Need advice
Need advice on a bad roommate / room-rental situation.
I rent a bedroom and private bath in an home where the person is subletting, possibly illegally. There’s no written lease, but I paid a deposit and monthly rent. At first things were cordial, but the situation has escalated hard.
The roommate started sending hostile texts after I took down a picture in my rented space briefly for a court appearance that was remote, which I put back up and was not damaged in any way. She is accusing me of being disrespectful despite me being very restrained in discussing logistics only, saying I’m “hiding” because I stay in my room and avoid conflict, and repeatedly pressuring me about move-out, going for as as to threatening to toss my belongings and “retaliate”. She has also entered spaces I was using while I was away repeatedly, and my belongings appear to have been moved.
I work nights and sleep during the day, and that’s become a huge issue. During my sleep hours, I’ve repeatedly been woken up by loud talking outside my door, slamming doors, and music/radio being turned up louder. She also talks and laughs to herself at odd times during the day, and the overall behavior feels erratic and unpredictable. I’ve been repeatedly woken during the time I’m supposed to be sleeping before work.
I’ve moved most of my food and belongings into my room to avoid using common areas and to protect my stuff. I’m documenting everything with photos, videos, timestamps, and door sensors. I’m planning to move, but I’m trying to figure out the smartest next steps.
I also found out through a background investigation that she has been arrested and charged with a a misdemeanor for destruction of property, alcohol offenses, and prior evictions. The place that we are renting from apparently tried to evict her just last year.
Main questions:
- What would you do to protect yourself and your property in the meantime?
- Has anyone dealt with a landlord/roommate entering their private space without permission?
- What’s the best way to handle move-out and deposit protection when the other person is clearly building a false narrative?
Trying to stay calm, document, and get out cleanly.