Q: Renter claims damages occurred during rental, Must be 25yo to rent, 22yo signs with renter knowledge, Is this binding?
I recently rented a camp trailer that I found on KSL in Utah. I met up with the man and signed the rental contract, then was on my way. When I returned the trailer the renter claims there were damages. Many items on the trailer did not function during the time I had the trailer, things having to do with the operation of the camp trailer. I signed the contract without knowing that these items were broken. Upon return "the table was broken", and marijuana was found in the trailer, I jokingly said the marijuana was mine over text. Additionally I am 22yo, the rental contract states I needed to be 25yo to rent. The renter knew that I was under 25yo unon my signing. During last contact the renter said he was going to call an officer to report the marijuana, and that he was going to "take this to the next step" Is this contract legally binding? Can anything bad result from this?
A:
First off your use of the word renter is a bit confusing. When you are explaining please the terms Landlord or owner /Tenant or Lessor/lessee.
From what I surmise this is the story. You (22 years old) rented a camp trailer from a guy and signed a contract that stated that any tenant (person paying to occupy the trailer) had to be 25 years old to rent it.
You took the trailer found out that the camp trailer had issues with it that were not documented nor explained prior to renting it. In addition, you found MJ in the trailer and jokingly told the owner that it was yours. After you brought it back, he is trying to pin the broken/malfunctioning items in the camp trailer on you as well as the MJ.
Your first question: is the contract enforceable?
Yes, the contract is enforceable. The fact that you are 22 doesn't matter. If you paid and he gave you possession for the rental period it is enforceable.
Next concern: MJ. He can tell the officer about the MJ. It will be up to the officer to investigate and ultimately issue a citation if the officer thinks it is your MJ. If you fight it, then it will be up to the prosecutor to determine if there is enough evidence to pursue the claim at that point it will be in the Court system.
I hope this helps.
Wes
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