How do I go about suing my roommate for unpaid rent?

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How do I go about suing my roommate for unpaid rent?

My boyfriend and I both are on a year lease for an apartment. For 5 of the 12 months he did not pay rent because he lost his job so I paid all by myself. He said he would start paying me back when he got a job but he got one and has gone back to just paying his half. I paid all the rent, bills, everything for 5 months. I want at least his half of the rent money. Is it even worth it to sue or what can I due? I have all the dates and amounts I paid written down and Ihave proof of checks of the whole amount of rent coming out my bank account. Is that enough proof?

Asked on July 11, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, Ohio

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

First question is are you and he still a couple? If not, then you could send him a letter setting the amount owed for unpaid rent owed by him that you took care of seeking payment all at once or in monthly installments. If he refuses, then you would have the option of having a civil action against him. Most States in this country have a small claims division where non-lawyers can go and sue for moneys owed if the amount demanded does not exceed a certain threshold. You could check with the county and State you reside in about this.

If he is still our boyfriend, why won't he pay? It seems if he was worth keeping as a boyfriend he should do what is right by paying you back for what you advanced for his benefit.

The copies of checks you made for both of your payment is a good start for seeking redress.

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

First question is are you and he still a couple? If not, then you could send him a letter setting the amount owed for unpaid rent owed by him that you took care of seeking payment all at once or in monthly installments. If he refuses, then you would have the option of having a civil action against him. Most States in this country have a small claims division where non-lawyers can go and sue for moneys owed if the amount demanded does not exceed a certain threshold. You could check with the county and State you reside in about this.

If he is still our boyfriend, why won't he pay? It seems if he was worth keeping as a boyfriend he should do what is right by paying you back for what you advanced for his benefit.

The copies of checks you made for both of your payment is a good start for seeking compensation.


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