[pcarroll80]

I am currently renting a room from someone and have lived here for 5 months. Technically subletting due to him having a lease agreement with the actual owners of the house. I've paid all my rent on time and in cash. There is no documentation - no rental agreement or receipts for rent paid. When I moved in, I offered to write up an agreement and the roommate declined to have anything in writing. I was offered a job and need to move (this weekend) and will be unable to give adequate notice. My roommate said he wants 30 day notice, but it's not possible on my end.
My question is: What am I liable/responsible for? Do I have to pay for this up coming months rent? Can he sue me or try to take me to court? I had contemplated paying him a portion of the rent but now I'm not sure.
There is a lot of back story to this situation. I moved here, sight unseen from another state and before I moved in, he lied to me about the condition of the home and property (sent false photographs and did not disclose the condition of the interior/exterior home - he is a borderline hoarder and the house/property reflects his disorder, there is mold growing on the windows in my bedroom, kitchen and bathroom hadn't been cleaned in over a year, etc.), he lied about smoking in the home (which had been discussed in length before I moved in because I am very allergic to smoke) and about his 7 year old son living in the home. About a week ago the roommate told me that the landlord/property owner said he would be issuing an eviction if the property wasn't cleaned up and properly maintained. I have not heard an update about this. Since I live in the home, if he gets evicted, obviously I would too! Today, the roommate told me that he is having someone one else move into another bedroom because he can not cover his bills. I have no idea who this person is. Obviously this would affect me too! There is no respect for me, my health or my property here in this home.

Where do I stand legally?

[LisaB4657]

Unfortunately the past history of your tenancy will have no bearing on the matter if this ever gets to court.

You are a month-to-month tenant and you have to give the landlord written notice if you intend to end the tenancy. That notice must be received by the landlord 20 days prior to the next rent due date. If you don't provide this notice then you are responsible for the rent for 30 days from the time you give notice.

You can read about your rights at http://www.lawhelp.org/documents/159...ateabbrev=/WA/

[pcarroll80]

Unfortunately the past history of your tenancy will have no bearing on the matter if this ever gets to court.

You are a month-to-month tenant and you have to give the landlord written notice if you intend to end the tenancy. That notice must be received by the landlord 20 days prior to the next rent due date. If you don't provide this notice then you are responsible for the rent for 30 days from the time you give notice.

You can read about your rights at http://www.lawhelp.org/documents/159...ateabbrev=/WA/

Thank you for your response. I am confused on these laws because if I moved in with nothing documented, why do I need to submit documentation to move out?
Also, why is he considered my "landlord" when he has no ownership or the property?

[ScottGem]

Thank you for your response. I am confused on these laws because if I moved in with nothing documented, why do I need to submit documentation to move out?
Also, why is he considered my "landlord" when he has no ownership or the property?

Because there is sufficient proof of your tenancy for the law to apply to you.

He is YOUR landlord,because he is renting space to you.this is not a sublet.A sublet is when the leaseholder leases the space they occupy to another tenant.

On the other hand, I don't really see this guy suing you. So maybe you give him whatever notice you can and, if he does sue you, then you pay.