Living Single?
Q. I think my roommate moved out without telling me. Previously, she has talked about breaking our lease and moving in with her boyfriend, but her parents’ disapproval, combined with my giant guilt trip, seemed to have dissuaded her.
And yet over the weekend, her boyfriend was moving apartments, and while I was out, her furniture and half of her clothes disappeared from our place. All signs say that she’s gone.
I’m assuming she’ll still pay rent as it lets her keep up the facade with her parents that she’s not living in sin. But even so, what about the other bills? She owes me a few months in utilities and I didn’t sign on to pay $100 a month in cable all by myself.
So what do I do? Confront her for an answer, or just hope she pays rent, eat the cost of the bills and enjoy my solo apartment?
A. If your roommate is from a family of shady carny folk then this sort of fly-by-night operation is to be expected. Otherwise, this is just wrong on so many levels.
Assuming she hasn’t changed her number, call her up and ask for an explanation and assurance that she’ll keep the checks flowing (back utilities included). While you’re at it, ask for it in writing. That way, if she fails to deliver, you can take her to a televised small claims court.
Should she fail to keep up her end of the bargain and you’d prefer not to shame her in a public setting, you do have other options:
- Have your landlord change the locks and then hold her items ransom
- Host a yard sale with her remaining goods
- Sublet the apartment to a more responsible person
- Rat her out to her parents
- all of the above
If she has an ounce of decency, such ruthlessly enjoyable methods won’t be necessary. In the meantime, downgrade your cable package and enjoy the freedom of being able to walk around in your underwear at home. Just be sure to close your blinds.
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