Hey everyone, I’m in a bit of a situation and could use some advice. I have a roommate who’s been storing a red Jerry can in our shared kitchen, and when I asked him what was in it, he said it was washer fluid. But I checked, and it’s actually gasoline. I moved it outside because that’s super dangerous, but now he’s mad, saying I had no right to touch his stuff. Plus, he hasn’t paid rent for September or October. I’ve served him N4s for both months and told him to be out by October 15, but now he’s saying he’ll stay until November 4. What can I do here?
Wow, that’s really dangerous! You did the right thing by moving it. Have you tried talking to the landlord about it?
Cairo said:
Wow, that’s really dangerous! You did the right thing by moving it. Have you tried talking to the landlord about it?
Yeah, the landlord is aware, and they’re backing me up on getting him out. Just worried about the safety aspect in the meantime.
Cairo said:
Wow, that’s really dangerous! You did the right thing by moving it. Have you tried talking to the landlord about it?
What’s an N4? I’m not familiar with that.
Cairo said:
Wow, that’s really dangerous! You did the right thing by moving it. Have you tried talking to the landlord about it?
It’s basically a notice for unpaid rent. It gives the tenant a deadline to pay up or move out.
If he hasn’t paid rent and is storing dangerous stuff, he’s totally in the wrong. You could probably get legal advice if he doesn’t leave by Nov 4.
Fenn said:
If he hasn’t paid rent and is storing dangerous stuff, he’s totally in the wrong. You could probably get legal advice if he doesn’t leave by Nov 4.
Agreed, especially if there’s a safety risk. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
I’d keep documenting everything. That way, if he doesn’t leave by the new date, you’ve got solid proof of all the issues.
Fionn said:
I’d keep documenting everything. That way, if he doesn’t leave by the new date, you’ve got solid proof of all the issues.
Good point. I’ve been keeping track, but I’ll make sure to keep everything detailed. Thanks!
Can you change the locks after Oct 15 if he still hasn’t paid?
Leith said:
Can you change the locks after Oct 15 if he still hasn’t paid?
Unfortunately, no. I’d have to wait until he officially moves out or until I can take further action legally.
If he keeps storing flammable stuff, you could maybe ask the landlord to issue a safety violation or something? That might speed things up.
Perrin said:
If he keeps storing flammable stuff, you could maybe ask the landlord to issue a safety violation or something? That might speed things up.
Yeah, that’s a good idea! Maybe there are local regulations against storing gasoline inside a home?