Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Hi, my name is Kyle

My former room mates from CA sent me a bill for my stay in CA and owe them over $5000. When I first moved they told me I didn't have to pay rent 'till I found a job and was comfortable. The eight months I was there neither happen. The last we spoke they told me I did not have to pay them the rent I owe. I never signed any lease or any documents saying I have to pay them.

How should I respond? Do they have any ground to take me to court?


Asked on 10/25/10, 7:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

Point out to them that to your detriment you relied upon their oral agreement to let you live there rent free until you had a job and they confirmed that agreement after you left. With a few exception, mainly for the sale of real estate, an oral agareement is as binding and equal to a written agreement [it is just easier to prove what is already in writing]. If they had told you while you were living there that you would have to pay rent you would have moved out. They can not legally go back on their word, whilch they have given at least three times, because of your detrimental reliance on them and the oral contract.

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Answered on 10/31/10, 11:11 am


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