moving question from renter

billdav

I am leaving a rental property at the end of this month. This is my first time leaving a rental property and I am curious.. costs to clean / repair damages to this unit are likely going to exceed my deposit. I had a slob of a roomate who destroyed his room.

If the costs of repairs exceed my initial deposit can the landlord pursue me for the additional costs?

G_M

Yes.

Initially he will write to you and/or your co-tenant(s) and/or your guarantors asking for the money owed.

If you do not respond or reply "no way", he cn take you to court.

billdav

That's what i thought. I'm typing up my one month notice now. I am going to include a line stating if the cost of damages exceeds my deposit please provide invoice copies showing the difference and I will assist in recouping costs. I want to work with the landlord and avoid any sort of legal action.

Werdnal

Did you and your room mate rent individual rooms separately, or were you on a joint tenancy?

If the rooms were individually let on separate tenancy agreements, you would not be responsible for your room mate's damage.

However, if you rented together on a joint tenancy you are "jointly" liable, so yes, LL can come after you to pay or sue you if you refuse. Where does your room mate come into this - is he denying liability? Is there any way you can clean and/or rectify any of the damage before you go, to reduce the costs?

G_M

Make sure you give the right amount of notice. This post will help you.

Was the 'roomate' a joint tenant on the contract, or did you sublet to him/her?

Are you sure you want to include this offer to the LL at this point? Who knows, he might just take the deposit and forget any other damage (part of the business). I'm not saying he will, but if you've already offered to make up the difference, then he WILL claim the difference!

billdav

The property is rented in my name and only my name. I rented the room to a friend and his name was not on the rental agreement.

I am also in Canada, not sure if this board is american / how the rental laws differentiate. This was the first board that showed up on a google search.

Werdnal

billdav wrote: »

The property is rented in my name and only my name. I rented the room to a friend and his name was not on the rental agreement.

I am also in Canada, not sure if this board is american / how the rental laws differentiate. This was the first board that showed up on a google search.

This board is UK based, so I suspect rules over here are totally different to you guys across the Pond!

G_M

Ignore everything we have said - it is UK property law based.

You need Canadian advice.

billdav

thanks. yes i'm looking for a canadian board now, sorry for wasting your time

Yorkie1

Good luck