Should I sue my roommate for not returning the keys and not paying her part of the rent?

Question

My roommate moved out with out any warning. She literally just moved all of her clothes and left. She did not leave the keys and she did not give me her portion of the rent from July. She also gave me two bad checks ( the checks came back returned as account closed!)

I tried texting her but she hasn't responded and I tried calling her, no answer. My landlord advised me to change the locks. It has only been 2 days. How long should I wait to take her to small claims court?

Answer 1

Ditto

Answer 2

I agree with the previous answer, write it off as lesson learned.

Answer 3

CHANGE the locks! Not only could you be out the money she owes you, she could come back when you are at work and clean the place out.  Do you have a lease agreement wtih this person. If not, your out of luck on rent that she did't yet give you. The two bad checks and changing the locks you could sue for.  She doesn't respond, keep note with phone records. It might not be even worth going to small claims.  Does this person already have bad credit and judgements? If so don't waste your time.  I've had roommates that owe me over $10,000, but wasn't worth going to court.  It would of been one of many judgements on his credit that he'll never pay.  To attach it to her wages is a huge pain in the butt, and if somebody already has it is probably the max that is allowed.  I've had this happen too.  I have to wait seven years to start taking some of another persons wages because the max is already attached to their paycheck. At mediation this person laughed and said you'll never see this money. they were probably right. Take it as a lesson learned and don't let it happen again.