Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Louisiana

My husband and I had a friend of ours living with us starting in March, we made a verbal agreement that it would be $200 a month while she lived here. She didnt pay us in March, April, or May and didnt pay the rest of Julys rent. We have been trying to contact her to collect the rest of Julys rent, which is $100, thats all that we want and she refuses to pay us. I have called her several times and have sent her several emails. Is it harassment to do that? Is there a way that we can collect what we are owed? I have no address for her, all I have is a phone number. What can my husband and I do?


Asked on 9/09/09, 6:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

You are now on notice that she is not going to pay you. Therefore, any continued "attempts to see if she will pay" could be construed as harassment. I am a bit confused though. My math says she owes you for March, April, May and "the rest of" July, or $800, but you will take $100 for July. Does that mean you will take $700 total, or you will take $100 for the total debt? You need to sue for what she owes. If you cannot serve her with the paperwork, then you can have a curator appointed to attempt to contact her, and if reasonable efforts are made without success, you can get a judgment for whatever she owes. Court costs and curator fees are required up front, so you have to put that up. Why all the trouble for a "friend?"

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Answered on 9/14/09, 7:03 pm


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