What can I do to force my relative to pay me money that he owes me?

Full question:

I got an apartment in my name and let a relative live there a year ago. The relative ended up getting evicted. He agreed to pay the ending cost the landlord requested. He hasn't given me the money for that so I can get the eviction off my name. I can't get an apartment or house in my name. He let me live with him being that I don't have a home to go to. His girlfriend decided to kick me out yesterday because I wouldn't give them the password to my computer. I know how that sounds but it's true. Can I take him to court for the money owed? Could I also get extra money being that the eviction is on my credit? I don't know if that's called defamation of character or pain and suffering? He needs to pay the money so my child and I can have a place to stay. It's not fair that I don't have anywhere to stay because of them and they're living just fine.

Answer:

There is no recovery against a person merely for damaging your credit unless you can prove losses due to the loss of rating they caused. You can sue for money owed based on a contractual promise to pay a debt. It will be a matter of evidence for the court if the contract was oral.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In North Dakota, a landlord must provide a written notice to the tenant before starting the eviction process. The notice period can vary depending on the reason for eviction, typically ranging from 3 to 30 days. If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit in court. The court will schedule a hearing, and if the landlord wins, a judgment will be issued for the tenant to leave. It's important to follow all legal procedures to ensure the eviction is valid.