Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Massachusetts

Roommate moved out early

My roommate signed a year lease for sept1,1999-aug 31,1999 and she moved out mid-july after she decided to purchase her own home. She paid the landlord for aug rent even though she had moved out everything by aug 10 or 15. I believe that she is responsible to pay for her share of utilities (phone service, gas, electric) since we entered an agreement to live together for a year. I am thinking of filing through small claims, but i'm wondering if i have any rights here?


Asked on 10/02/00, 4:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stuart Williams

Re: Roommate moved out early

The law requires her to pay to you her share of those basic utilities under her 'contract' with you, yes, in my opinion.

Magistrates tend to follow their heart (versus the law) a little more than regular judges, and where she's a new homeowner, she voluntarily paid for rent she wasn't using or didn't need, ... the sympathy might go her way. And if you lose, you can't do anything about it.

Have you asked her? How much money is involved? Small claims court is rarely worthwhile, especially when the claims are VERY small. Even if you win, you could have serious trouble collecting.

Good luck.

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Answered on 10/31/00, 9:50 am


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