Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Louisiana

Roommate dispute over home computer

Lived with roommate for 9 yrs. He recently moved out. He purchased home computer for me as gift about 4+ years ago to encourage and aid me in starting a home-based business. Never been an issue until today. He still owes money on it since he has only paid the minimum paymnts. He wants me to pay him the $1700 or he is coming to take it. I offered him $500 which I felt was fair since I have it in my possession and all of my software and business documents are on it. He declined and told me he wanted the full amount. I was a little stunned and I told him he was not welcome to come on the property. As mentioned he moved out already. We rented the property together from his uncle. I am still living here and paying rent. He said if I do not allow him to come here he will have his uncle come and take it. I do not feel he or his uncle have a right to come and do that. There has never been an issue before about it belonging to me. The ex-roommate was recently terminated from his job so I feel that is the real issue. I have nothing to prove he gave it to me and he still has the credit card bill. He moved out and left it. I am not sure what to do if he tries to come and take it. Should I pay him the full amount or anything at all ?


Asked on 4/10/07, 9:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Johm Smith tom's

Re: Roommate dispute over home computer

If you really believe he will get the computer, you could have an attorney seek a court order requiring the computer to stay with you until the dispute is resolved. But that will cost you some money and assumes you are using the computer for your business today. You would be better off letting him have this computer and getting your own new one, which will be much better than the old one an cheaper; get a laptop this time. And don't forget to copy your hard drive and get all your personal documents off the old one before he gets it so he doesn't cause more trouble for you. Think of it this way; he gave you the gift of using the computer while it was valuable and now he gets it.

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Answered on 4/10/07, 9:41 pm


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