Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Michigan

Roommate's possesions

I am living in an apartment with two roommates. One roommate has vacated the premises, leaving behind his belongings and a hefty balance of over $1000. Our lease is signed in all three names, so my other roommate and I are stuck w/ the balance to be paid in two weeks time. My questions are: After what amount of time can my roommates belongings be sold to break up cost of the balance (they are in our possesion), and what are our options for getting the money we will have to pay out of pocket on our roommates balance?


Asked on 6/15/04, 7:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Blake Lipman Law Office of Blake P. Lipman

Re: Roommate's possesions

I would not sel or otherwise dispose of his belongings until after you have notified him that you consider his belongings abandoned. If he fails to acknowledge his ownership or otherwise respond to your written notification, I would proceed cautiously. Disposing of his property could expose you to liability. As to the rent obligation you are all jointly and severally liable for the rent. That means that regardless of whether he paid his "share" the full amount is due and payable by yourself and your remaining roommate. You could decide to sue him for the rent obligation under a breach of contract theory. For more info. please contact my office at (248)851-3171.

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Answered on 6/16/04, 9:35 am


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