Roommate evicted me...

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BellaRose

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Yesterday my roommates and I got into an argument via text message. They told me to leave that night, which gave me no time to find a place or get a place for all of my stuff. When I came by today to pick up my clothes and what furniture I could fit in my friend's truck, they were telling me what furniture of mine I could and could not take. They said they were keeping it as collateral till I pay rent. We all had a verbal agreement stating that I would pay 1/3 of all utilities and rent, but I wanted to see the bills myself before I handed them any money. They never let me see any bill so I have not paid anything yet. So, I have a few questions.

1. They have to give me 30 days to vacate and get my belongings out, right?

2. Can they legally keep any of my furniture till I pay them, eventhough they never held up their end of the agreement?

3. Are they allowed to put any of my things on the street before I get a chance to pick them up?

4. Would it be a good idea to bring a police officer with me to pick up my stuff in case they get violent?

5. Do I have to give them any notice before coming over to get the rest of my furniture?
 
What state do you live in and what type of lease do you have; i.e., month to month, a yearly lease? Is it with the roommate or the landlord?

Gail
 
I live in texas. I am not on a lease with them. All the roommates and I had was a verbal agreement stating that I would pay 1/3 of the rent and utilities as the bills came in, but I was to see the acctual bill before I handed them any money.
 
In Texas (as in many states) the absence of a written lease means the tenant is considered a "month to month" tenant.

As such, the LANDLORD is required to give at least a 30 day notice to end the tenancy. And without a formal eviction (ordered through and approved by the court in your district), a tenants items cannot 1. simply be tossed out into the street and/or 2. kept as payment for rent/utilities.

If they believe you owe them for the rent and/or utilities, they must handle this the way a landlord has to; by filing a lawsuit against you (typically in Small Claims court) for these owed monies.

Gail
 
Since I still have belongings in the house and a key to the house, do I have to give them any notice before coming over to pick up my stuff? Also, if they do throw my things out what kind of action can be taken against them?
 
You should not have to give them any notice but if you are concerned for your safety, contact your local police department (or bring a large and burly friend).

If they toss your belongings without a formal eviction, you can certainly sue them for the value of these items. This is typically done is Small Claims Court where an attorney is not needed.

Gail
 
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