Apt. complex rquesting money from me but not roommate(?)

[juntjoo]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? fl

I've just received the letter requesting money owed for work done/damages on the apt. I used to live in but it appears the debt isn't split between myself and my previous roommate, which might be because I was the only one who left an address to which they could send the bill, but either way I hope they don't expect me to pay it all. My concern is if they can legally hold me responsible for more than half of the amount if I was only half of the two people on the lease. Thanks in advance.

 

[Proserpina]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? fl

I've just received the letter requesting money owed for work done/damages on the apt. I used to live in but it appears the debt isn't split between myself and my previous roommate, which might be because I was the only one who left an address to which they could send the bill, but either way I hope they don't expect me to pay it all. My concern is if they can legally hold me responsible for more than half of the amount if I was only half of the two people on the lease. Thanks in advance.

Unfortunately yes.

Because you were both on the lease, the landlord/managers can come after either of you for the full amount.

That doesn't mean you don't have recourse however - if you end up paying the whole amount, you'll probably be able to sue your room-mate in small claims court to recoup at least part of the cost.

 

[Grahakay]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? fl

I've just received the letter requesting money owed for work done/damages on the apt. I used to live in but it appears the debt isn't split between myself and my previous roommate, which might be because I was the only one who left an address to which they could send the bill, but either way I hope they don't expect me to pay it all. My concern is if they can legally hold me responsible for more than half of the amount if I was only half of the two people on the lease. Thanks in advance.

That's exactly what I'm going through right now. And from what I'm told they don't really care if it gets split between you and the roommate evenly, they just want thier money. I got stuck with the entire bill and he didnt leave a forwarding address so they just put his name on the bill along with mine and sent it to me to justify that they 'notified him'. BS! So, now I'm suing. I would advise you get that process started before you go through the trouble of paying it all. If the roommate signed the lease and you present that, it's a legal abinding contract and it's pretty much a hands down win for you for the courts to appoint him half, from what I understand. Not sure how they do it in FL but in WA the courts also grant the plantiff, if the courts rule in their favor, the court and legal fees of having to process the small claim. I would try and contact the roommate first and foremost. Hope that helps. :]]

 

[Proserpina]

That's exactly what I'm going through right now. And from what I'm told they don't really care if it gets split between you and the roommate evenly, they just want thier money. I got stuck with the entire bill and he didnt leave a forwarding address so they just put his name on the bill along with mine and sent it to me to justify that they 'notified him'. BS! So, now I'm suing. I would advise you get that process started before you go through the trouble of paying it all. If the roommate signed the lease and you present that, it's a legal abinding contract and it's pretty much a hands down win for you for the courts to appoint him half, from what I understand. Not sure how they do it in FL but in WA the courts also grant the plantiff, if the courts rule in their favor, the court and legal fees of having to process the small claim. I would try and contact the roommate first and foremost. Hope that helps. :]]

The OP would have to actually pay the full amount before being able to sue....

..and in WA - where I also live - I think you might be in for a nasty shock if you haven't actually paid the whole thing yourself. That's not how it works.

 

[juntjoo]

unfortunately this old roommate just took off and I don't know where he is. Anyone have any advice on how to go about finding him and suing him? I'm sure this happens all the time and I'm probably screwed because I care about my credit so i'll end up paying it all, as I did the last month's rent after he took off.