Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Missouri
Verbal sublease
I was living in an apartment and
decided to move closer to my work
place; hence I have subleased my
apartment verbally to a person who
agreed to stay the total of
remaining contract period of 8
months. I had to pay � months
rent and deposit for myself to make
him agree to stay for total 8
months. I told him to submit the
sub-lease application in the apt
office, which he never did. After 3
months he left the apartment
without notice. Now, since the
contract is on my name, I had to
pay the rent as he left. The only
proofs I have that he stayed in my
apartment are the checks he
submitted for rent and the internet
connection on his name. Now,
please advise me if I can file a case
on him?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Verbal sublease
If the lease was not written, and was never approved by management, a smart lawyer would assert the statutory bar to subleasing found in the landlord tenant statutes. However, he did breach a contract with you, even if the sublease was never formalized. You could sue him in small claims court if the amount at issue is less than $3000.
Your testimony, and his internet connection are probably all you need to prevail.
Good Luck