Hey all,

I own and live in a house in which I rent a room to a "friend". Well, long story short, this friend is no longer friendly and gives me notice (written note) on 11/30 that she will be leaving on 1/1/08. Her stuff has been slowly disappearing from the house and her room, and today (now that all her stuff is gone) she left a note saying that she'll be dropping off the key tomorrow.

She's been consistently sliding later and later on her rent, to the point that she's been paying at the end of the month rather than the beginning, so I do not have her rent for this month. She has made it clear to me (in a text message, no less) that she does not intend on paying this month's rent.

There has never been a lease agreement. She has lived in the house for about 3 years. Do I have any recourse to get at least this month's rent (or partial)? We're in NY, by the way...

Thanks much,
Mike

She is on a verbal month to month rental, She is required to give you a 30 day notice. So not only does she owe you this month, but she will owe you next months also.

So tell her to pay both months or you will see her in small claims court.

You could try small claims court. It's inexpensive, reasonably quick and convenient. Hopefully the judge will rule on the spirit of the "agreement" that existed between you.