Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Georgia

roomate woes

Two months ago, my friend and I signed a one-year lease on an apartment. We agreed to split the rent and utilities and then he moved out just three weeks after we had moved in together. He said that he would try to uphold his financial responsibilities to me, but has not paid his half of the rent for the past two months. I am current on the rent and have no intention of moving, but it is a financial burden for me to have doubled my living expenses. Is it possible for me to get a court order to force him to pay the amount agreed, or should I just sign to have his name removed from the lease? Also, he just filed chapter 7 bankruptcy last month, so I'm wondering if he could add this debt to his bankruptcy if I try to legally force him to pay me.


Asked on 8/25/02, 8:00 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Hugh Wood Wood & Meredith

Re: roomate woes

Well he certainly gets the award for not very financially responsible. The short answer is you will have to do all of it yourself. In the absence of the Chapter 7, you could have sued him for the 1/2 rent. Those types of suits are rare but legal. Between you and hte Landlord (LL), the LL doesnt care who pays as long as all the rent is paid. So, if you want to stay you have to pay 100% of the rent. Since he filed for CH 7, I doubt you can sue him now. So, this is really as discussion that you are going to have to have with you to solve your problems. Forget about him and his prior committments. HCW

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Answered on 8/25/02, 11:26 am


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