Roommate Moved Without Giving Notice - Verbal Agreement

[imheya]

My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Rhode Island

Hello
I had a verbal agreement with my roommate that we would give each other a 30 day notice if we decided it wasn't working out. He broke that agreement and moved out without warning, and without paying any utilities.

Three questions...

Can I sue him for the next month's rent and utilities (past and 1 month in advance)?
If I change the locks, can I sue him for those charges as well?
How long do I have to keep his belongings? (I need them out in order to rent the room out)

Also, he told me he wanted to leave his cat with me because he couldn't take her and I would give her a good home. I'm obviously leery of his word, so what's a good way to get it in writing from him without seeming like I'm getting all legal on him. I don't want him to think I'm going to sue him and retaliate by taking the cat to the pound. (He already threatened that once)

Thank you so much for your help.

[jk]

first, explain your situation.


are you both tenants on a lease with the owner of the house being the landlord or do you own the house and was simply renting the room to him?