What is my right as co-signer on an apartment lease?

Question

My roomate moved in with me in July and we both have our names on the lease. By the end of August she moved out agreeing to pay me $250.00 a month. She decided she would pay me $130 I said it was unaccpetable but since she was still paying something I said fine. Now here is where it gets kind of sticky. We had a cell phone contract under name and we cancelled. She told me we have to pay it every month. So I paid the first month and she didn't give me any rent money. So the next month I didn't pay her because I told her that if I didn't receive money for rent I could not give her any money. THen I said use what you would send me for rent toward the bill and since you never send the rent money to me on time that goes toward the late fee. Now she is pissed because I haven't sent her any money but she has not paid me for rent. I would take her to court but we have been friends since the 8th grade and she is my son's godmother. What should I do?

Just to make clear even though she doesn't give me payments I pay the rent in full and she never pays me back!

Answer 1

while her name is on the lease, she is liable to pay half, but if i was you, i would go and seek legal advice, and tell her so, explain that you cant afford to pay 4 the phone as your paying all the rent, other option could be 4 you to get another lodger to help with expenses...

Answer 2

You have the right to pay the rent in full. If you don't the complex can sue you and her for the full amount. They will go after whoever is easiest to find.

I am sure the cell phone contract is the same way. You are 100% responsible and so is she.

If you pay anyone anything, always give a money order or check and write on there what it is for and keep a copy of the actual payment.

As far as working it out with your friend, you should sit down together and do not get upset or emotional.

1) Write out on a piece of paper what months have passed and the future months for both bills.

2) Write what was paid each month by each person.

3) Settle up! Even if you have to use monopoly money to calculate it and get your totals- do it!

4) Agree to stick to your payments.

5) Give each other proof that the payment was made. If the rent is not paid and your friend has paid you, the complex will not care. They will demand their money. The same is true with the phone company.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You both need to find a reasonable sub-let to take the pressure off of your rental income concern.

Who is in the room she use to occupy?

If no one , you need to find a suitable roomie.

As far as the cellphone I would do the same thing.
Why would I send money to someone who owes me money.

So do the math if she owes 250 and gives 130 she is already $120 in debt to you. Now if the cellphone is less then that say $50 a month she still owes you $70 dollars. toward the $250.

So your best bet is to clear the slate, one of you needs to sign off on the lease and the cell phone.

Work it out before you destroy what is left of your friendship.

Answer 4

Your husband did a touch stupid ingredient in co-signing for an irresponsible individual. Now that the deed is finished, your husband is on the hook in the time of the hire. If he does not get his sister to straighten up, she would be waiting to be evicted and it will look on HIS credit checklist because of the fact the co-signer.

Answer 5

YOUR BEST ANSWER IS TO NOT CO-SIGN WITH ANYONE ON ANYTHING. ALWAYS RUNS INTO PROBLEMS DOWN THE ROAD.