Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Ohio
I was going to be renting an apartment, the person leaving the particular apartment was breaking their lease early. I agreed to pay the relet fee. (Which I did). I recently decided to rent another place instead. The person leaving the 1st apartment says I owe her for the rent of December since I was going to move there. Only I never signed a lease. The apartment complex says I am not liable for paying her rent...are they correct? Is the email letters between her and myself binding when we discussed the upcoming rent if I never signed the lease?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Probably not. I would have to look at the e-mails to make sure, but the law requires a "signed writing" in order to enforce this kind of case against you. What constitutes "signing" may be an issue, but the e-mails would probably be considered discussions prior to finalizing any contract.
Lisa K. Meier
Law Office of Lisa K. Meier
This answer was based on solely on Ohio law and does not create an attorney-client relationship.