Attorney

[Pedro Cerrano]

We got a lot of these on here. If you need legal advice, talk to LuckyJim, Crimson, Frobby, TGO, BillySmith, Baltimoron, LAOSFan etc etc.

If they're all unavailable, I may be able to help.:D

[DBean]

I could use some serious help. My friend and I signed a lease together on an apartment a couple years ago. I would give him the checks, addressed to the rental office I believe, and he would pay the rental office. What I didn't know was that he was using my rent to pay back past rent that he owed. We got evicted because of it. The rental office is asking for the past rent that is due and they have a judgment against me and the ex-roommate. The rental office lawyer and I are both unable to find my ex-roommate. Am I liable for the amount owed since I was also on the lease? Is there anything that can be done so that I would only pay a small amount?

[Pedro Cerrano]

I could use some serious help. My friend and I signed a lease together on an apartment a couple years ago. I would give him the checks, addressed to the rental office I believe, and he would pay the rental office. What I didn't know was that he was using my rent to pay back past rent that he owed. We got evicted because of it. The rental office is asking for the past rent that is due and they have a judgment against me and the ex-roommate. The rental office lawyer and I are both unable to find my ex-roommate. Am I liable for the amount owed since I was also on the lease? Is there anything that can be done so that I would only pay a small amount?

Sounds like you're both jointly and severally liable. Which means you're FUBAR. Of course, if you can find the ex-sleazebag, you can sue him for damages.

[DBean]

Yeah, I was afraid of that. I've checked lawyer sites on the internet, and I have pretty much gotten the same answer. I have checks somewhere saying that I paid rent, but don't think it will do any good. My friends say that I should fight it, but I don't see that I have a shot anymore. Got to call the rental office and plead my case and see if I can get a discounted amount. Thanks for your advice.