Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Minnesota

Apt Lease Dispute

My current Apt is leased to myself and one other individual... The lease states that both "residents" are individually responsble for paying the rent.. I have payed the rent in full because my roommate is unwilling, and refuses to give me the money. We are both on the same lease. What are my options, if any, of getting out of this situation?


Asked on 7/27/00, 9:44 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Kelly-952-544-6356 Kelly Law Office

Re: Apt Lease Dispute

This response does not create an attorney-client relationship and is for general information purposes only. You are advised to consult the attorney of your choice concerning the specifics of your case.

That said, let me tell you what I think. For one thing, you can take your roommate to conciliation court for his half of the rent. This is called a claim for contribution. You are both jointly liable for all the rent (so you have that part correct), but you have a right to a contribution to half of it from your roommate if you pay it all.

There are other possibilities that are not as obvious. Ask your roommate to leave, for example. If he won't go, have a talk with the landlord. Would the landlord agree to evict both of you (for nonpayment of next month's rent) and rent the place back to you and another roommate?

Good luck

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Answered on 9/12/00, 5:58 pm


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