Thank you for reaching out to us. While we can provide some general thoughts based on the information you've given, we don't have a definitive answer we can give you. A valid contract doesn't necessarily require a formal, written agreement. It can be established orally or even informally through a text message. The crucial components needed are an offer, an acceptance of that offer, and an exchange of something of value. Generally speaking, the acceptance should directly reflect the offer – for instance, if you propose a one-month lease extension, the landlord can't agree to a two-month extension instead. However, it's essential to note that laws surrounding landlord-tenant relationships are intricate and heavily governed by various statutes. These laws can significantly influence a tenant's rights.
The first step in addressing your situation is a review of your original lease agreement. Written contracts can require parties to modify contracts only under specific circumstances. Specifically, it's important to examine the provisions about how an extension or modification to the lease can be made. There might be terms stipulating that any changes, including extensions, must be written and formally acknowledged by both parties. For example, under the lease you may be required to sign the extension. How a judge will see your case can vary, and can greatly depend on local jurisdiction, specific circumstances, and the exact lease agreement. Some judges, for instance, would likely conclude that a written extension needs to be formally made, despite oral or informal agreement via text.
As such, it's crucial to determine the exact nature of the text messages exchanged between you and your landlord. The specific language used in these communications, alongside the stipulations of the lease agreement, could be decisive factors in determining the validity of the lease extension and the subsequent actions by both parties.