What to do if our roommates have not paid their share?
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What to do if our roommates have not paid their share?
We verbally agreed on or about 2 months ago that we would spilt 50/50 the costs of the rent, all bills, as well as the cost of groceries (we have 3 witnesses to this). As of this month they now owe us a total of $3200. Is there any way that we can get this from them or are we just out the money?
Asked on December 4, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
An oral or verbal agreement is enfoceable--obviously, it can be challenging to prove the existence and terms of the agreement, if if's just someone's word against another person's word, but assuming that you can prove the agreement, you can enforce it. You would enforce it by suing thhe roommates, possibly in small claims court (you can act as your own lawyer and avoid attorney's fees). From what you write, there would appear to be no reason to not try a lawsuit to recover the money.
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