I live in Guelph, Ontario Canada. What should I do if my rommate doesn't pay her half of the utility bills?

Question

My roomate and I both signed a lease to the house we rented, and as far as the rent goes the rent is always paid on time. The utilities (hydro & gas) are under my name. She has been late or hasn't had the money with her half of the utility payments several times. I've overlooked it as I thought she had some financial set-backs. As it turns out she ends up buying alcohol for her common law husband and other things that are not necessary. She has the money to buy alcohol & smokes everyday as well as other odds and ends, but dosen't have the money or is late with it for the utilitiy bills. It gets pretty costly every month as her children and common law husband also live here. When I do let them know that I need the money for the utilities they are very beligerent. I am very leary about her leaving me to hold the bag. Do I have any rights and what can I do?

Here are some of the extra detailsto my question;
- The rent is paid on time, but I also pay
half the rent.
- I have sat them down a few times &
talked to them about how they had a
financial obligation to pay the utilities.
I also told them how it took its toll on me
financially. Their response was very
vague, or they've toldl me (in a rude &
crude way) that they'll have the money in
a few days. Which never materializes.
The next thing I see is alcohol & beer
etc... everywhere.
- I pay the utility bills up-front
as I don't want to get cut off, & I want
to keep my credit in good standings.
- I also am planning on moving in October
and they know this.
- I am skeptical in getting short-changed...
especially when I receive the last bill.
I'd like to take this time to thank all the people that have taken the time to answer my question. I hope the extra details help.

Answer 1

Draft a sublease. In the sublease, increase her share of the rent and eliminate the need to pay utilities. Then she just has to pay rent. If she doesn't pay rent, you can evict her in accordance with the sublease.

Answer 2

This is an issue between you and your roomate. The utilities company would hold only you responsible for paying the bill since your name only - is on the bill. Sit down with roomie and her common law husband andhave a serious talk. Ask them why the attitude when you ask for utilities? (what was the agreement between you when you both signed the lease? You can always go back to that agreement!) Let her know she is causing additional financial burden on you to pay her share of bills in view of her 'family' members and you. My question to you is - why is only your name on the utilities? I would find out from the company what you could do? Perhaps both names can be on the bill and you both would be equally responsible. You don't say how much is involved, but if they are paying the rent and it's on time - there really should not be an issue with utilities. You should be able to talk this out.

Answer 3

You can talk to the landlord about an eviction. But that can take a long *** time. Unfortunatly you are in a bind. Because the utilities are in your name. You don't have any proof that she is supposed to be paying any of this. You can always talk to her about getting at least half put in her name, so she is forced to pay or get out.
First talk to her. Tell her that she needs to start paying or that you'll have to take some other action.

Answer 4

First of all, how much time is left in your lease?

You can take your roommate to court - sue her for unpaid bills. If you do this, definitely have a plan for removing yourself from the house - find a new place.

Are you a student? If you are, your university may provide assistance for situations like this.

You may also be able to talk to the utility companies to see if they can "split" payments. Alternately, maybe you should have one utility in your name, another in hers.

Good luck.

Answer 5

That is a tough situation.

If you can, get her to put at least one utility in her name. The only drawback to that is if it gets turned off for non-payment, many utilities will not reconnect in a roommates name.

Did your landlord agree to let her family live there as well? You may be able to enlist his help in getting her out so you can get someone more responsible to move in with you.

Answer 6

Get an attorney!

Turf her out when the lease expires. Sue her for her share of the bills. Good luck, you're going to need it.

Answer 7

KICK HER *** OUT...SORRY ABOUT THAT GO DOWN TO YOUR LOCAL COURTHOUSE, YOU WILL HAVE TO FILE AN FORMAL EVICTION WITH THE CITY SHE WILL BE SERVED AND IF SHE CANT PAY SHE WILL HAVE TO GO.....TELL HER TO GO AND SIGN UP FOR SECTION 8 WHICH IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING....