Can old roommate sue over pet damages?

[Scarred4life]

In regards to Colorado law, I received a bill for $150 from my former roommate for cleaning supplies and carpet cleaning, as she claims my dog caused damage to the carpet.

I wasn't on the lease and was paying her directly for my portion of the utilities and rent. Long story short as I was supposed to be on the lease. Anyway, Iam assuming technically she was my landlord?

I did pay for half of the yearly renters insurance- $75- prior to our falling out as we had planned on living together for the full year (although I never signed any lease or anything). I suppose you could say we had a "verbal agreement". I lived there for 3 months. Now, days after I move out, she claims I owe her that money because of my "messes" she had to clean up (no idea what she's talking about) and random food I've apparently eaten. She sent me a bill for $150 for "cleaning supplies, alcohol, and carpet cleaning" today.

My question is this: she threatened to call the sheriff and have me escorted out within 3 days, so I quickly packed my things (and my dog) and left. Probably the most outrageous roommate situation ever, but what could I do? She was on the lease and I wasn't, and she comes from a family with lawyers and comes from money so she has the money to formally evict me; I was so scared. This caused me a considerable financial burden, having to pay for moving costs at the last minute. I live paycheck to paycheck, which of course isn't her fault, it's mine. I'm just saying it was super difficult for me to come up with the money.

Today, she gave me the bill. I am so still really mad at her for everything that's happened, and I feel like I shouldn't have been so easily intimidated. I know for a fact none of the pet damage that happened was a result of my dog. He was constantly crated in the bathroom, while her dog roamed free. What are my responsibilities here? How should I reply? If I refuse, I'm worried she will sue. And the "cleaning supplies"? We shared buying those. And I bought a bunch of paper towels and clorex cleaning wipes and stuff before I left. I did drink her alcohol, though. I admit.

Sorry for the super long post, I'm sure some of these details aren't necessary, but I would appreciate any advice you'd all be willing to give! Thank you in advance.

 

[adjusterjack]

Another roommate sob story added to the growing list of thousands. When will people learn that roommates are the kiss of death?

Anyway, yes, she CAN sue you and you might lose.

If you are afraid of getting sued then pay her, learn a healthy lesson for the future, and get on with your life.

Next time rent a studio or efficiency apartment and, if you can't afford even that on your own, go back and live with your parents.

 

[LdiJ]

Another roommate sob story added to the growing list of thousands. When will people learn that roommates are the kiss of death?

We hear all of the horror stories here. Some roommates get along great. I got along great with any roommate I had. They never stopped being roommates due to problem but only due to life changes.

Anyway, yes, she CAN sue you and you might lose.

And she might lose.

If you are afraid of getting sued then pay her, learn a healthy lesson for the future, and get on with your life.

I am pretty anti anyone ever paying money that they do not believe that they owe. Doing that is letting a bully get away with the bullying.

Next time rent a studio or efficiency apartment and, if you can't afford even that on your own, go back and live with your parents.

I agree with this advice 100%

 

[FarmerJ]

SO you know your rental relationship with her was that of a sub let where she was master tenant and you paid her since you weren't on the lease , does that give her any special rights? NO , she became a landlord in this situation and your states laws will not excuse her. SO you know Courts have the right to evict tenants, landlords only have the right to tell a tenant to get out but they cant self help evict and if they call the police then the best response to a officer is that this is a landlord tenant issue and you are a tenant. if she really has family members who practice law whoop-dee-do she should know what the law is then. Pet damages she is going to have to prove her claims in a court If you don't have it then tell her to sue you . ( that's all she can do ) BTW next time around don't pay half of someone else`s renters insurance since it was her policy just how would you collect? ( I doubt her insurance policy would cover you since the purpose is to cover policy holder and not policy holders tenants)