If a renter pays taxes and upkeep on rental house, does this give them any right of ownership?
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If a renter pays taxes and upkeep on rental house, does this give them any right of ownership?
The renter has agreed per written agreement to pay taxes on said rental and be
responsible for upkeep or repair. Will this give them any legal right of ownership of the house?
Asked on June 15, 2018 under Real Estate Law, South Carolina
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
No, it will not.
1) Paying expenses for someone does NOT give you ownership over or an interest in their property unless there was a written agreement that they were essentially "buying" an interest by doing so.
2) When a renter agrees to pay the taxes and upkeep, those things are simply part of his/her rent, and rent does not convey ownership.
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