I lived in a "friends" apartment complex (4 units) in Minnesota for about 2 years. I asked the owner to transfer the electric bill into my name, after months of not receiving it. It was attached to his so he was paying it... he paid for like 10 months, and over that 10 months I repetely tried to get him to let me know how much it was so I could pay him for it, he never did... I chose to move out after several months of not paying rent because of a employment situation. And now he wants me to pay the back rent (which I am willing to pay) and the electric (which I am not). What does Minnesota law say about this... can he take me to court, and if he does how does he prove that I should pay for the electric and the rent without a formal lease. He doesn't even have any info besides my name and address.

Hello d:

It's not as black and white as you may think.

First off, he CAN sue you. Even if he DIDN'T have your address, he could serve you by publication... Would he win? I don't know. In the absence of written proof, it depends on whether the judge believes him or you.

But, beyond all that, even if he wins a judgment, if he can't find your bank accounts or where you work, he can't collect. Course, you're not going to be able to have a bank account for 20 years, or a job either...

excon