Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Minnesota

Rights for small claims court

My previous roommate and I were taken to court from the landlord. We each got a letter stating how much we owe and its up to us who is going to pay what.Also I have a utility bill for nearly $800 that we both agreed to pay half of . I am joining the military and before I can be shipped off I need to get those paid. I have tried numerous times to get in touch with her about it but she never replies. Someone suggested I pay it all just to cover myself then take her to conciliation court or small claims court. My question is would that even be an option seeing as how her name wasn't on the utilities and my name wasn't on the lease for the apartment.


Asked on 4/29/09, 4:59 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Maury Beaulier612.240.8005 Minnesota Lawyers

Re: Rights for small claims court

A verbal contract to pay one half of the utilities or one half of the lease payment can be enforced in court. The problem is proving the terms of the agreement without a writing.

With regard to the lease, if your name was not on the lease with the landlord, and someone else was obligated by contract, the landlord would not be able to successfully sue you for that debt.

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Answered on 4/29/09, 1:02 pm


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