Landlord Didn't Want the Rent but Now Wants It

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

Hi,

I rented a room in CA in my landlords house. No written official or unofficial contract/agreement or anything was signed between I and my landlord whatsoever. I would pay my rent every month in cash as we verbally had agreed.

At some point I gave my landlord heads up that I’ll be unable to pay the rent for upcoming month because of financial reasons so I’m going to move out. Landlord said it is ok, you’re like my son, I like you and you can stay another month without paying rent. I said thank you and stayed another month assuming I’m not going to pay rent, and started looking for a new place with lower rate.

After one month, on the day of moving out, she asked for the rent and now she wants to take me to the court. Now here is my question:

Since nothing on a paper happened between us whatsoever, is she able to do anything at the court? I’m told the landlord will be even make trouble for herself for not making anything official to avoid paying tax or something. What can/should I do at this point if the landlord takes me to the court? Please advice?

If you force this to court you are free to argue that you thought your landlord was giving you free rent. Your landlord can be expected to respond that the agreement was that you would not have to pay your rent until you could afford it. The court will then decide which version is more plausible.