missing room-mate

[geewhizzer]

What is the name of your state? Texas

I signed a 6 months lease on a apartment with a friend. I paid the full deposit myself. After 4 months, my room-mate has disappeared and left me to pay all the rent by myself. I have managed to pay the rent each month ( with financial help from my parents ) but now that my lease is almost up, I am unsure what to do with all her furniture and belongings. Can I keep all her stuff as payment for my paying her portion of bills and rent or is this illegal? The apartment complex states that all stuff must be removed from apartment or I will be charged, also, the deposit check refund will be in both our names and she must sign in order for me to be able to cash the check. Both our names are on the lease. I don't want to do anything illegal, but I would like to keep her stuff to sell and help pay my parents back the money they loaned me. HELP

 

[thelizzy]

So wait, your roommate has been MISSING for 2 months and hasn't taken any of their stuff? And you are worried about who is paying the rent? Unless you know where they are, you should worry more about WHERE THE HECK YOUR ROOMMATE IS AND IF THEY ARE OKAY.

 

[geewhizzer]

My room-mate called to tell me she is "messed up" right now and living with some guy trying to get her head on straight. She has been in touch with her mom so I know she is okay, just not where to find her.

 

[Who's Liable?]

Keep her stuff, put it in storage, and when she wants it back, charge her the storage fees to get it out.