Can a landlord sue you for abandonment even though no contract was ever signed for move in agreements?
April 17th, 2011 | 
Author: I payed month to month for a room(technically, just discussed payment- not term), after the second complaint about landlord (lived in house)being noisy after 2AM i was told i could go if i had a problem (infront of my friend) and left two months later without any other communication. I damaged an item but didnt get a chance to replace before i left. Now i am supposed to be getting a bill for this and “who knows” what else.
should i wait to see the bill and just give a check for the item i damaged and forget the rest & see if he goes to court for it? or pay the bill im am going to get to avoid atty fees?
i am no attorney but i gather at the least i need to pay for the broken item, and i might have to pay a motnhs rent since there was no “verified” communication of departure.
does this guy have a chance of winning, i dont want to go to court and have to pay his court fees if im in the wrong
i know we are both technically in the wrong but i damaged an item that is barely $200
Posted in Landlord Tenant Law
I would send him a letter stating that you will pay the $200 as soon as he signs a release letter. Just type up a letter stating that an agreement has been made that everything is paid in full and all verbal agreements are met as soon as the $200 is paid. Then pay him in a money order.
If you did not sign a lease, he has no grounds.
However, I would do the right thing and pay for what you damaged. It will make you feel better about yourself. $200 sounds like a lot to me. That is usually a deposit amount.
I am no attorney either but I do know if you did not sign a lease, he cannot make you pay for additional rent. If you paid your monthly rent there is no reason he could have to sue you.
Hope I helped you. I have learned the hard way to read the lease agreement well before I will sign one.
Legally, you had a month-to-month rental agreement, whether there was anything in writing or not. Therefore, among other things, you are required to leave the premises in the same condition as they were when you moved in. Therefore, you need to either replace or pay for the broken item, whatever that is.
Also, you are required to give a 30 day notice before vacating. From your story, it appears that you never gave any notice, so legally you probably owe another month’s rent.
I agree with the first post. Tell the landlord you’ll settle everything for $200.