Hello,
My roommate was deliberately sabotaging my personal property and accidentally broke my laptop. His parents promised over the phone to pay for it but now backed out saying that they will file harassment suit if I keep asking him/them to pay for it. What happens in this case, does anyone know?
You’ll need to be a bit clearer in what’s going on; did something happen “accidentally” or was it “deliberate”. You’ve stated both in your post.
The definition of sabotage IS to deliberately destroy, damage or obstruct something (usually in the context of systematically bringing down an opponent or enemy). So, it’s a pretty strong word.
Did he “accidentally” break your laptop while in the process of trying to damage other things of yours? Did he have your permission to use the laptop? Or is he simply careless or clumsy (i.e. stumbling across a laptop you left on the floor?) You’ll need to describe the specific situation and order of events for us to know how to comment.
At any rate, I would say that the first order of business would be to contact the RA about the situation.
Hopefully you have insurance on laptop so you can get a new one if necessary.
OP asked: “What happens in this case?”
Most likely, similiar incidents unless you change rooms or get a new roommate.
He was destroying ( while I was gone) my course material since he’s crazy competitive and was not happy that I was not as stressed and doing well in same subject. He was snooping in my classwork and trying to get into my computer while I wasnt there. Accidentally dropping it
So what steps have you taken thus far?
Hopefully you reported it to your RA, to the Campus Housing Office, and perhaps filed a police report. Making it official will “cover your butt”. You should also have looked into whether there is any chance you have any kind of insurance that might help cover it.
You are, of course, entitled to file a small claims case against your roommate. That may be more trouble than it is worth, but if you failed to take the steps outlined above, then it may be your only recourse.
You must report incidents like this to the RA or housing staff. You insurance probably requires a report.
Not to mention, a roommate destroying your material is a housing violation.
Whatever this sabotage is, are you certain he did it?
Positive… thanks!
Unfortunately, there are at least two sides to every story.
Can you prove that your roommate broke your computer ?
If not, then you may not have any recourse for reimbursement from him.
He said it was an accident, yes. But he was snooping and dropped it by accident.
Lock your computer away when not there or take it with you. Not sure how effective they are, but they do sell computer locks and alarms.
The parents will file a harassment suit? Ya, right. :lol: That’s NOT gonna happen.
Keep “harassing” them with reminders of their promise. Deadbeats!
If there is a dispute, then you need to consider a compromise. Ask him to pay half the cost of a new computer.
Better to get something, than nothing. You can rationalize this by telling yourself that your old computer was a bit outdated and that you will be getting a better computer for half price. Sometimes you just have to compromise–even though you may be 100% right. Life is too short. You need to get a storage box or locker in your room with a lock on it until you get a new roommate.
Life is not fair, but you can make it reasonable if willing to be the bigger person & offer a compromise.
It’s not even November, but it appears that it would be best for both of you to go your separate ways. So
Have you told your RA and requested a room switch? and
Have you told your parents? Not sure who originally paid for the laptop in question, but in any case they may well be of assistance in getting reimbursement, which lead to
Does your school have an Honor Court or Student Court or similar? Many colleges have these to assist in resolving conflicts such as these(about the broken laptop).
But get a new roommate, no matter what.
I don’t think you can prove this, even if you saw him drop it. Nor can you hold him to an oral agreement, which is he said/she said. That applies to other situations.
Sorry about it. Get a new roommate. Let housing know you feel property damage occurred (that includes any class materials not on the laptop.) Yes, speak with your parents in case your insurance covers this.
I usually never say to go to the RA because they are “just students” and I think parents expect way too much from them. But in this situation because it is a large ticket item, I think you should go to the RA. Chances are there will be some sort of meeting between the two of you facilitated by the RA. If the roommate admits to breaking your computer in that meeting, you will have your proof. Then you can go from there and see what comes out of that meeting.
Absolutely start finding a new roommate/move for second semester.
Poppin sells an attractive, sturdy, locking file cabinet. It’s heavy. I recommend one without wheels. https://www.poppin.com/furniture/file-cabinets/
If the situation is as you suspect, staying in the same place with the roommate isn’t an option.
@agreatstory: Great comment.
In post #10, it sounds as if the roommate freely admits to dropping the laptop. Why wouldn’t he be responsible for paying for it?
When I was in college, the girl who lived in my room during the summer asked if she could stay on my phone plan so she didn’t have to pay the initial fees. I said sure. Then HER friend made hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of long-distance calls. The girl didn’t pay the bill! She ignored me when I asked for payment. My parents finally got involved and called her folks. That took care of the situation!
Details matter. If a laptop is dropped two feet onto a mattress, then there may not be any harm.
There are at least two sides to every story. (Common saying: There are three sides to every story: Yours, mine & the truth. = That is one reason why we have judges.)