What to do about a roommate who will not pay their share of the utility bills?

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What to do about a roommate who will not pay their share of the utility bills?

My roommate was not on the utility bills but was on lease. I was o the lease but taken off so I moved out. However, the utilities were still in my name and now he won’t pay? He was the only one using them.

Asked on August 16, 2012 under Real Estate Law, California

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

If there was an agreement between you and your roommate--even an oral, or verbal, agreement--as to who would pay how much of the utilities, that agreement is enforceable. If your roommate has violated it, you could sue him, including possibly in small claims court (acting as your own attorney) to recover the money he owes you for his share of the utilities. You would need to prove the existence and the terms of the agreement, including by your own testimony.


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