Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Missouri

Roommate harassment

I live with three girls who have decided that we are no longer friends. I have recieved messages on my phone cussing me out, text messages accusing me of things I haven't done, and they talk about me loud enough so I can purposely hear them while I'm in the house. I still have three months left on my lease. Can I press harassment charges or do anything leagally to get these girls to leave me alone?


Asked on 4/26/06, 7:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Roommate harassment

There is a latin phrase used often in the law: "deminimis non curat lex." Roughly translated it means the law does not concern itself with "trifles." The inability to get along with your roommates, unless your physical health and safety are at issue, is not a basis to start bringing in lawyers, who can only screw this up worse than it already is.

I would advise you not to play along, act as though it didn't bother you, and finish out your lease and leave. Make sure that you notify the landlord that you are leaving and no longer wish to be responsible for the lease. If you fail to do that and the gals trash the place, you could potentially be liable.

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Answered on 4/27/06, 8:48 am


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