Having a roommate can be a great benefit. Like all relationships, however, roommate situations can go bad, and knowing how to handle a bad roommate can help you deal with these problems. No, you probably shouldn't hire an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie character to terminate the problem for you, but you can try to resolve the problem to both your and your roommate's satisfaction.
Step 1
Review your lease agreement. If you and your roommate signed a joint lease agreement, you need to consult the terms of the lease before you do anything. It may or may not have terms detailing the process for ending your lease, changing roommates or other such details.
Step 2
Negotiate terms. The easiest way to resolve roommate difficulties is to talk to your roommate about them. You and your roommate can come to whatever terms you like as long as both of you agree to them. If you want your roommate to move out, all you have to do is negotiate a settlement you both can agree to.
Step 3
Contact a mediator. A mediator is like a private judge who listens to both sides and recommends a solution. Roommate or tenant mediation is available through various organizations, such as local bar associations, real estate associations and even colleges and universities. Contact your state or state bar association or talk to your landlord about local mediation services.
Step 4
Get your roommate evicted. If your roommate violates the terms of the lease you can have him evicted. The processes required in the eviction process vary, but only a landlord can evict a tenant. You can assist your landlord in the process by providing information and evidence of your roommate's lease violations.
Step 5
Get a protection order. If your roommate situation is so bad that you feel threatened or in danger, you can file for a protection order, sometimes called a restraining order. Talk to your local police department or district attorney's office about how to do this, as the process varies.
Tips and Warnings
- Protect yourself before you get a roommate. You and your roommate can write a roommate agreement that sets out the terms of the relationship. Even if you never use the agreement, it can serve as a good way to discuss potential problems before they happen and let both of you to handle them amicably.
- Don't damage your own rights. Even if your roommate is evil incarnate, you should never stop paying rent or allow your dwelling to fall into disrepair. As a party to the lease, you have specific legal duties to maintain your environment and pay rent. Failing to do so can get both you and your roommate evicted.
Things You'll Need
- Copy of the lease
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