When I arrived in Montreal this past September I was 18 and had no place to stay. I found an apartment on Craigslist, skyped with the guy a few times, and moved in barely a day before the first day of University started. It wasn't a scenario I was really fond of, but I went along with it anyways. My father had to go back to Connecticut the following day, and I did not want to prolong his visit any more than what was already required. When I first saw the apartment, I thought it was rather shabby and repelling. It took some rather harsh conversation outside for myself to be convinced otherwise. Now that I reflect on it, it's probably because I've always been used to the comforts of living at home: having a large home, having the company of my parents and brother, and having possessions relatively brand new. Here, the paint is chipping off the walls in some places, the bedroom is small, and the lighting leaves a lot to be desired. Best of all...my roommate is four years older than me, an experience quite weird and difficult to adapt to. Nevertheless, I have learned not to think of it too much. I pay my agreed upon amount of rent at the beginning of every month and use what has been offered to myself to full advantage: my bedroom, kitchen, washer and dryer, and all of the furniture and appliances.
This was the agreed upon deal. I have paid rent punctually for 7 months now, and have been an amenable person to live with, given the age difference. Upon moving into the apartment in September, I paid my rent for the first month and gave a $600 deposit. This is to make sure I fulfil my end of the deal and reside until the end of April. I have every intention of doing so and will. The conflict arises when my roommate begins demanding April rent. I say I am not paying an additional sum and am utilizing the deposit because any way one looks at the situation, I have paid my 8 months of dues. The deposit was to make sure I don't run off anywhere and skip out on the rent. I have not done that. The point is that any way one looks at the situation, there is no losing party. My roommate has received 8 months of rent, and I have received my 8 months of living quarters. Everyone should be happy. Unfortunately, that's not the case. According to "John," this is not acceptable, and I should also be responsible for 'cleaning maid' charges (because he cleaned the apartment a few times and I did not). My argument is simple: cleaning was not a part of our agreement. I cleaned every time I did because I wanted to, not because I had to. Done. Moreover, the dryer broke and he wanted me to chip in. I said sure, but now he has constantly been bringing that up. Not cool. It's important to note I have only used the dryer for 7 months (up to today) and that is barely a fraction of a washer's lifespan. I have no idea how much he paid for it, nor do I know how old it is. Seeing the paranoia yet?
It doesn't matter what argument I use, how much logic I have utilized, he is stubborn as a mule. He is constantly brining up the most random arguments: I don't do a good enough job cleaning. So, why bring it up now, and not before on the countless occasions this sort of criticism would have been more suitable and helpful? All I want is to live out the rest of my agreement, and move out before the conclusion of April like I said I would. I do not ask for anything but peace and quite. I have paid my 8 months of rent. I was to pay $4800, and I did just that, each month on time. What more can one ask from a tenant? I have no caused any damages nor have I interfered in his life. I separate my friendships from my living situation. If you ask me, I do believe I deserve at least 24 more days of having peace of mind..at least until exams are over.
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