Leurre
Feb 7, 2013, 06:23 PM
In December I moved into a room in a house (in Washington DC). There was no written lease. I recently told my landlord that I would be moving out by the end of the month (less than 30 days notice). But now he maintains that I will have to forfeit the security deposit of one month's rent that I had given him. The reason is the following:
He understood our oral contract as being: pay the rent month-to-month, and stay for a period of at least six month, or forfeit the security deposit.
I understood our oral contract as being: pay the rent month to month, and it would be better if I stayed for six or more months. I simply do not remember him saying anything about forfeiting the security deposit.
In this situation, what is my best course of action? I understand that oral contracts are valid, but here there seems to be some disagreement on the content of the contract. Or does it not matter, and have I forfeited the security deposit anyway by not giving 30 days notice?
Thanks for your help!
He understood our oral contract as being: pay the rent month-to-month, and stay for a period of at least six month, or forfeit the security deposit.
I understood our oral contract as being: pay the rent month to month, and it would be better if I stayed for six or more months. I simply do not remember him saying anything about forfeiting the security deposit.
In this situation, what is my best course of action? I understand that oral contracts are valid, but here there seems to be some disagreement on the content of the contract. Or does it not matter, and have I forfeited the security deposit anyway by not giving 30 days notice?
Thanks for your help!