Right to house and land

[realone]

What is the name of your state? NY

Hi, this is a complex question and I'm hoping someone can at least point me the right direction. Well here it goes, I have been living with my Aunt and Uncle (fathers brother) in their house for the past 18 years (Parents died when young). They are very old and need my help with everything so I stay around and also pay rent.

What I want to know is if I have some sort of rights to the house when they die because I've lived there so long and help them with everything but I already know my Aunt put her cousin (who I never met or seen, ever) in the last will and testament as the person who owns the house when she's gone. The situation is complex because my Uncle is 95 and can't walk or talk very well if at all because of multiple strokes and heart attacks. He tells me he wants me to have the house but my Aunt, age 72 and in bad health handles all the bills. He has no say in these affairs and his will is set to give everything to her. I can't tell her what to do with her house or get mad and leave my blood Uncle hanging to die with no family around.

I'm really hoping I have some sort of rights to own the house and land, since I've maintained the house for them for almost 20 years. I mean I do everything for free. Lawn, garden, boiler repair, ridding of pests, painting, building, fending off greedy neighbors who try to take advantage of old ladies. Everything! You name it. I've even saved her life a couple times.

I don't know her reasons for giving it to her cousin, she wont tell me or even speak of this situation with me. Maybe they had some special relationship when they were young but it's definitely not fair of her.

Do I have rights to the property or how can I legally obtain the property?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[justalayman]

You have no rights to the house. You are a tenant.

The owners can give the house to whomever they desire and regrdless what uncle says, he is giving his share to the same person auntie is.

Sorry.

Oh, and to this:

how can I legally obtain the property?

You can offer to buy it.

[realone]

Thanks, that's what I thought but someone once told me about an "O.C.E.A.N." law? Not sure what it stands for. Ever hear about anything like that? I couldn't find any info. Maybe I'm spelling it wrong.

Also, the County doesn't know I pay her rent. This is off the books, so am I still a 'tenant'?

[anteater]

Also, the County doesn't know I pay her rent. This is off the books, so am I still a 'tenant'?

Yes, you are still a tenant.

[justalayman]

if you paid them no money, you would still be a tenant. Sorry but you have no claims to the house and aunt and uncle can do with it what they wish.