Verbal Agreement Housing Dispute

Summary

A verbal agreement allowed you to live rent-free until the next semester. Retroactive payment demands may lack legal basis without prior agreement. Open communication is key. If unresolved, they might pursue small claims court, but proving a verbal payment agreement is challenging. Locking you out or holding belongings without legal proceedings could be illegal. Your status as a guest or occupant grants certain rights, differing from tenant rights. Consider discussing the situation amicably or seeking legal advice for further guidance.

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there was a verbal agreement. We agreed they were doing me a favor and could live there for free until the next semester
It seems like you had a clear verbal agreement that you could stay rent-free until the next semester. Here are some general points to consider:
- Verbal agreements are legally binding, but they can be harder to prove in court.
- If the agreement was for you to live there for free, they may not have a legal basis to demand retroactive payment.
Have you tried discussing this situation with them to see if you can reach an amicable solution?
I am havign a talk with them tomorrow about it. I do not have the money to pay and it seems unfair they would spring this upon me with no prior agreement or conversation.
It sounds like you're in a challenging situation. Since you have a talk scheduled with them, it's a great opportunity to calmly reiterate the initial verbal agreement and express your concerns. If you reach an understanding, consider documenting any new agreements in writing to avoid future misunderstandings.
Do you feel prepared for the conversation, or do you have any specific concerns about it?
what can they do legally if i deny their request of monthly payments?
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Legally, if you deny their request for monthly payments, the following could happen:
- They may attempt to take the matter to small claims court if they believe there was an agreement.
- They would need to prove that there was a verbal agreement for you to pay, which can be challenging.
It's crucial to communicate openly and try to resolve this amicably. Would you like more information on small claims court procedures in New York?
can they legally lock the doors to my part of the house if i disagree and hold my belongings captive
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In New York, locking you out or holding your belongings without legal proceedings could be considered an illegal eviction or wrongful act. Here are some points to consider:
- Landlords cannot change locks or remove belongings without a court order.
- Tenants have rights, even under verbal agreements.
Would you like more information on tenant rights in New York?
are they considered tenents if they are my mom's friends?
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In your situation, your mom's friends are not considered tenants; they are the property owners or primary occupants. You might be considered a guest or occupant under a verbal agreement. This means you have certain occupancy rights, but they differ from tenant rights. Would you like more information on your rights as an occupant in New York?