[splitimage]

I'm renting out the second bedroom in my apartment, so that I can afford to stay in my apartment. This is my first time renting to someone, and I'm having a very expensive learning experience.

I stupidly let the current tenant move in, without getting a rental deposit up front, in mid Dec.

And she's been putting me off/making excuses about giving me the rent ever since. She currently owes me 400 for Dec., and 800 for January. I can't afford to cover her share of the rent, so on Mon. I gave her written notice that she had to come up with the rent by Mon. the 14'th or else I'd be giving her an eviction notice. She hasn't said anything about it to me, and is pretending everything is ok.

So I'm afraid I'm going to have to evict her. The problem is that I feel badly about doing so, as she probably isn't going to be able to find another apartment, and I hate the thought of making someone potentially homeless in the winter, but I keep telling myself it's all on her for not paying the rent.

I'm also dreading the necessity of readvertising, showing the apartment, and interviewing potential tenants.

I'm still holding onto a slim hope that she comes through with the rent, as we do mostly get along. But I don't think it's going to happen.

splitimage

[sarahsweets]

Does she have a job ?

[divine1966]

Kick her out. There are homeless shelters out there if she had no place to live. What a horrid situation

[Travelinglady]

True, it will be a pain and sad to kick her out, but she is taking advantage of you. Now you know to get the first rent up front.

[eskielover]

Oh no...
After all the interviewing of people.

You are handling this correctly. If she didn't have the money she shouldn't have considered renting. You have to look out for your own financial welfare before anything else. Sad she turned out to be a flake.

[possum220]

How horrid this is considering you had high hopes in the beginning.

[rechu]

Sorry to hear you are in this crappy situation. I agree with one of the posts above that you need to look out for yourself and your finances. The agreement was that she would rent the room, not live there for free, and she is not holding up her part of the agreement.

I understand, though, the feeling badly for having to evict her. It's not easy even if it is what you need to do. I am in sort of the opposite situation. My husband and I need to give notice that we are moving out of the house we are renting. I know the landlord is not going to take it well. She's elderly and won't want to have to fix up the place and find a new tenant. I am pretty sure there will be drama. But, this living situation is not working for us and the opportunity to buy a house came up. I am just trying to focus on the fact that we are doing the best thing for ourselves at this moment.


I guess I would take this as a lesson learned for renting the room out the next time. Make sure you have a written contract and get a deposit.

[healingme4me]

I'm so sorry to hear this has happened to you, splitimage.
I'm a little speechless that she hasn't paid a thing.

[splitimage]

Thanks everyone. I think the worst part of this for me, is I still have to live with her, which I resent. And legally I have to give her 2 weeks notice, so she'll still be here when she's looking for another place. So I have to be civil. I wish I could just serve her with notice and then go home to my own place.

splitimage

[possum220]

Have you served her with a notice or told to to move? Must be incredible uncomfortable being in the same space.

[splitimage]

possum, last Mon. I gave her written notice that she had until tomorrow (the 14th) to come up with the money, or else she'd have to move out. If, as I expect, I don't get the money tomorrow, then I'll give her a formal eviction notice.

[sarahsweets]

So I'm afraid I'm going to have to evict her. The problem is that I feel badly about doing so, as she probably isn't going to be able to find another apartment, and I hate the thought of making someone potentially homeless in the winter, but I keep telling myself it's all on her for not paying the rent.

Sympathy and empathy do not pay the bills.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm so sorry, splitimage I understand how you feel, but please remember that it's not your fault this is happening. You can't sacrifice your own money for something that's not even your fault. I don't tink that would be fair. So I think you're doing the right thing by standing up for yourself, even if it takes courage and it is hard. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

[eskielover]

Maybe she will feel as uncomfortable staying there as you feel & decide to move out to where she was before she moved in with you.

[The_little_didgee]

Originally Posted by splitimage

So I'm afraid I'm going to have to evict her. The problem is that I feel badly about doing so, as she probably isn't going to be able to find another apartment, and I hate the thought of making someone potentially homeless in the winter, but I keep telling myself it's all on her for not paying the rent.

It is all on her. She put herself in this situation, not you. She probably thought you would feel sorry for her and let her stay for free.

I suspect she has financial issues, which doesn't have anything to do with you.

Did she leave?

[possum220]

Is she home a lot? Personally if I was asked to leave considering the situation I would be gone already. Mind you I wouldn't be in this situation. Hang in there.

[splitimage]

On Mon. she asked if she could have until Fri., and me hoping still to get some of the rent said ok (dumb I know).


So Fri. came and no money, so I gave her an Eviction Notice saying she had to be out by Feb. 1. Needless to say she freaked. I don't know why, as I'd told her that was the next step. She's now saying she'll have the money Mon. and would that stop the eviction process,which it would legally, so I'm kind of hoping she doesn't come up with the money.

I'm going to have to ask my brother for money, to pay for the advertising, which I hate doing, but I've got to get my listing up, this weekend.

Frustrating as all heck.

splitimage

[eskielover]

She freaked out to get your sympathy. She knows the consequences but has been in denial & pushing her limits.

It might stop that reason for eviction but I am sure you can legally come up with some other cause to evict her on.

Unless you actually signed a lease agreement with her you can now say you have decided a lease agreement is required along with first & last months rent. What she will give you (if she does) is only back rent due & she would have to come up with the first & last which I'm sure she can't & that would be grounds tobget her out of there too.

[healingme4me]

I agree about trying to gain sympathy. Alligator tears it would seem though. There's been no "good faith" attempts to give you any amount of money-which is very troublesome and concerning.

[sarahsweets]

Woa...Please consider doing this through the court system. It doesnt cost much to file and you may actually get money out of her. Do not rely on this word of mouth verbal agreement. You is lying. She would have paid earlier if she had any intentions. The moment you agree to give her more time you basically null and void your written notice-legally I think. My understanding is it sort of resets the time line and you have to serve her with written notice with new dates all over again.