Paffhausen v. Balano
Maine Supreme Judicial Court
708 A.2d 269 (1998)
Paffhausen (plaintiff) renovated a building owned by Balano in exchange for using it as an art studio at a below-market rent of $60/month, with Balano signing permitting documents and confirming in writing that he could use the building as long as needed; after Balano died, her estate (defendant) offered only a year of free use followed by full rent, which Paffhausen rejected as inconsistent with their actual agreement, and he sued the estate. The probate court denied quantum meruit but awarded him $12,300 in unjust enrichment for the improvements, and Paffhausen appealed.
Whether a plaintiff is entitled to quantum meruit damages where he provided services to the defendant with the defendant's knowledge and consent, under circumstances making it reasonable for the plaintiff to expect payment.