What are my responsibilities if I had a verbal agreement with a sublandlord but I left after staying there for 2 days?
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What are my responsibilities if I had a verbal agreement with a sublandlord but I left after staying there for 2 days?
Over a month ago, I had an agreement with a sublandlord. She sent me a contract but there was no name no address written on it, so I did not sign anything. She also sent me a copy of her ID and I sent her mine. Our agreement was that I would sublease for the summer until I find a stable job then I can stay for a year. I was supposed to pay 1 month’s rent and 1 month’s security deposit. When I got to the place I stayed for 3 days, I decided that it wasn’t right for me so I left her the keys and $200. She is now saying that we had an agreement and that she is calling a lawyer to sue me.
Asked on June 12, 2012 under Real Estate Law, New York
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You did not sign anything but you had a verbal agreement for a certain period of time. Even if you stayed only two hours, you would owe at least for one month as an at-will tenant. This means that you should pay her at least the amount of the rent minus the amount you already paid. If you prefer, contact your local consumer protection agency who handles landlord tenant matters and explain that no lease was signed and you would like the written information regarding her rights and your responsibilities on payment. It should be as how I explained. Submit this information to her via certified mail and hopefully she will back down.
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