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Roommate Trouble: Breaking My Balls Over a Notice to Vacate
Let’s talk about the joy of shared living—specifically, what happens when your roommate decides to turn a simple notice to vacate into a full-blown negotiation war.
Landlord gave the courtesy of a clear, legal notice: “We need to be out in 90 days.” That’s it. Clean, fair, and more than enough time to make arrangements. But instead of packing boxes or looking at listings, my roommate is breaking my balls like we’re haggling in a back-alley bazaar.
Suddenly, everything’s up for debate:
- “Do we really have to leave?” (Yes, legally we do.)
- “Can we stay just one more month?” (No, that’s not how notices work.)
- “What if we just wait until they kick us out?” (Seriously?)
It’s exhausting.
The lease is ending, the clock is ticking, and all I want is a clean, drama-free exit. But instead, I’m stuck playing negotiator with someone who thinks “notice to vacate” is just the start of a conversation.
Here’s the reality: When a notice is given—especially a proper 30-, 60-, or 90-day notice—it’s not a suggestion. It’s a legal countdown. Arguing over it doesn’t buy time; it just builds tension and guarantees chaos later.
So if you’re dealing with a roommate who’s stalling, negotiating, or just flat-out ignoring the situation, here’s the advice: Don’t take the bait. Be clear. Be firm. And protect yourself—because when the lease is up, you don’t want to be the one left holding the bag.