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Dwelling repairs by tenant

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T Carter

Guest
My family and I lease a home in Texas and the landlord is in Pennsylvania. We have had several "emergency-type" repair situations(water heater burst,carpets soaked, toilet/ sink line break, a/c breakdown, roof leak, etc.)Our verbal agreement with the landlord when we initially moved in was that we would purchase the home from her when her divorce was completed. I did inform her of all the repairs and cost, but I did not request reimbursement as I was planning on buying the home anyway. Now she says she no longer wants to sell and wants to move back into the home asap even though the lease runs till August 2001. The lease states "that the landlord shall provide all repairs caused by normal wear and tear by the tennant". She says she does not owe for these expenses (approx $7500.00). Do I have any rights to withhold my rent or deduct this amount from the remaining amount of my lease agreement? (5 months @ $1100.00) If not, can I place a lien on the house for my expenses? My guess is that my being a "nice guy" just screwed me again. Any advice would be a great help!
 


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djdj

Guest
well first off she can not force you to move, until the lease has expired.

second ARE YOU NUTS? paying that kind of money to repair the landlord house and nothing in writing?

Third you have the reciepts, i would make her an offer of $7500 plus your security plus moving expenses and you will be out by the end of he month.

Also you will have to sue her in court and will need a lawyer, the amount of money you spend is FAR too much for small claims court...Most places is $1500, in here in NY its $3000.

I would ask the lawyer to put the money in escrow, and go from there....

Then I would seek mental health consuling, because MAN you have a serious problem, and it has gotten you in trouble, and unless it is solved.... IT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU AGAIN, AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!

 
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T Carter

Guest
Thanks for the information, but Im still not sure about the aspect of not paying any more rent for the duration of the lease. If she decides to delay her move back into the house until the lease expires and does not agree to my offer, can she evict me for not paying the rent. And what about a lien on the house for my remodeling expenses.
I appreciate your concern about my mental health. I will look into therapy for my "nice guy problem" as soon as I get this taken care of.
Also, how long does the process take to evict a tenant from the landlords house?
 
D

djdj

Guest
I would suggest you gather all the bills and send her a rent check for $1 yes $1 each month and say the other $1099 is being deducted for all the repairs the landlord has not reimbursed you for.

Then mention that you will see a lawyer to protect your rights, and that you are not moving out untill the end of the lease.

 

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