Can I move back in?

[dkahlona]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY

NY
Background: A small church owns an apartment building from which I rent a room. I have a one-year lease that expires in December 2011. I have been unemployed since October 2010. After days and months of searching for employment, I was offered a job in PA. The personnel employee assured me that I had the job, told me that I could find housing in PA, and insisted that I report to work at 6:30 am on 6/13/11. The company did not offer relocation reimbursement, so I knew she knew that I had to move from NY to take this job. She stated that I “may or may not have to take a performance test.” She never said that was a qualifying test that would cement employment or I would have come down for the day only!.
On 6/6/11 I got in touch with the church officer who rented me the place and told him that I had to get out the lease because I had to leave by 6/13/11. He said that he understood and there would be no problems with me breaking the lease. I surrendered the key on Saturday, 6/11/11 to the deacon. That Sunday night, I drafted a letter to send to the church to formally request instructions on how to finalize our agreement, if at all. I was to mail the letter to the church at the end of my work day. Well, that never happened.
I failed the qualifying test! I am now homeless.
Question:
Question: Is my lease still in effect even though I gave up the key? Is it unreasonable to expect that since not even a day had passed that I turned in the key that I could get back the key? I would like to know as soon as possible. I am staying with a friend in New York and wish to go to the church this evening when I know that someone will be there. I want to be on sure footing before I speak and appeal to the pastor.

 

[Who's Liable?]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY

NY
Background: A small church owns an apartment building from which I rent a room. I have a one-year lease that expires in December 2011. I have been unemployed since October 2010. After days and months of searching for employment, I was offered a job in PA. The personnel employee assured me that I had the job, told me that I could find housing in PA, and insisted that I report to work at 6:30 am on 6/13/11. The company did not offer relocation reimbursement, so I knew she knew that I had to move from NY to take this job. She stated that I “may or may not have to take a performance test.” She never said that was a qualifying test that would cement employment or I would have come down for the day only!.
On 6/6/11 I got in touch with the church officer who rented me the place and told him that I had to get out the lease because I had to leave by 6/13/11. He said that he understood and there would be no problems with me breaking the lease. I surrendered the key on Saturday, 6/11/11 to the deacon. That Sunday night, I drafted a letter to send to the church to formally request instructions on how to finalize our agreement, if at all. I was to mail the letter to the church at the end of my work day. Well, that never happened.
I failed the qualifying test! I am now homeless.
Question:
Question: Is my lease still in effect even though I gave up the key? Is it unreasonable to expect that since not even a day had passed that I turned in the key that I could get back the key? I would like to know as soon as possible. I am staying with a friend in New York and wish to go to the church this evening when I know that someone will be there. I want to be on sure footing before I speak and appeal to the pastor.

You have given up your lease by handing the key in.

At this point, you will need to ask if you can be allowed back. They might say yes, they might say no, but expect a no.

 

[applecruncher]

When you say you want to be on sure footing, you mean legally. You told them you wanted to terminate the lease, they agreed to let you, and you turned in your key. They could have “gotten legal” with you, but they didn’t.

It’s unfortunate the new job didn’t pan out, but at this stage the only thing you can do is ask to come back. If they want you, and if the room is still available they might say yes . . .but it’s really their call. If the answer is no, you’ll have no choice but to find another place to stay.

 

[Searchertwin]

Best thing to do is to the Deacon and explain what happen. Inform him that you are still unemployed but you are willing to do things around the
Church in lieu of rent till you find a job. Churches always need lawn mowed, hedges trim, floors mop and waxed, numerous thing can be done. This way you don't go in with an empty wallet, so to speak. . Good Luck

 

[dkahlona]

can i move back in

Well, here is the resolution. After 7 days of waiting for reply to my urgent plea, the pastor and the trustees will install new kitchen cabinets, raise the rent (it was dirt cheap), and "consider" me as an applicant when ready to show the apartment. They will treat me like they don't know me and make me go through hoops like everyone else. I guess there is no mercy even in the church when it comes to a dollar bill.

 

[cyjeff]

Or... there are many people to help and you are just one. Maybe, after 7 months, they wanted to help someone else as well.