No Apt Lease - options?

[cbiles]

I moved into a new apartment on 1 Feb. 2007, which is located in a duplex owned by a "past" friend of mine. We had been friends for a long time and so she did not ask me to sign a lease. I actually asked about having one and she said that she was not going to require one from me. I know now what a mistake that was for me to not have a signed contract concerning the apartment. Here is my story/question:

After I moved in to my new apartment, her Boyfriend had a problem with the situation, basically because he just acts immature. Anyway, she has related to me her wish for me to look for new arrangements due to the strain this has caused in her personal relationship. I want to be clear here though, I have done nothing to cause any difficulty in this situation. At this point, I make no effort to contact her, see her, or any type of interaction other than what might be necessary between a tenant and a landlord.
The problem I have run into is that we agreed upon a certain amount for the rent, $700/mo. Included in the package was the ability for me to use the laundry facilities located in the basement of the duplex. I guess as a tactic to try and force me to move she has placed a security bar on the door leading to the basement, and has effectively cut off my access to the laundry. I still have personal items stored in the basement, and also my hot water heater is located in the basement. I have no access to either of these at this time.
My question is that given that I do not have a signed lease, can she do this to me? I am looking for a new place to move to, but I just can't snap my fingers and make it happen. I do have past correspondence that proves I used to have access to the laundry. I have always paid my rent, and am looking to make a change in living arrangements, but her behavior is becoming annoying. Do I have any legal ground to stand on in this matter? I currently live in Kentucky. Thank you for your time and assistance in this matter.

Chris Biles

 

[calalily]

She cannot do this to you. You are her tenent even w/out a lease, but sounds like month to month lease would apply. If she gives you thirty days notice to move (and it sounds implied) then you should have to move by then (the law in your state may say 30 or 60 etc...). She may not be aware of the laws herself and did not state that you had thirty/sixty days specifically, but you need to move as quickly as possible. Keep all correspondance and receipts Google your state laws on tenet landlord laws and see what your options and rights are.

 

[cbiles]

Thank you for your response. I have never been "asked" to move per se, it was in the course of a conversation by text messages, in which she made the comment that my living on the premises was causing tension in her personal relationship (PLEASE be assured that I have done nothing to try and cause any issues in her relationship), that I at that time asked her what I might do to try and remedy the situation. At that point I was sent a one word message, "move".

I have not received any official letter from her asking me to vacate, but I am looking to move by 1 June, 2007. I am really just wondering if I have the right to contact her concerning access to services that are included in the price of the rent? I am trying to move as quickly as possible, but I do feel somewhat frustrated about paying for services that I can no longer use.

Would you recommend that I keep a log of issues, all correspondence between herself and I, and a list of costs incurred due to her actions? If, after I have moved, I feel it worthwhile to pursue the option to try and recover some of my expenses, would I have any legal options? Thanks again for your advice and assistance.

Chris Biles