QUESTION:
I feel that I am being wrongly evicted from our apartment by another roommate who claims to be the only one on the lease. I'm pretty sure I signed it, too, but I can't remember.
ANSWER:
The first thing to do is to get a copy of that lease. Start with the landlord, who probably has a copy (and state law may require him to give you a copy if you request it). If you're on the lease, your roommate cannot get you out only landlords can evict tenants.
Now, suppose you're not on the lease. All is not lost. If the landlord has treated you as a tenant by accepting rent directly, for example, or putting your name on the mailbox or doorbell you may have attained the status of a tenant. Surely, if you and the roommate rented the place together and it was clear that you were on equal footing, you should be given the status of a tenant.
Once you are a tenant, a co-tenant such as your roommate cannot evict you. Only the landlord can do that.
About the Author
dan the roommate man
www.roommateexpress.com