Roommate is asking for $65 for 2 nights 'cause I'm moving out before the 1st. Is this fair?

Question

She paid through the 31st but I have to move to my new place before then. She didn't pay half the electric bill, broke my lamp and used my car without permission, did not pay a security deposit, has a cat she didn't tell me about until moving in and paid her rent 8 days late. I told her this but I'm worried she still wants me to pay her.

Answer 1

Why is the roommate asking for $65? Did you pay your rent for August? Are there still bills to be paid?

If the worst you have to complain about is $65 then consider yourself lucky. It could be much worse.

I'd suggest a sit-down where you both agree to list your claims. She would be entitled to make your claims and you'd bring up the monetary issues, like the used lamp and her half of the electric bill.

Sign a document that will state how much she owes you and be sure to include that you have accounted for all bills. This will help if it were to go to small claims.

Get off the LEASE/rental agreement. Have the landlord do a walk through so you aren't held responsible for damages.  

Answer 2

Pay her and move on!  Trust me, just pay her and move on.  

Answer 3

I guess it could be argued that you legally agreed to rent the place through the 31st. Therefore you should live up to your commitment.

HOWEVER...

I would feel free to deduct her half of the electric bill that she didn't pay and that you probably paid for her. As for the other stuff, you probably should chalk it up to experience and move on.

Answer 4

What, precisely, are you worried about?

Don't pay it. She's already stole your car, broke your things, and got cat hair all over the place. You worried about losing her as a friend?

You'd be better off without her. Tell her to take a hike.

And make sure you get your security deposit back before you go. Don't trust her to give it to you.  

Answer 5

the most you should pay her is your rent divided by 31 times 2

Answer 6

It doesn't make any sense that she would be charging you extra to move out early.  Just pay your rent through the end of the agreement you have with her.  I would deduct anything she still owes you for.

Answer 7

If she failed to pay the security deposit, she owes you.