If I rent a home, is it illegal to say the landlord lives hereif he doesn’t?
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If I rent a home, is it illegal to say the landlord lives hereif he doesn’t?
My husband and I stopped paying rent about 3 months ago. Our landlord (a family member) along with his realtor (a family friend) have both told us that if anyone asks (I.e. the bank), we need to let them know that the landlord lives here (for tax purposes) even though he does not. Is that legal, or is that considered fraud?
Asked on March 2, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Arizona
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
It is illegal. The landlord is most likely trying to claim some tarx deductions to which he is not legally entitled, or trying to qualify for financing for which he is not eligible. If you support his false represenations, knowing or having reasonable grounds to know, that they are false, you may be considered be an accomplice in the landlord's act of tax evasion and/or fraud.
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