text: what are my legal rights in regards to my roommate? i live in the state of north carolina. my roommate has kept for the last 8 months 2 rather large bags of garbage in his room. when you get near his door his room smells. he leaves in 4 weeks and during that time what rights do i have? his room is carpeted and where the bags have sat if the carpet has been damanged what can i do legally the same if he has caused a bug problem? i'm at my wits end. i am the depositor for the apartment. i hold the deposit completely. i made the mistake of not giving him a deposit so now i just need to know what my legal rights are.  thank you. after he is gone, if there is damage, you can take him to small claims court for a very small fee.  you don't need a lawyer in small claims court.  all you need is your lease and proof of damage.  in small claims court, the judge will consider the fact that he is on the lease and may likely award you money for the damage he caused.