to put his stuff in storage(it's cheaper than rent) and then find a new roomie. One way or another, you need to make him hold up his part or cut ties. It's called adult responsibility.

In all reality, you need legal advice.

[acepilot]

He's "on the bus". At least he probably would be if I was you.

Heartless in the heartland,

Ace

[Jeanlouise]

Tell him to get his stuff and get out ASAP. The likelyhood of him "coming into some money" is nil. You aren't going to get paid or compensated so cut your loss quickly, find someone else to move in with you if you can.

Serveral important questions have been asked, especially about the lease. Until we know more specifics it's hard to give advice other than, he's a deadbeat. He may be nice, but he's a deadbeat.

[buckeye .45]

Is he on the lease?

What does it say on the lease that he owes a month?

[archer51]

If his name is on the lease, as well as yours, he is responsible to pay his share. If he isn't on the lease, give him 30 days notice to vacate and find another renter to share with you.

PS.- If that is what he does to friend, it sounds like it is time to end the friendship and find someone more reliable.

[Bark'n]

Sit down and have a discussion with him. Tell him you can't afford it with him not paying his fair share and tell him you'd like to find a new roommate at the earliest opportunity. If he balks, or can't abide by what is fair, take him to Judge Judy! She'll tear him a new one!

Whatever you do, keep good records of all money spent. Rent, utilities etc. And keep track of what he pays. Get receipts for everything, including cash transactions.

[Adrjunkie]

We made no agreement at the beginning of the lease as we both intended to be there the full year. Both of our names are on the lease and I just called him and we discussed It, after I read your responses. I told him that I could not afford it alone and that he needed to be responsible for his commitments. He broke down and agreed that he needed to do this so he will be paying me the bills for January and will have his things out within the month so I can have someone move in. Thank you all for your advice.

[retsupt99]

Glad that it seems to have worked out.
I'd still keep a 'paper trail'.OMO

[dukalmighty]

Sounds like he is pretty immature...and he wants to open a business..He entered into a written contract and until you find a replacement he is liable for his 1/2 of the rent.

[Jetfuelrm]

Glad it worked out for you. Yes have a paper trail

[RKflorida]

Do everything you can to find housing that does not require you to have a room mate. Never, ever have a room mate. Share living with your wife, but no room mates. You can all argue until the cows come home, but I've experienced/witnessed nearly 300 room mate situations and only about 20 worked out. And all of those but one, were women.