Falsely accused of theft - roommates are now trying to kick me out

F

falsely-accused

Guest
Jurisdiction
California
Since moving in with 4 other girls (only knew one before), there have been problems. One of the roommates is rather volatile and overreacts to perceived slights. We had problems with people not cleaning up after themselves and when this girl thought we were pointing fingers at her (supposedly instigated by me), she threatened to fight me ("If I didn't just have my nails done, we'd be going at it").

I avoided her, but when I went out of town she convinced the other roommates to search my room and found some previously missing items in my guitar case. I didn't steal them, but all the roommates don't believe me and now they all want me to move out.

I suspect that the roommate that threatened me is framing me. Even my friend can't see her way to believing me on the fabricated circumstantial evidence.

My name is on the lease and I've paid my part of the rent for the month of October. I don't want to live there with everyone thinking I'm a thief, but I don't have anywhere to go and I can't afford to move.

What can I do?
 
What can I do?

It is almost impossible to prove a negative, as in YOU didn't steal anything.

Your legal options are clear.
Stop explaining, trying to convince people who have decided that you're a thief.

FACTS AS STATED BY YOU
Your name is on the lease.
You can't afford to move.

Even if you did move, it will cost you to negotiate your way out of the lease.
Should you choose that route, you must discuss it with your LL.

If staying remains your only option, you keep to yourself, keep your mouth shut, and hope this eventually blows over.

Unless the police get involved, you have no other viable options.
If the police get involved, it is best to inform the officer that you wish to remain silent.
No matter what teh cops do or say, be polite, but don't open your yapper about this case.
It is okay to identify yourself, and otherwise cooperate with any arrest and booking process.
If you do go to jail, don't discuss the case with other inmates, and try to make bond quickly.
 
It is almost impossible to prove a negative, as in YOU didn't steal anything.

Your legal options are clear.
Stop explaining, trying to convince people who have decided that you're a thief.

FACTS AS STATED BY YOU
Your name is on the lease.
You can't afford to move.

Even if you did move, it will cost you to negotiate your way out of the lease.
Should you choose that route, you must discuss it with your LL.

If staying remains your only option, you keep to yourself, keep your mouth shut, and hope this eventually blows over.

Unless the police get involved, you have no other viable options.
If the police get involved, it is best to inform the officer that you wish to remain silent.
No matter what teh cops do or say, be polite, but don't open your yapper about this case.
It is okay to identify yourself, and otherwise cooperate with any arrest and booking process.
If you do go to jail, don't discuss the case with other inmates, and try to make bond quickly.


Thankfully the items stollen/found were of very little, if any, value. They said they wouldn't call the police (as if they could). I went by the apartment and they had blocked the front door so that I couldn't get in. I talked to the LL/Apt. Mgr. and they met with the other girls yesterday to tell them they couldn't keep me out, but they obviously didn't take it to heart.

I told them I wouldn't be turning in my keys. They want me to let them know when I'll be coming by so someone can be there with me. I can't contact them now because my phone is broken, but even if it was working I know I don't have to tell them when I'm coming by. My mother will be with me or a friend anytime I do need to go by the apartment.

If they try to lock me out again, what legal recourse do I have?

We're trying to get a meeting together with everyone, but I need to know what to tell them if they insist on having me move out (by the end of the week!). I'm prepared to move out, because why would anyone want to stay in that environment, but I don't have a place to move nor the funds to move.

I'm paid up until the end of October. Can I insist that if they want me out they have to pay my moving expenses and give me at least until the end of the month?

Since I'm on the lease I'm going to be held responsible for the rent whether I live there or not, so how do I get my name off the lease?
 
You cannot leave without possible consequences from both landlord and roommates unless you hav permission from Landlord to release you from lease obligation.
 
Since I'm on the lease I'm going to be held responsible for the rent whether I live there or not, so how do I get my name off the lease?

In your haste to reply, perhaps you failed to completely read my post.

Reread it, as I answered your questions above.
 
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