beccasmolic
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Arizona
I moved into a trailer on 5 acres in 2006. No lease was established, in fact my boyfriend's co-worker at the time said he was moving from the trailer his dad owned and we could move in. No security deposit was requested, no lease and no keys were given. We met the son, moved in and met the owner of the property about a week later. We paid rent each month (verbal was $500/mo) which included utilities. 2 years later, boyfriend lost job and we got behind on rent. Landlord told us not to worry, give him what we could. We kept getting further behind. Finally, I gave a 30 day notice and 5 days after that the landlord's wife had utilities shut off. We moved immediately. Now he's taking me to small claims court saying I owe over 7 months back rent. Can they do this. I thought this would be illegal. He could have kept us there by saying don't worry about it for years....and then want a lump sum?? Any help or suggestions. I did respond to his lawsuit and went to court today (Referred as case management conference) and requested a trial set for next month. Any suggestions or Help?
I moved into a trailer on 5 acres in 2006. No lease was established, in fact my boyfriend's co-worker at the time said he was moving from the trailer his dad owned and we could move in. No security deposit was requested, no lease and no keys were given. We met the son, moved in and met the owner of the property about a week later. We paid rent each month (verbal was $500/mo) which included utilities. 2 years later, boyfriend lost job and we got behind on rent. Landlord told us not to worry, give him what we could. We kept getting further behind. Finally, I gave a 30 day notice and 5 days after that the landlord's wife had utilities shut off. We moved immediately. Now he's taking me to small claims court saying I owe over 7 months back rent. Can they do this. I thought this would be illegal. He could have kept us there by saying don't worry about it for years....and then want a lump sum?? Any help or suggestions. I did respond to his lawsuit and went to court today (Referred as case management conference) and requested a trial set for next month. Any suggestions or Help?