Roomate Can I just change the lock?

[cpl5813]

Hi, I am the landlord and lease an apartment to a guy for a year. He bought in a roomate when he moved in but the roomate's name is not on the lease. After just a few month, he terminated the lease early and moved out. However, his roomate is still occupying the apartment and not paying me the rent.

As the roomate's name is not on the lease and I never received any money from him. Can I just change the lock or just call police?

 

[jacksgal]

If your going to be a Landlord you better get familar with rental laws! Your going wind up on the losing end of a law suit otherwise. No you cannot change locks. You must begin eviction process as per your states laws. You first give the tenant a pay rent or quit notice

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Sure you can change the lock. Just be sure to give the tenant the new key.

As jacksgal said, if you want him out of your unit, you must follow the legal route for eviction in your state.

Gail

 

[cpl5813]

In this case, should I sue the primary whose name is on the lease or sue the roomate?

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Your first step is evicting this person (if you'll let us know your state, we'll attach information on how to evict someone).

gail

 

[cpl5813]

Apartment is in New Jersey

 

[jacksgal]

The link below should tell you the process to follow


http://rhol.org/csu/evictions/New Jersey/NewJerseySteps.htm