Somerville, MA asked in Collections, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Massachusetts

Q: Can a person sue me for non-payment after refusing to give me the bill?

After a break up I spent some time living with my Nana. Our agreement was I’d work in lieu of rent in her shop, but pay utilities in the house I occupied since it’s normally empty. The utilities were in her name. After events ranging from abusive, to manipulative, to straight out slanderous I decided to cut ties after she called my ex and told him I hadn’t paid any bills so he should send her rent money because she, “took [me] off [his] hands.” What she was unaware of was my ex paid all my bills because I also continued to work in a company that we own together, so he knew that was a lie and told me. When addressed she basically said I had no right to be upset. I decided to leave in April 2020. When she found out I intended to leave she instead kicked me out in March, so I wasn’t able to receive the bill from March. I’ve asked for it many times (over text because I don’t trust talking to her without proof) but she refused to give it to me, and now is threatening to sue.

1 Lawyer Answer
Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
Answered
  • Collections Lawyer
  • Boston, MA
  • Licensed in Massachusetts

A: You appear to understand and agree that you owe the bill for March. However, if you do not know the amount to pay, you cannot pay it. Your Nana would have to show you knew the amount you had to pay, that she asked you for the money, and you refused to pay.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.