W
WoundedKnee
Guest
What is the name of your state? Alabama
I recently leased a house with the option to buy. The lease was for 3 months. After 2 months in the house I decided because of all the work needed that it would be both a financial and physical drain and gave 30 days otice to the owner that I would be moving. When I moved into the house there were curtains and an old bedspread, some old rusty lawn furniture and such. When I ask what I should do with the items the owner told me that I could either keep them or dispose of them. I have a witness to this conversation. I chose to dispose of these items. There were several problems with the house that had not be disclosed to me at the time we signed the option. I had been assued that all was in working order and if not all I had to do was contact the owner. The furnace needed replacing, the stove and dishwasher were not usable. The house had a hot tub that I couldn't get to work and several rooms had to be repainted because of mold and mildew. I went to great expense trying to get this house in a condition that was livable. It was one problem after another and I couldn't ger the owner to respond to any verbal or written requests for assistance.
The owner is now taking me to small claims court. She is asking for the cost of all curtains, the bedspread, the rusty lawn furniture and an assortment of stuff. In my mind it's ludicrous. I spent nearly $2500 during the 3 months I was in this house and when I walked away from it it was in far better shape than it was when I moved in.
I'll admit though that I am intimidated by this. Is it possible that this woman could win her small claims suit against me? Also, would it be possible for me to counter-sue for the expenses I incurred while living in the house? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I recently leased a house with the option to buy. The lease was for 3 months. After 2 months in the house I decided because of all the work needed that it would be both a financial and physical drain and gave 30 days otice to the owner that I would be moving. When I moved into the house there were curtains and an old bedspread, some old rusty lawn furniture and such. When I ask what I should do with the items the owner told me that I could either keep them or dispose of them. I have a witness to this conversation. I chose to dispose of these items. There were several problems with the house that had not be disclosed to me at the time we signed the option. I had been assued that all was in working order and if not all I had to do was contact the owner. The furnace needed replacing, the stove and dishwasher were not usable. The house had a hot tub that I couldn't get to work and several rooms had to be repainted because of mold and mildew. I went to great expense trying to get this house in a condition that was livable. It was one problem after another and I couldn't ger the owner to respond to any verbal or written requests for assistance.
The owner is now taking me to small claims court. She is asking for the cost of all curtains, the bedspread, the rusty lawn furniture and an assortment of stuff. In my mind it's ludicrous. I spent nearly $2500 during the 3 months I was in this house and when I walked away from it it was in far better shape than it was when I moved in.
I'll admit though that I am intimidated by this. Is it possible that this woman could win her small claims suit against me? Also, would it be possible for me to counter-sue for the expenses I incurred while living in the house? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!