Many universities have legal services available at no additional cost beyone the student fees you already pay. Even if you don't want to go into details about the shooting with them, they can probably give you some advice on your rights as a tenant. Landlord disputes are very common at many schools, so student legal services get a lot of experience in this area. They may be able to give you some ideas on how to approach the landlord to reduce your expenses and risk to your reputation. If you're worried about being able to rent again, remember that lawsuits can show up in a records check. I know I would think twice before renting to somebody who sued their previous landlord.srothstein wrote:I agree that you should talk with the landlord, but most of the posters have missed one obvious point about his entry into your apartment. Almost every lease has a clause for him to enter for maintenance purposes, and the damage to the floor clearly meets that clause. I would say a court would also see that your roommate's reporting the damage to him would constitute notice that he was going to enter.
This is a civil matter that I do not have extensive experience with, but my understanding is that he can not give you notice to vacate without some violation of the lease. I doubt that accidental damage is a violation, though the tenant may be liable to pay for the damages. Short of what a court would consider a violation, all they can do is refuse to renew the lease and ask you to leave. If they ask you to leave now, I would say they cannot hold you responsible for any future rent, etc.
To me, the question is if you are considered separate tenants or not. I have a daughter that is renting an apartment at college where the college signs individual leases with each roommate. If one is evicted, the others are not even liable for that share of the rent. My other daughter is sharing an apartment where the leases is for all occupants at one time. Each occupant is jointly responsible for the rent and all expenses. If one of them did something to cause an eviction, all of them could be evicted. So, I see your situation as being very dependent on which of these types of leases you have.
Overall, try to talk with the landlord and see what you can work out. If that fails, talk with a good attorney, at least for the advice, if not to represent you in court.
Good luck finding a new apartment and a better roommate.
