Is a verbal contract binding on the state of idaho?

Generally speaking, yes, verbal agreements are enforceable. Your case, however, may be a bit more complicated. Improvements to real property generally require the owner's consent. If the maintenance man was not authorized to hire you to improve the property, the owner might intervene or the maintenance man might claim lack of authority. There are other remedies out there for you if they do, but they may require legal assistance to pursue and given the amount at issue, the expense may not be worth it. You might try filing a small claims action in the county where you did the work. Name the building owner and the maintenance man. Who knows, maybe they will figure the amount at issue is not worth the fight and just pay. Do not delay as the passage of time can negatively affect your rights. Good luck.

A verbal contract is "worth" the paper it is written on" goes the old saying! These "home improvement" and "yard work" verbal contract "misunderstandings" abound. This guy sounds like a con artist. Take him to small claims court! You have three witnesses against him. Who is MORE credible? NEXT TIME . . . get it in WRITING. Good luck.