In the fall of 2008, I entered into a lease agreement with four other people. That contract was in writing with a real-estate firm. Before any payment was due (apart from the initial security deposit) I decided not to go to school in the area and officially was marked off the lease. I told another guy that took my place in the lease that I would pay for the first quarter of rent, speaking over the phone. The agreement was never put in writing. Before the first quarter rent was due, I paid him half, $750, and told him money was tight so I didn't have the other half yet. I then decided that I wouldn't be able to spend any time at the apartment anyway, so I wanted to settle with him with me paying half and he paying the other half. Still nothing in writing. He says he will take me to court if I don't give him the other half. Am I legally, or only ethically, responsible for the other $750?

I verbal agreement of less than a year is generally enfocrceable.