Woonsocket, RI asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Rhode Island

Q: A group of European students who attend my academy live in an apartment that I found for them. No lease has been signed.

I helped find a short-term place for them to live (I do not reside there). To make things easier, I have been collecting their rent and providing the landlord with a check each month. No lease has been provided to the students. A few students returned to Europe before our school term ended. Who is responsible for the lease? The landlord says I am responsible and wants to take me to court for unpaid rents.

1 Lawyer Answer
Neville Bedford
Neville Bedford
Answered
  • PROVIDENCE, RI
  • Licensed in Rhode Island

A: If the landlord takes you to court, the best thing for your to bring, in addition to all of your documents(i.e. a contract with the landlord and the academy) supporting your "arrangement" would be ... a licensed attorney to present your best defense. They will likely begin with a short discussion on the current embodiment of the statute of frauds.

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