Can I get rid of a bad roommate?

Question

My bad roommate is an alcoholic and marijuana smoker. When drunk he has recently endangered the lives of all the tenants in the building. He left the stovetop gas running twice in a 4 day span. My other roommate and I asked him to leave and he agreed he would. I have been at the residence the longest (~3 years) and have all the bills in my name. In fact, my bad roommate has not paid full bill money since December.

However, now the bad roomie has threatened that he might not move out and might force us out. He claims he can do this after speaking with his lawyer (Im sure that is just a drunk scare tactic). He is listed on the apartment lease as am I and my other good roommate. The apartment is too cool for me to leave and like I said, I've been there the longest and have all the bills in my name.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Contact your landlord and tell them about the situation. Tell them he is performing illegal actions on the property and you would like him removed. I am sure they will find him in violation of some part of the lease and remove him.

I had a very similiar situation with a roommate while I was in college. Since I was the one who dropped of the rent check every month, I was the one they sided with. The apt managers came into our apartment and searched his room with our permission. They found that he installed cable in his room without prior consent from the apt complex. This was a violation of the lease and they asked him to leave and he did so.

So, try working with your apartment managers first. They do not want to lose your business since you pay the bills.

Answer 2

Yeah, like he has any money after spending it on his recreation.
No lawyer in their right mind would take this kook on.
I suggest that you give him a written eviction notice and give a copy to the apartment manager. Remember that they have 30 days to vacate. At that time if he still has not moved, you can get the sheriff to get him out but I think you have to make sure the apartment manager is on the same page with you.
Talk with the manager and then find out what they do to get rid of dead beat tenants.
Good luck, not all roommates are wonderful, but why lose the good ones for this looser!
Tell him to get a life and get out....do it right so if you have to involve the authorities you have it in writing. Document everything that is going on and why you are terminating. Dates, times and conversations and occurances.

Answer 3

The best thing to do is tell him that you and the others.. and tell him collectively when you are all together. that all of you no longer want him there and because all your names are on the lease aswell you out number him. If you make it clear that he's so unwanted he might pick up and leave. someone with no friends wont stick around long. if that doesnt work then throw his stuiff out on the pavement and change the lock.

Answer 4

uhm, if all the bills are in your name.. then you have legal rights over the apartment...

you may have to pay him some money to leave since his name is 1/3 on the lease.. but minimal...

im 90% sure you can legally kick him out whenever you want, since you legally own the apartment because your name is on all of the bills...

Answer 5

Invite the police over to your apartment...often. Also, contact the apartment owner and tell him/her they have a drug user as a tenant. You'll get help fast.

Answer 6

You should read OJ Simpson's new book.

"101 ways to 'get rid' of your roomy, with O-Jay."
(Take it from a professional.)

Answer 7

find out where he keeps his stash and call the cops on him the next time he lights up.