Question from a reader:
I have been living in a section of a store for a few months now, and I have also been allowed to store some belongings and a car there. Initially, I asked, “Do I need to pay rent or utilities?” but received no response, and there was no written agreement. Recently, however, I was suddenly told, “There
are others who want to rent, so please make a payment,” and a specific amount was sent to me via email. Do I really have to pay? I thought I was borrowing in good faith, but there were points about the salary and conditions that I couldn’t agree with, and when I emailed about it, I was charged rent. I would appreciate any advice on what to do.

Rules and Psychology of Living Spaces: Issues in Rental Without a Contract

Introduction

Hello. I am a male university student majoring in psychology. Recently, I received a question from a reader. He has been living in a section of a store for a few months and has also stored some belongings and a car there. However, he confirmed about rent and utilities at the beginning but received no response. Now he is confused by the sudden demand for payment. This is a minor trouble that we face in our daily lives. Let’s consider this issue from a legal perspective.

The Importance of Contracts

First, I want to touch on the importance of contracts. Legally, a rental agreement can be established verbally. However, in the absence of a written contract, it often leads to troubles later on. Not only in rental agreements but also in business and daily life, it is advisable to formalize agreements in writing. I myself have experienced misunderstandings with friends when promises were only made verbally. In your case, despite asking, “Is payment for rent or utilities necessary?” initially, you received no response from the other party. This creates a very ambiguous situation—did they ignore your question, or did they think that no contract was established at that point?

Psychological Factors and Interpretation of Contracts

What’s interesting here is that from a psychological perspective, contracts are greatly influenced by the goodwill and trust of the parties involved. Even if you believe you borrowed in good faith, how does the other party perceive the situation? They might have thought, “This person probably won’t pay rent.” For example, if a friend who is lending a room for free suddenly says, “I want you to start paying,” I would reflect on the initial agreement. “I lent it out of goodwill, so payment is not necessary,” I might think, leading to questions about why they are now asking for money.

Confirming Payment Obligations

In your case, when the other party said, “Please make a payment,” it’s possible that both psychologically and legally, you have incurred a payment obligation. However, the fact that they did not respond initially and that there is no written agreement can strengthen your position. Legally, contracts can be established verbally, but if both parties’ understandings do not align, troubles are likely to arise. The fact that a specific amount was sent to you via email can be seen as evidence that the other party is making a formal demand. Ignoring this could lead to legal issues later, so caution is necessary.

Future Measures

So, what should you do? Consider the following steps.

1. Communicate with the Other Party

First, I recommend talking directly with the other party. It’s important to convey, “I initially confirmed, but there was no clear agreement regarding rent or utilities,” and explain your position. Dialogue is a very effective means to deepen mutual understanding and resolve misunderstandings.

2. Request a Written Agreement

If the other party insists on payment, it is crucial to ensure that any future agreements are made in writing. By clearly stating the specific amount, payment conditions, and duration of the contract, you can avoid troubles later on.

3. Seek Legal Advice

If the conversation does not go well and the other party takes a hardline stance, you should consider seeking legal advice. Consulting a legal expert can help you confirm your rights and obligations and guide your future actions.

Conclusion

Your case is a typical example of a relationship that began in goodwill but gradually became complicated. It is necessary to assert your position while considering the other party’s intentions and feelings. Moreover, it is essential to clarify contracts for the future. Rental agreements are a crucial element that affects the foundation of your life, so it’s important to think carefully. Through this issue, understanding your own emotions and the psychology of the other party will also be beneficial in building future relationships. Let’s value communication without fearing troubles. I hope your future is bright.