Roommate moved out without notice

I have an apartment that my roommate moved out of while i was away on business. he refuses to come and get the rest of his belongings and will not pay his half of the rent. we signed a one year lease together, and now i am left with the whole amount of rent to pay. is there any legal way i can collect his half of the rent money for the duration of the lease, can i make him pay half of the rent for the months after he moved out and his name was still on the lease? either way his name will be taken off the lease.

Sorry for your situation. It is fortunate that his name was on the lease. This means that you most likely can try and collect from him. The most appropriate place to seek redress will probably be small claims court. The maximum amount you can seek varies from state to state. You should start by sending him a written demand letter by certified mail--return receipt requested. Hope it works out. AJJ