Stopped Payment on "Friends" Rent Check..?

Question

I paid rent for someone the other day so that they wouldn't get evicted. They screwed me over on an issue and I put a stop payment on the check. I put the stop pay on the check before it was ever cashed by the landlord and I let the landlord know that I was going to put a stop payment on it.

Can they take legal action against me? My name is not on the lease or any kind of agreement other than that check.

I live in Missouri and the prosecuting office in my county says on their website "Our office will not file on a stop payment check if there is a legitimate dispute over the goods and/or services provided." That makes me think that I will be fine, but I am still nervous and want to make sure. I also called a local police officer, who is a friend, and he said not to worry about it.

Just thought I'd get some more opinions.

Answer 1

A check can be considered to be a promissory note, but the only way it can be enforced is by the court.  If you were taken to court and explained the circumstances, they most likely would not hold you liable.

"Stop payment

" does not mean stop payment FOREVER, I found this out the hard way.  The landlord can take the check to the bank in 6 months and cash it.  Try to get the check back, or talk to your bank about the terms of a "stop payment".

Answer 2

You know that you were not supposed to give someone a check and then stop payment.  You interrupted their ability to use the law in their favor by making them think that they had been "paid in full" when they weren't .  

It's a great lesson for the rest of your life. Someone will ask you to do something that you know isn't smart.  You won't think twice before saying no.

Answer 3

You're safe