Financial issue with housemates - USA law

Financial issue with housemates - USA law

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Discussion

matt21

Original Poster:

4,288 posts

204 months

Monday 22nd December 2014
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The purpose of this is to pick the PH brains, ideally anyone that knows the rules in the US, although it may be same for UK.

A friend rented a property with someone else and both are equal on lease. This was a 12mth lease for $1300/mth near NYC.

Other person had less cash (call him Y) so suggested he moved into smaller room and paid $200 less per month than friend (call him X). So X paid $750 and Y paid $550. Both happy with the deal.

Fast forward a couple of months and Y is struggling for cash so suggests a third person moves in to help with rent. X is not happy but after debate agrees. The realtor approves the third person (call him Z), who is based in living room with separation certain and moves in for $500 per month. Getting messy now!

Y arranged it all, and insisted he paid for the divider despite X offering. Y collects Zs money and has now refused to share any of this with X. So X pays $750, Z pays $500 and Y just $50!

On top of this the rows have been immense and X has decided to get out. If the lease is terminated now then 2 mths rent is due and deposit forefeited which he has accepted he may have to pay.

Is there any come back for Ys actions or has he successfully manipulated X, who admits to being naive.

Atmosphere is terrible in the house, and X definitely wants out but wants to minimize the financial loss if possible. I have lease agreement I could share with anyone who is willing to help.

Serious issue and enquiry, looking forward to any response.

Thanks

Matt

ModernAndy

2,094 posts

135 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2014
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Go on Judge Judy?

surveyor

17,818 posts

184 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2014
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I'll be surprised if anyone knows here.

This sounds like something to be resolved over a few beers with someone sensible pointing out facts of life to keep it straight.

anonymous-user

54 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2014
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I think he's going to have to try his best to get as much cash out of the other two parties then suck up the rest. I think it's one of those things to chalk down to experience.

The amounts are not large enough to involve lawyers, he'll just end up spending more money.