QUESTION: My flatmate has hooked up with this rough biker type who has moved into her room permanently. He doesn’t work, can’t pay rent, smokes, plays loud music, drinks too much and gets very aggressive.
Our neighbours have complained his behaviour and we are all in danger of being thrown out. I’m scared of this guy but my stupid flatmate “loves” him. I liked living here before he arrived. What can I do?
ANSWER: Two words … move out. There are lots of legal things you could try but meanwhile you would still be living with these people. One of the benefits of renting is that you can relatively easily up sticks and move on if things don’t work out.
Try to explain things to your landlord so that you can get a good reference for your next rental. They might even step in and order the interloper out of the apartment (depending on the terms of your lease).
You might give it one last shot and tell your flatmate that either she and lover-boy go or you will, but have some options (like staying with friends) up your sleeve just in case they turn nasty.
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