[beppy]

Can a landlord change a verbal lease on a whim (because he said so was his response). We agreed to $100 a week for a room, laundry, kitchen and living room privileges. After 2 months of paying the $100 per, he decided I couldn't have any privileges other than the room and bathroom. Am I allowed to reduce my rent since initially I had use of the items listed above, but no longer can use them?

Thank you

[ebaines]

Any question about tenant rights must specify the state, as laws vary. But in general a verbal lease is typically treated like a month-to-month lease, so your landlord could change the rules with 30-days notice. Conversely you could decide to move out with only 30-days notice without any penalty. In some states the time period is even shorter. I would suggest that you point out the 30-day rule to the landlord in an effort to have access for at least that bit of time, and if this is an important issue to you it gives you time to find another apartment.

[AK lawyer]

The term "verbal lease" is sort of an oxymoron. What you have is a tenancy-at-will (also known as a month-to-month tenancy). And, since the tenancy is only for the room & bathroom (if that- I assume you don't have exclusive occupancy of the bathroom), that is all that the landlord must let you keep until he or she decides to ask you to leave and serves you with a "notice to quit". This notice can be delivered to you without cause (indeed on a whim) an will require you to move out within the time stated (normally 30 days but may be different depending on where you are) or be sued for eviction.

[ScottGem]

Actually, since you pay weekly, you may only have a week to week tenancy. Again it depends on local laws. But since you pay weekly, It is likely your tenancy can be changed with a weeks notice.