Q: I'm a 60 yr.old.disabled lady on ssi.i was living with a friend who has gone to jail for at least 3 months.i was paying
Him 500 dollars month.plus all utilities have been in my name.a wk.ago when my friend went to jail I spoke to landlords who were ok with me staying on in the house so it wouldn't be open to vandalism. I didn't know my friend was behind on rent a few months.well after they said all was OK for me to stay on now they tell me I have 2 was to get out.can they just throw me out like that? I've been homeless before.if I'm able to pay rent why can't they let me stay n pay?.what can be done? Help please.thank you.
A:
It seems likely that the landlord simply wants the rent brought current. A landlord cannot evict a tenant with only two-weeks notice other than for non-payment of rent. You say that you are able to pay rent. I recommend you contact the landlord, find out exactly how much is owed to bring the rent current, and offer to bring the rent current and to continue to pay the monthly rent as it comes due as long as your friend is in jail if the landlord will allow you to stay. You can then ask your friend to pay you back if and when he/she is released from jail.
Your landlord may want to add you to the lease if you are not already on the lease. If you intend to remain living in the premises long-term, whether your friend remains in jail or is released, you should consider carefully reading and signing a lease with the landlord to protect your interest in the leased premises. if you do not intend to remain living in the premises long-term, you should not agree to be added to the lease as you may become jointly liable with your friend for rent and any other obligations owed to the landlord by your friend under the lease.
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