Tireeshek
10-27-2006, 11:08 AM
My girlfriend recently moved out of an apartment she shared with another person. They had each paid half of the security deposit when they moved in. After the year, when the lease was up, my girlfriend decided not to leave, but the other person wanted to stay. The agreement was made that the roommate would send my girlfriend her half of the security deposit when the new incoming roommate paid her new half to the old roommate. Over 30 days later, my girlfriend received a check for $30 dollars for the security deposit. The roommate had taken money off for several things; a lost laundry card that was found to be missing a week after my girlfriend moved out, cleaning supplies that the roommate bought afterwards, and for cleaning the common areas of the apartment.
It was my understanding that the roommate could not access damages to the security deposit, and especially not for equal cost to both of them. Also, when we called the landlords, we found she had lied about the cost of the laundry card. Also, the roommates boyfriend had moved in 4 months prior to my girlfriend leaving, without paying rent or utilities. Is my girlfriend entitled to some of this back?
Is there any case law or existing laws that address roommate agreements to share costs and expenses? What options are available?
It was my understanding that the roommate could not access damages to the security deposit, and especially not for equal cost to both of them. Also, when we called the landlords, we found she had lied about the cost of the laundry card. Also, the roommates boyfriend had moved in 4 months prior to my girlfriend leaving, without paying rent or utilities. Is my girlfriend entitled to some of this back?
Is there any case law or existing laws that address roommate agreements to share costs and expenses? What options are available?