Me and 2 other college roomates are in the process of having a lawsuit against us by our former landlord and her insurance company for damages caused by a pipe bursting during the winter break because they claim we left a window open and turned our heat off, which I am positive we did not and I am not even sure how they would prove we did. I contacted my roommate to ask what he was doing about the situation. He then told me that he was the one who turned off the heat in our living room, and that he has told that to our landlord's attorney in his answer to the complaint. Do they have a case against me? If I was not the negligent person AND he admitted to his negligence how could they hold me at fault?
Patrick4024
If you signed a lease, everyone is equally responsible to the landlord for any damages. However, you can take you roomate to small claims court to get compensation for what you had to pay to the landlord.
Answerz Guy
If you are on the lease and responsible for the apartment then all 3 of you are jointly and severally liable to the landlord, meaning they can choose whether to sue any one of you or all of you. Suing all of you increases their chances of collecting damages, so that is what they will likely choose to do. If the judge rules you are responsible and your roommate has gone "on the record" (in writing, in open court, etc) as saying he was the responsible party, you could sue him for your portion of the liability.
I would not trust your roommate on his word alone that he is trying to take full responsibility. Do whatever you can to make a case against him because otherwise you're going to be on the hook for this.
Also, in the future, it would be a very good idea to get renter's insurance. It is very inexpensive and would have covered your liability for these damages.
Good luck.
taz
If you are the one who signed the lease then yes. Then you can take your room mate to court and sue him for your out of pocket cost. The best way is to settle out of court but you are NOT responsible for your land lords attorney cost don't let them make you bullshit you on that. Get A notarized statement from from the landlord that he admitted it to them before you pay anything.
Good luck
Orignal From: Am I responsible for roommate's negligence?
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