There are many reasons why people get a roommate, but one of the most common reasons is simply economic: rent continues to rise, half of all renters in the U.S. pay more rent than they can afford, and they can significantly reduce that cost by splitting the rent and other bills with someone else.
How do I deal with my roommate not paying the rent?
All of those benefits, however, are based on one assumption: that your roommate will hold up their end of the bargain and, you know, actually pay their fair share of everything. When considering a roommate, think about how it will affect you personally and financially—and be prepared for the possibility that your roommate will default and stop paying their rent or share of the bills. Whether it’s because of their own personal financial problems or because you accidentally let a sociopath into your home, a default can be a disaster. If your roommate stops paying their share, here’s what you can do.
Your first step in dealing with this situation is to get the facts. If your roommate is listed as a co-tenant on the lease, has a separate lease, or if you at least have some sort of roommate agreement in writing, review the document to see what their financial responsibilities are and what consequences, if any, are spelled out.
Next, gather evidence. Gather records of missed payments and your attempts to collect the overdue rent. If you haven’t already sent your roommate requests for overdue payments, start doing so in a way that leaves a trail: emails or written requests.
