informal tenant agreement - do I have a claim for small claims court?

[ABEARGRIL]

I moved to Havelock North Carolina this last August. My boyfriend signed a lease for an apartment for me to stay in. I put down all of the money (first, last, and deposit) for the apartment. I did not sign the lease because of my poor credit score. We broke up 14 days later. I moved out 1 day later.

He was able to cancel the lease because of a Sailors& Soldiers Deployment Act with no penalty. Because the lease was in his name they are sending the deposit and last months rent to him in his name. He is refusing to give me back the money I paid. The only proof that I paid the money for the apartment is a copy of the money orders payed to the apartment management company with my name signed on them.

Do I have a case for Small Claims court? Thank you very much for your time.

AB

 

[seniorjudge]

Sue him in small claims court for the actual and direct amount of dollar damages you suffered.

 

[Duranie]

sue him and let the courts decide how much he owes you. Surely he was out some money since you broke up and moved out?

 

[ABEARGRIL]

Thank you for your response. He is actually not out any money because he did not live there; he is required to live on the military base in that city and I was the only one who lived in the apartment.I put down all of the fees and I paid rent. I do know the amount that is owed... it is $1300. I just wanted to know if the copy of the money orders was enough to prove that I paid for the apartment.

Thank you again for your response.

AB