What are my rights as a tenant if I paid out of pocket for repairs?

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What are my rights as a tenant if I paid out of pocket for repairs?

My fiance and I moved into a home left to the family by his great grandfather. His aunt was left as executor of the estate. When we asked if the place was available, she told us we could live here as long as we needed to as long as we had the utilities in our name and took the property as is. There was no mention of rent. We had to replace the septic system at a cost of $2,700 in order to have utilities in our name and the home is in a certain state of disrepair. Now we are told to pay $500 a month rent or move. If we pay rent and/or move, are we to be reimbursed for the new system?

Asked on December 15, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Louisiana

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Unfortunately, you probably are not entitled to reimbursement for the cost of the new system unless there had been some agreement made, prior to incurring the cost, that you would be reimbursed for the system under circumstances like this. While it may be the case that as a practical matter, you had to install the new system, you cannot hold the estate or landlord liable  for the cost unless they agreed to incur it.

If you did not have a written lease, you were  month to month tenants under an oral lease, which means tenancy may be terminated, or the terms changed (i.e. rent added) on 30 days notice.


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