I am the only current tenant on the lease of a 3 bedroom apartment in Hollywood, CA
I in turn, rent out the other 2 rooms, collect the rent and then pay the landlord, so I personally am the only one responsible for paying. One of the roommate's checks bounced in his 2nd month of living there. He's out of town a lot for business, but promised to get me the money. He then came through town again, yet didn't pay, and did not sign the rental agreement I left after this happened (he said he would be willing to sign something from the beginning, but unfortunately, I never got him one). He said he would be back in 2 weeks, and he has not returned to the apartment, but has not moved out, and I have not been able to reach him. He now owes 3 months of rent (including this month).

I am wondering what recourse I have since I do not have a signed agreement. If I try to take him to small claims court, what other kind of things would help? I do have texts from him acknowledging the bounced check and promising payment, would this count for anything?

Any help or ideas on how to proceed from here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Yes keep all proof that he has acknowledged that he owes and that he has promised to pay. Sounds like you most likely will have to take him to court.