Housemate refusing to pay rent/bills

Serenity_Now

My housemate has moved out half way through our contract and is refusing to pay the rent or the bills. I think we signed a joint tenancy agreement so I'm liable for all the rent.

Her rent is due now should I pay it?

Can I claim it back of her through small claims court?

laurenzo99

dont you know what sort of agreement you signed?

If you go check what it was we'll be able to help you a lot more...

Serenity_Now

We both signed the same contract, I think it's a joint tenancy agreement, so if she doesn't pay I'd be responsible for the rent. Sorry to sound thick, but what on the contract do you need?

laurenzo99

i know my friends (3 in 3 bed flat) signed a joint tenancy agreement BUT they are individually responsible for each of their rent and bills.

For instance one left 2 months ago and he has been forced to pay else get someone else in to cover his rent?

Are you 'friends' as such with the person that left?

Serenity_Now

laurenzo99 wrote: »

i know my friends (3 in 3 bed flat) signed a joint tenancy agreement BUT they are individually responsible for each of their rent and bills.

For instance one left 2 months ago and he has been forced to pay else get someone else in to cover his rent?

Are you 'friends' as such with the person that left?

We were! Not now she's moved out and refusing to pay.

laurenzo99

do you have her new address or her parents address?

what is you LL saying about it?

Serenity_Now

I've got her parents address.

The landlord has been understanding so far (her share is now nearly a month late), I just want to know if legally I have to pay, since it's a lot of money for a student.

tbs624

Does the contract mention the term "jointly and severally liable" with reference to rent/bills?

iolande

I was in a similar situation years ago, and was advised that I would have to pay the rent for the other person as we were jointly responsible. So she could buzz off, and I would have to pay her rent and bills until I could find another house mate to take over the tenancy.

I did a naughty and phoned her mother up and said "the lawyer has told me I have to give your daughter 10 days notice verbally before I can take her to court. If we go to court I can claim rent until the end of my tenancy." The mother panicked and took my bank account details and I had the money the next day.

melancholly

how many months do you have left?

liz545

iolande wrote: »

I did a naughty and phoned her mother up and said "the lawyer has told me I have to give your daughter 10 days notice verbally before I can take her to court. If we go to court I can claim rent until the end of my tenancy." The mother panicked and took my bank account details and I had the money the next day.

I like that strategy. While you are jointly and severally liable, she has signed a contract agreeing to pay the rent for a fixed period, so if she doesn't pay it you can take her to small claims. But shaming her in front of her parents may be more effective!