Table of Contents
Renting a house, condo, or apartment can be very convenient in terms of price. The option of having a roommate would make renting even more cost-efficient. Your bank account would be given some leeway. You’ll be able to buy a new car, purchase a new flat screen HDTV, and maybe fly over to Italy for a week. However, people are mostly unpredictable. A roommate can be good and/or bad. They can potentially turn your living situation into a nightmare. Luckily, there are ways to get rid of a bad roommate.
To be prepared is half the victory
Before accepting a roommate into your home, do a background check and meet them in person first. Interview your potential roommate to see what kind of person they are. If you approve of them, then create a roommate agreement document for your new roommate to sign. If it’s within the bounds of law, then the court will honor it.
Discontinue Resources
Have a roommate that’s at least somewhat of a moocher; steals certain foods and drinks from your stash? Cut off these resources. Stop buying the foods and beverages your roommate has been taking from you. As a result, the roomie may want to voluntarily move out.
Confront Your Roommate
If you haven’t already, you might want to confront the person about their behavior. It’s possible that they aren’t aware that what they are doing is causing you problems. Most people don’t like confrontation, but it could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Give your roommate some time to alter their bad roommate behavior. If they continue to steal your food, beverages, or commit other forms of unacceptable household behavior, then confront them. Express your true attitude towards your roommate. Don’t be too nice on them. Be stern and truthful.
Before talking to your roommate, find out how much their bill for rent and utilities is each month. This will be your negotiation tactic when discussing with them moving out or paying more rent/utilities in order to stay in the apartment.
Formally request that you want them to move out. If you’re reasonable and give them adequate time to move out (preferably a month), then they’ll be more than likely to comply.
Use Legalities
If your roommate is still making it difficult for you to live under one roof with them, then evict them. This option is only available to you if you’re the only person that’s listed on the lease.
If you’re not listed on the lease, then there’s another route to take. You can file a restraining order or take your roommate to court if they happened to have damaged or destroyed your property. The penalty will also be in your favor if you were physically abused or assaulted. Document your roommate’s behavior for further proof and evidence to accelerate the decision of the court or landlord.