Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Missouri
If four people make an oral agreement to equally share a four bedroom two bath house, with the rent split evenly, does anyone other than the landlord have the authority to determine living arrangements? There have not yet been any formal agreements or contracts, however one of the roommates will have had previously leased another one of the landlords properties. The problem is, this particular roommate is now under the assumption that her sister will also be living in the house. Although she has stated that they will share a room together, they are also demanding that they will split the rent amongst each other, allowing them to pay less than the remaining roommates. They have made no attempt to compromise with everyone else, and they are acting as if they own the property. The house is just big enough to fit four people, let alone five people. I do not want to be forced to live in a crowded house and I especially do not want to knowingly pay more rent than the two people who are creating the whole inconvenience in the first place. This house is in a very desirable area and there are no other houses around that are available. If you have any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.
1 Answer from Attorneys
it woudl seem fair for the sisters to each pay one-eighth the rent if they share a bedroom and the other three peopel each get their own room. But, as to the utilities it is different. All five of you should pay one fifth of the utilities, cleaning and paper supplies, etc.
of course, if only one person's name is on teh lease, then that person should be able to decide. If you are not the name on the lease, and you agreed to pay one fourth of the rent to stay there, it should not change things if one of the other tenants has their sister sleeping over.
Since this is just a verbal agreement, and if the addition of the fifth person changes what you thought woudl be the conditions (crowdiness wise) then you are probably okay to back out of living there. Agreements as to real property are very tough to enforce if not in writing. It woudl be very tough for the otehr occupants to go after you for any of the rent for any period after you leave. But , to be safe, give the others a written notic eo fyour intnet to vacate. (Don't mention the agreement, or you will be providing the writing that the previous point described)
Good luck
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