I just moved into this house with three other girls (we are all college students). One of the girls' parents put their names on the lease, so we pay our rent to her. Just last night, after living here for a month, I was told by this girl that I must pay to her mother my share of the deposit, equal to one month's rent, even though this was never brought up in the last five months we've been in correspondence about the house. I'm upset about this, but I don't want to create tension because I'll be living here for at least one year, maybe two. What should I do?
2006-08-30 11:01:32 · 12 answers · asked by dandelion86 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
While it was unprofessional of them not to bring this up before, it is fair that all the tenants pay a share in the deposit. If there is any damage to the apartment, the landlord will take it out of the deposit. If you do not have the funds to pay the full deposit, see if they will agree to let you pay it over time, paying a little more rent each month until the deposit is paid. I am afraid that if you do not pay a deposit, they may ask you to move. However, before paying anything, you need to request documentation about what assurances the deposit gives you (in terms of your ability to remain in the house as long as you wish) and under what conditions the deposit will be returned. I would not give the money to your roommate, but to the mother whose name is on the lease, and I would not give her any money unless the deposit is refundable when you terminate this arrangement, provided you have not done any damage to the property. Get it in writing. That way you protect your legal interests.
2006-08-30 11:15:41 · answer #1 · answered by just♪wondering 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could choose not pay it because this was not discussed as part of your agreement prior to moving in. Is your lease with her in writing?Does it specifically say a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent? Did you speak to her mother about this? She could be telling you this because she is strapped for cash and thinks you'll cough it up. Did all the others pay a security deposit? Before you open up your wallet you need to ask these questions. If no one else paid a deposit then you don't either. If the mother is requesting a deposit have her put it in writing. This way when you move you can get your money back. If this is a verbal contract and she is making up rules as she goes then you may choose to find another set of roommates. Otherwise pay the money knowing you've been duped and stay there hoping she doesn't make up any other fees.
2006-08-30 11:13:36 · answer #2 · answered by nimopiba 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let her know that you'll be paying it, but since it was never mentioned before, you'll need some time to save up for it. I'd recommend maybe paying one third of it each month, for three months.
You should also request to see a copy of the lease that has been signed with the landlord, to be certain that what you're paying is a fair share. Additionally, ask to have the lease amended to clarify that you have paid for your own portion of the deposit, or have them at least give you a receipt with an explanation of what the deposit covers, as well as the terms for getting it back.
2006-08-30 11:10:09 · answer #3 · answered by abfabmom1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd make sure, before you pay it, that you get something in writing about returning the deposit. When it will be returned (30 days after you move out, etc), if it will be returned with interest, what repairs can be made out of it, etc.
I just moved out of a rental and it was like pulling teeth to get even part of my deposit back from the landlord from hell. It wasn't in writing when it had to be returned, and she didn't pay interest on it (required by law in our state).
I'd call the mom on the lease and talk to her; if you can't pay it all right now, tell her what you said on here, that in 5 months this never came up, and you have to work out a payment plan.
At least you know now to always check this in the future for rentals. Good luck!
2006-08-30 11:09:52 · answer #4 · answered by BasketChick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this was not discussed prior to you moving in and it is not in paper, then no you are not obligated to contribute. The deposit was already made before you even moved in and if they wanted something from you it should have been discussed back then. Not now after months of living there. Furthermore, if it is not on paper...you don't have to pay any deposit to them. simple as that. AND if you are going to pay your "portion" of the deposit, give it to the mother whose name is on the lease. Not to one of the girls. They might actually be trying to take advantage of you because they need some cash quick.
2006-08-30 11:11:34 · answer #5 · answered by yogurtsoju 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Confused. Is your fair share one months rent or do you to pay 25% of the deposit which is one month's rent for you? I assume that you have to pay one month's rent as a deposit and thus, 1/4 of it is your months rent. A deposit is part of renting and should be split 4 ways. Should have told you sooner, but she propably flaked until her Mom reminded her to collect it. Many landlords do not give back their deposits. It is terrible, but it does happen. They make BS reasons like the appartment was dirty. However, while it should have been mentioned earlier, it is not unreasonable to expect that to split.
2006-08-30 11:15:28 · answer #6 · answered by billymike1969 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pay the deposit...they all had to when they moved in...Iguess it's only fair. But talk to them and set up a payment plan or something. Explain that you were not informed of this beforehand, but that you're willing to pay it as long as you are given enough time to pay it
2006-08-30 11:05:48 · answer #7 · answered by LaRiesha W 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
do not pay her anything. if they wanted a deposit from you they should have asked first. tell them at this point you will not pay it as it was not discussed previous to you moving in and would have make you decline the offer to move in.
2006-08-30 11:07:56 · answer #8 · answered by staci m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She can't make you pay because there was no agreement either written or verbal..But if you don't pay she could nake things difficult for you..You may want to consider paying her just to avoid a conflict.
2006-08-30 11:08:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
u really should pay her. anytime u want to get a place u have to pay a deposit. its just happens that the girls mother paid it for you guys upfront. so its only fair to pay it back
2006-08-30 11:04:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋