Full question:
I rented my spare bedroom to a coworker, he stayed for 3 months and then left 4 days before rent was due without paying. We had nothing in writing just a verbal agreement that he would give me one months notice before he moves out so I can find a replacement roommate. Is he liable for his portion of the rent and utilities he skipped out on? Also it is 4 full months later and he still has a couch, coffee table, end table and some cups here. He has never come back for them. I even left them in the hallway for 30 days so that he could get them in case I was not home. The landlord told me to put them back inside because it was an insurance issue/hazard. As of this week he has started to call me and my fiance 10 times a day, and our friends and family saying we stole his stuff. We have not heard from him in over 4 months! Can he take us to court for his belongings or are we covered by an abandonment of property law in Rhode Island since his belongings have been here over 120 days? If he sues can we counter sue for rent, utilities, and storage?
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Date:
- State: Rhode Island
Answer:
According to Rhode Island law, a rental agreement can include terms not prohibited by law, such as rent and notice requirements. In the absence of a written agreement, the tenant is generally liable for the fair rental value of the space they occupied (R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-15).
Your former roommate is likely liable for the rent and utilities for the time he occupied the room, especially since he left without providing the agreed-upon notice. Additionally, since he abandoned his belongings for over one hundred twenty days, you may be protected under abandonment of property laws in Rhode Island. This means that he may not have a strong case for retrieving his items.
If he decides to sue you for his belongings, you may have grounds to counter sue for unpaid rent, utilities, and potentially storage costs related to his abandoned property. It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional for guidance specific to your situation.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.