If I’m 16 and pretend to be 18 to rent a room, what will happen ifI get caught?
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If I’m 16 and pretend to be 18 to rent a room, what will happen ifI get caught?
Asked on January 14, 2012 under Real Estate Law, New York
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Under the laws of all states in this country, a minor at his or her option can terminate a contract without any recourse as to future obligations under the agreement. In your situation, if you enter into an agreement to rent a room for a certain time period, you can terminate the agreement without being obligated for future rent owed under the agreement.
However, you would be legally obligated for the rent during the time you occupied the rental. The laws are that minors are not deemed legally able to contract, and as a result, minors can avoid future obligations on a contract.
As far as getting caught for being a minor who pretended to rent a room as an adult, I have no idea what the result would be. The landlord is still obligated under the contract.
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