Underage drinkers just moved in...blech

[blahbleebloo]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Sacramento, California

Okay, so because I have so greatly appreciated the advice that I have received here in the past...here I am again!

I live in a house that is rented out by the room (and in case you are looking up my history, yes it is the same place, I just got my landlord to lower the rent, so I decided to stay put.)

Anyway, a young girl just moved into one of the smaller rooms in the house, and her boyfriend comes and stays practically every night. The boyfriend buys MASS quantities of alcohol - we're talking cases of beer, huge bottles of tequila. Admittedly, I am not a drinker, but it still seems like a lot to me. I inquired as to their ages, the BF is 21 and the girl (my roommate) is 18. They also have friends over every so often, and atleast one of them is underage (she's 20).

I am 30 (yes I really need to just get a place of my own; I'm working on it!), so my question is what is my liability for the fact that there is an 18 year old drinking in the house? She'll open up a beer right there in front of me so I have actually seen it. In the interest of keeping peace I haven't wanted to say anything, but I really don't want to be held accountable for something some stupid kids on the road to alcoholism are doing.

Thanks in advance.

 

[seniorjudge]

Do you own this house?

 

[blahbleebloo]

Nope, I'm just renting a room.

If I don't have any liability in the matter, I'm not going to make a fuss about it. If they want to kill their livers, that's their perogative...sad as though it may be...

 

[seniorjudge]

Nope, I'm just renting a room.

If I don't have any liability in the matter, I'm not going to make a fuss about it. If they want to kill their livers, that's their perogative...sad as though it may be...

I wouldn't let minors drink in my room; but you have no liability for what they do in other places.

 

[blahbleebloo]

Awesome, that takes a load off my mind...thanks so much! I will continue to mind my own business! Thanks!

 

[HomeGuru]

Awesome, that takes a load off my mind...thanks so much! I will continue to mind my own business! Thanks!

**A: not so fast. Read some other posts here where a tenant got arrested and he was not directly involvled but was living at the rental house at the time.

 

[blahbleebloo]

Well crap...

Okay, so what is recommended that I do then? I barely know these people and so am not real keen on being held responsible for them. Should I make my landlord aware of the situation? Any advice on how to handle this so that I keep my nose clean?

 

[The Occultist]

I would certainly start by contacting the landlord and discussing the issue with him. I would also make sure to document each conversation you have with the landlord in relation to this concern. It might not absolve you of any guilt should a court decide to convict you, but at the least I'm sure it would help mitigate the damages.

 

[blahbleebloo]

Well I called my landlord and he said he would tell them to get rid of the alcohol. This is what I hate about being a responsible adult...feeling like a bad guy for trying to do the right thing. Oh well, hopefully all will end up well. Thanks for the advice everyone! Once again you guys came through! Have a super day!

 

[seniorjudge]

...
This is what I hate about being a responsible adult...feeling like a bad guy for trying to do the right thing.
...

You need to have a serious attitude readjustment.

 

[blahbleebloo]

You need to have a serious attitude readjustment.

While I don't disagree, what do you suggest needs to be readjusted? That I don't take lightly having to "turn in" people I barely know to save my own skin? While I obviously wouldn't (and didn't) hesitate to do it (and I would report it to the authorities if necessary), that doesn't mean that I like feeling like I'm "interfering" in someone else's life.

If that needs to be readjusted then I guess I'll make an appointment with my shrink.

 

[seniorjudge]

While I don't disagree, what do you suggest needs to be readjusted? That I don't take lightly having to "turn in" people I barely know to save my own skin? While I obviously wouldn't (and didn't) hesitate to do it (and I would report it to the authorities if necessary), that doesn't mean that I like feeling like I'm "interfering" in someone else's life.

If that needs to be readjusted then I guess I'll make an appointment with my shrink.

Well...

This is what I hate about being a responsible adult...feeling like a bad guy for trying to do the right thing.

You shouldn't feel like a bad girl for trying to do the right thing!

 

[blahbleebloo]

Okay, that I'll buy. You're right. Besides, maybe it'll give these kids a wake up call that drinking like that isn't a good thing. I'll look at the silver lining! Thanks SJ! You rock!

 

[seniorjudge]

...
Besides, maybe it'll give these kids a wake up call that drinking like that isn't a good thing.
...

Don't expect miracles!

 

[blahbleebloo]

Don't expect miracles!

Oh no, I wouldn't expect that sort of miracle. That's the kind of thing that only happens in dreams and after-school specials. I can hope though. Have a great day SJ!