Can a roommate sue for rent if I haven’t signed anything?
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Can a roommate sue for rent if I haven’t signed anything?
I moved in with a friend, after briefly seeing her place, and realized after Imoved into the apartment it was incredibly filthy. There was black mold on the shower curtain, loose garbage shoved under the sink, mold and filth in the refrigerator, rust and grime built up throughout the bathroom and evidence of bedbugs. I moved in and moved out the next night. We have no written agreements and our oral agreements were based up a healthy living situation, since we both describe ourselves as very clean people. She is now threatening to sue for rent. I incurred over $2,100 in expenses.
Asked on October 15, 2011 under Real Estate Law, New York
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you moved in with a friend in a unit that was not represented to you as what it really was and you have no written lease agreement for any specified term, then you essentially on a month-to-month lease where you can leave after giving thirty (30) days notice to her.
Although your former roommate can sue you for rent, if you have paid it, there really is no basis factually for her to sue you especially if you have no written agreement for a set term for any lease of the unit. If she does file a lawsuit against you, most likely it will be in small claims court. You will need to attend the hearing and be prepared to defend yourself against her claims.
Good luck.
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