Being taken to court over three deadbeat roommates. Legal advice needed?

Question

Long story short, I signed a group lease with four other female students because I had no cosigner and at this time i was 19 with no credit, but I need a place to stay to attend college. My landlord was the only landlord in the area that I had spoken to that was ok with me not having a cosigner.

Despite me paying rent on time for every month, apparently three of my roommates had stiffed him at one point. They collectively owe him $5,800 over the course of six months. I just now found this out at the very end of my lease, and he says that he's taking us all to court. The three roommates who have not paid are not keeping in contact with the landlord at all. I've tried calling and texting them, but no response.

I talked to a friend of a friend who is a lawyer, and they said at this point is to pay off the debt by the due date and then sue the deadbeat roommates for their back rent. Or we would have to go to court versus the landlord.

My question is, typically how would a judge divide up the money that is owed? Would it be equally divided among the 5 of us, or would the judge garnish the pay of the cosigner who makes the most? I have no cosigner at all and I make minimum wage. If anyone has any knowledge of how the judgement would be settled, that'd be very appreciated.

Answer 1

This is not the place to seek legal counsel. Contact the Bar Association in your city for a referral. You may get a free or low cost consultation with a licensed attorney.

Answer 2

pay all now, or go to court and pay all plus ALL legal costs, and learn from your mistakes, friends in a lease agreement means real friends you known always, not facebook friends, ok