Court Shouldn’t Be the First Resort

Regarding “Ex-Roommates May Share a Courtroom” by Robert S. Griswold, May 13: Why head directly to the courtroom to resolve tenant matters? If a roommate is leaving, find another roommate.

As a landlord leasing to UCLA students for more than 15 years, I have seen tenants and roommates come and go.

Solve the problem directly--advise the remaining tenant to find a suitable replacement (I have a tip sheet and run the credit check for them). Have the replacement roommate “cash out” the departing tenant deposit (less any deductions for rent or damage). Then the departing tenant “signs off” the tenancy in terms of deposit received and claims (I have a special form).

Court is a last resort. It doesn’t pay the rent or make anyone happy.

HELENE LESEL

Los Angeles