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Renter mad at rentee for not moving in. Can they sue?

A person was renting out a room in their home and there was an email agreement that the rentee would move in. Due to circumstances which are in need of explaining, the rentee did not move in and did not communicate their intent not to move in. Now, the renter is mad and wants to sue the rentee for one months rent and attorney fees for "breach of verbal contract".

Is there any case here?

Update:

I agree that there should have been communication stating that the person wouldn't move in, but what's done is done and if he could do it differently, he would.

There was no signed contract, no exchange of money or items, just email conversations saying, "Yes, I'll move in".

The person owns the home and is just renting out his room. I can't imagine he's losing any money from the rentee's change of heart.

10 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    As long as the person who owns the house can't prove that they had someone they turned down in favor of the person who didn't move in, they don't have an actual loss.

    You can only sue for an actual loss in small claims, not an unrealized gain. No loss = no damages = no claim.

    Not in one hundred million years would anyone be awarded attorney fees for something like this.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    A good rule of thumb is to simply BE FAIR. If I were you I would either 1. Not bother charging the renter anything if you don't care too much. 2. Charge the renter $25-$50 depending on the quality of the fridge and the seriousness of the dents. Obviously the money will not be enough to replace the fridge, but it can go to your fund for the upkeep and maintenance of the apartment. If you explain to the renter that you are charging him for the UNNECESSARY wear and tear on the appliances, and you don't charge a ridiculous amount, the renter should not complain.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    I think the renter probably can make a case, if he still has the email message from the potential renter stating that he WOULD BE moving in. The worst thing the potential tennant did was not communicating with the landlord and letting him know that a problem had arisen. To a judge, it could look like the potential tenant just said to hell with it...promise or no promise.

  • I don't feel there will be a case here due to the fact that there was no signed contract. If you need furthur clarification on rental agreement & rental laws, contact an attorney specializing in real estate law & have a free consultation with him/her.

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  • G L
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    that all depends. I know Indiana does not like emails becasue it does not prove who sent it. anyone can get your email address and say it is you. My friend could not use promises made by his ex via email becasue it was possible that it was not really from her.

    Also does the renter have a permit or is the house zoned for renting a room. If not they me just trying to get something for nothing.

  • 1 decade ago

    Did you sign a contract? While there was a verbal agreement, without a signed contract it will be hard to prove.

    However, in future circumstances--give notice before you change plans like this.

  • 1 decade ago

    Get over it. This is the whole problem with people, everyone is sue happy. This is crazy.

  • 1 decade ago

    He cant sue unless a lease was signed.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    yes, but you will lose

  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    no lease , no money recovery

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