h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Yeah. I've moved a lot in my life and was hoping to have a few years of peace now while I finish Uni, but I suppose I'd better start looking for somewhere new. Although this place is pretty good, 4m ceilings, lage rooms etc, I suppose in an industrial city like this I'll find something similar, or better. I just feel very cheated and used by them, and just can't quite grasp the fact that *I* should be punished by having to move

It's a shame your the one whos moving, but just think how good it will be to be free of your flatmates. If nothing else, at least you'll have learnt from this, and will be in a better position to stop people from taking advantage of you in the future.

Yes, I thought I had my life working pretty well, and then this... I suppose I have quite a bit of growing up to do, I still trust people too easily. probably I need more cynicism, too.

Nothing to do with cynicism but if you hand over money to anybody in a business agreement you have to be clear about this. You can't just hand over money willy-nilly and hope for the best.

Everytime a new tenant moves into my flat next door I give them a receipt, and make sure the rental terms are agreed upon.

I've had some people just send me deposits from abroad to hold their rooms and not ask for a receipt. I tell them they are crazy not to want a receipt and always send them one.

I mean, *I* know that I'm totally trustworthy, but *they* don't. I am often quite surprised at how often people are so trusting - they really shouldn't be, not when it comes down to a business agreement. Not cynicism - just being practical and realistic.

It does seem to me that staying in your present situation can only be a lose-lose situation for you. Which is why I suggested you give the landlord two-months written notice, use your two months deposit for this time (do not give this person one more penny) and use this time to find a better place.

You won't be breaking any laws, you will simply be getting yourself out of an unfortunate situation. Without losing your deposit money.

az

I think I will end up doing that, except that I will have to pay one more rent, as a 3-month notice is required. But that would put moving day just before end-of-break exams, so I may have to move after two months and end up paying double rent for the last month

I totally agree with az. You can save a lot of heartache and keep everyone on friendly terms if you play it by the book.

Try not to be to disheartened. Now your aware of these pitfalls, I’m sure you can go on to have a more positive experience next time.

I certainly hope so! Right now, I'm beginning to doubt the whole concept of sharing a flat. Getting support during stressy times is often cited as a prime reason for doing so, but now they're distracting me when I can least use it!

My first flat was a nightmare for different reasons (water through wall leading to fungal growths on the carpet) & the landlady didn't seem to give a toss. I've never had a 'good' landlord (you have to bear in mind that these people buy properties to make money, presumably because they've inherited a bit of cash and can't be a**sed working for a living).

Once you know how to play the game it'll be OK, just never expect a deposit back! (which is why handing in your notice & using the deposit to cover the last month's rent is a good move).

I know there are responsible landlords out there (possibly some here) but I've never had the pleasure of doing business with one.

Alright, lesson learned the hard way. Still better than making the same mistake again, I suppose...

Life, don't talk to me about life...

Yes, the last batch of diodes I had exploded even - but that project's on ice for the next three months at least.

I just had a look on your PS, that song lyric is definitely what i should have been avoiding!

That puts a new perspective on it! I might have to start a thread asking why Peter Gabriel hasn't got a knighthood yet. But where? Ask? Misc. Chat? Musicians Guild? Problems, problems...

So what news today?

I talked again to my future-lawyer friend. He said that provided you did not sign a "Solidaritätserklärung" (declaration of solidarity) that states that everyone will cover everybody's a$$ if someone cannot pay the rent, you will have a good chance if you file a "Räumungsklage" ("action for possession"/ "ejectment")against the persons who do not pay the rent. Your records will show who did and who did not pay, so it should be fairly obvious who ought be evicted.

Secondly, not being told about ongoing troubles with the ones who refuse to pay at the time you moved in sounds a lot like "Vorsätzliche Täuschung" (willful deception). In case you want to get out of the flat, but your flatmates decide to play dirty (like saying, you need to give them a three months notice or something), this concept of willful deception will help you get out without any difficulties.

Hope it does not come down to this.

Y.

No, I'm sure I signed no such thing! That's something at least. And I did ask them about not having told me they're not paying rent - they claim they had no duty to tell me if I did't ask! I'm still hoping they'll leave before I do, and since they say they refuse to live under the same roof as the one who "started" it (noticed it) longer than absolutely neccessary, I think they may be gone soon enough.


Thanks for getting into the German law for me, my own wnnabe lawyer is on holiday...

My wonderfully mature cohabitant has now just informed me by email that he's not talking to me! I'll take it as a compliment, it means he can't think of anything to say.

Any signs your mature cohabitants might crumble and leave?

He's now so mature acting that he says (not to me, of course) that he refuses to live under one roof with the girl who noticed what was going on unless she gets counseling, sounds like he's ready to leave then...

Nice one. I'd imagine he thinks that anyone who disagreed with him needs counselling.

Yes, obviously he's in a great position to judge. Anything he says to deliberately annoy people isn't teasing or name-calling, of course, it's "experiments in Psychology" to show what a great, superior kind of fellow he is...