Do so called verbal agreements hold up in court in WA?

Question

My terror of a roommate says I verbally comitted to a one year lease. A week after I moved out she sent me a threat saying she will sue me if I do not pay her for the remainder of the years rent. I did not verbally state, nor did I sign a contract. Now she has friends who have written letters saying I stated that I would live with her and pay rent for a year (I have made sure to never commit verbally or on paper to that.) She says that I will also have to pay her attorneys fees. Just wondering if she can get away with the minipulation and lies? A part of this saga is before I moved I told her I was "thinking of moving" and she went crazy. I left for a few days and received a text stating I needed to have my things out within the week or she was placing them into the garage. I went to get them immediately and she had packed everything up! I had paid rent for the month and was forced to move my things out before the month was over! Can you give me any advice/

Answer 1

The verbal agreements are enforceable in GENERAL.
However it seems that YOUR specific case will probably fall under a so called "statute of frauds"[1]
Specifically, in Washington, there is statute that requires writing for all types of lease conduct.
The statute is Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 62A.2A-201 [
It states in relevant parts that:[2]
"
1) A lease contract is not enforceable by way of action or defense unless:

(a) The total payments to be made under the lease contract, excluding payments for options to renew or buy, are less than one thousand dollars; or

(b) There is a writing, signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought or by that party's authorized agent, sufficient to indicate that a lease contract has been made between the parties and to describe the goods leased and the lease term.

"
So in my opinion since your Lease is not writing and not less then a 1000 it is probably not enforceable.
I would recommend you contact a lawyer though, there might be caveats in this kind of law.

Answer 2

A verbal agreement is enforceable (except in certain cases) if a court can be persuaded by the overall evidence that such an agreement existed. No plaintiff suing on such an agreement can collect attorney's fees even if the suit is won. In this case, the fact that she packed up your stuff is prima facie evidence that she abandoned any commitment to the lease, so you are not bound. Get another place and get on with your life.
A verbal agreement involving the sale of land, or lease of land for over a year, is void; a written agreement is required.

Answer 3

Your story was very long. I won't lie, I didn't read more than the first sentence.

I believe that verbal agreements can hold up in court, but only if you can prove that they were made. If you don't have any witnesses, then the agreement is worthless.

Answer 4

They might. Verbal agreements are as binding as, written contracts- never life binding! They can not legally be for longer, than 10 years.

Answer 5

Verbal agreements are valid if you ca prove them. Bit in many state there are liites as to tier applying to real estate. Stay calm, youll probably be ok

Answer 6

sometimes but most of the time no and you gota watch more Peoples Court