What to do? Renter situation.

[TwoJ's]

Midnight Sun, does your name happen to be Erick? Or Erik? Did I show my house to you last summer? And do you have a black ETA? I had someone look at the house the day before, and after you guys came over, they called and said they'd move in and signed the lease that day.

Too bad, I should have had you guys move in. This guy seemed legit, but I guess it's really hard to judge someone's character until you know them for a while.

[Midnight Sun]

I understand how it does, I live and work in a resort community, so the rental population pretty much turns over every 6 months, and not much activity inbetween. That being said, its not impossible to find young professionals who are moving to the area. These types tend to be the best renters. Usually theyve got a strong work ethic as theyre trying to get off to the right start in a new area, have more consistent income, and arent the party "lets rage and trash shit" types.

Minus the fact we are a college town. All the young professionals leave here after they build up their strong work ethic.

[2Big4a3Series]

I agree. Business is business. If you don't put pressure on him, he will just pay everyone else that he owes. Bad things happen but he should not be able to comfortably pay for his other needs/responsibilities while you suffer. Make him pay what he owes you and then let him worry about food, gas, travel expenses, etc. for himself.

[s0urce]

A contract is a contract, people get sick and die all the time. Fortunately, that doesn't fly in court.

[AdironRider]

I understand how it does, I live and work in a resort community, so the rental population pretty much turns over every 6 months, and not much activity inbetween. That being said, its not impossible to find young professionals who are moving to the area. These types tend to be the best renters. Usually theyve got a strong work ethic as theyre trying to get off to the right start in a new area, have more consistent income, and arent the party "lets rage and trash shit" types.

[Midnight Sun]

ou really think you wouldnt be able to find a replacement renter by August? Maybe a month or two to find the right person, but it shouldnt be to hard to have the place rented out after that period of time.

In this town it is really hard to get a good room mate. There is a surge of people right before and right after the school quarters but if you missed that window (which we just did) than it takes forever to find someone.

Most people here either want to move into a house with their friends, and have to move in with someone already settled, or prefer living in the new massive apartment complex that was just built and is fully furnished.

It is kind of joke really, the last few years a lot of potential renters have been leaning further and further away from houses.

[Midnight Sun]

My question though is what if he refuses to pay? Pursuing him legally would end up costing me more money probably.

Not worth it at all. In Washington landlords are pretty much considered evil. Even if you have him bound in a lease there are so many loopholes YOU have to jump through to get what HE OWES YOU. It is pretty sad actually. I would maybe try and contact one of the bigger landlords in town like Jeff Grear or something and see if he has any advice to offer. Other then that, your only hope is the fact he is poor enough to not have a clue and will pay out to you instead of trying to find a lawyer. However, if he were to find someone to represent him you'd get boned. Fucking sucks, but that is the way the world is.

I had the same thing happen, luckily the girl paid out until she found a room mate. I would try and get him to pay, but if he doesnt there really isnt much you can do.

[AdironRider]

If you believe him Id make him an offer thats fair. Yes he signed a lease, but its March. You really think you wouldnt be able to find a replacement renter by August? Maybe a month or two to find the right person, but it shouldnt be to hard to have the place rented out after that period of time.

If hes been a good roomate to this time (no missed/late rent, good person to live with, clean, etc) Id throw an offer out there to have him pay half of what he owes before he leaves or threaten legal action. Say that you can legally withhold his possessions/take him to court. More than likely hell take the deal. You get 3 months rent money or so to cover your costs while you find a new roomie, and everyone comes out ok.

I work for a rental agency part time here in Jackson and have dealt with this situation numerous times. My agency hasnt had to go to court once yet when this situation arises with normal, decent renters.

If the guy has been a shitty roomate, take him to the cleaners by all means.

[andyman2487]

Force him to find a new roommate and make him do all the work. If he doesn't find one, he's legally obligated to pay the rest of his portion of the lease.

[z31maniac]

He's responsible for the rent, period.

Yeah, he's going through some tough times, but its not his place to make his burden your burden.

[parkerbink]

I would give him three options:

1) Find a suitable replacement
2) Pay most if not all of the remaining lease
3) Prepare for legal action

Additionally if you have a binding written agreement in most states you can withold possessions with a value not exceeding what is owed.

I'd also suggest in future if you don't already have a written rental agreemant that includes provisions for this type of situation you get one for the next renter so you have it all laid out in the event this happens again.

Good luck.

[browntown]

Is subletting an option?

[QuorumCAll]

while I find his story suspect as well, I dont think he is lying. He would still be here going to school, but living with one of his friends on the couch.

After some thinking, I am going to tell him that he is welcome to leave if he buys out the balance of the lease. He says he is financially burdened, but him bailing on the lease would be burdening me just as much. Like someone said, business is business.

My question though is what if he refuses to pay? Pursuing him legally would end up costing me more money probably.

Actually, pursuing him in small claims court isn't very expensive in most states, you don't need a lawyer and it usually only amounts to a $40 filing fee. A similar thing happened to me, so I filed in court, but the guy didn't have a permanent address (he was staying at friends' houses around town), so even though I won the case since he didn't show, nothing really happened.

You have the benefit of living with the guy (my guy left the country on vacation and wouldn't answer my calls when he got back), so I would suggest telling him to find you a replacement roommate, so he can transfer the lease over to someone else, otherwise you will sue him in small claims once he stops sending rent checks. Also, start looking for a replacement roommate now. Don't take anyone's word, and get everything in writing, and if and when you get a new roommate, make sure that person is on the lease as well.

Don't get screwed over like I did.

[TwoJ's]

while I find his story suspect as well, I dont think he is lying. He would still be here going to school, but living with one of his friends on the couch.

After some thinking, I am going to tell him that he is welcome to leave if he buys out the balance of the lease. He says he is financially burdened, but him bailing on the lease would be burdening me just as much. Like someone said, business is business.

My question though is what if he refuses to pay? Pursuing him legally would end up costing me more money probably.

[PiercedE30]

Either that or let him buy his way out of the contract by paying most, if not all, of the remaining rent/utilities.