I was living in a house without a wirtten lease agreement. One friend, "bob", put the lease in his name and had myself and another friend move in, under the speific conditions that you can move out, at any time, as long as you find a replacement.

I was unhappy there for several reasons and decided to give sixty days notice after I found an adequate replacement. I was to stay until the end of December and my replacement would move in January. All parties discussed and aggrees, orally, that this was fine.

Out of nowhere, "bob" asked me to move out two week later, in the middle of November. I have written emails and text messages saying he found someone to take my spot but would have to be by the middle of November. I agreed, packed my belongings and moved by that date, even though I paid November's rent in full on the 1st.

I'm asking for my half months rent since I moved out mid-month (per his request), as well as my initial security deposit. "Bob" refuses to cooperate and says he does not owe me any money back. I feel like the replacement should have to put in the security just like I did when I moved in.

Do I have a case for court, or am I wating my time?

BTW... we live in NJ where Real Estate Law can be kind of screwey.

Also, please keep in mind that our original roommate moved out with two days notice. So between, we got another roommate who also moved in without giving security. I feel like I'm getting the run-around and these other tenants should have to pay-up and pay me back. Uuugggg, this is stressful! Lol

Old saying "if it is not in writing then it did not happen". I think you are out of luck.

You have a great case. If you moved out on November 15th then he is required to return the 2 weeks rent you overpaid for November plus your security deposit by December 15th. If he doesn't return them by December 15th then you should file a lawsuit against him.