Can I sue a former joint tenant for back duetaxes?
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Can I sue a former joint tenant for back duetaxes?
I held a mortgage in joint tenancy on a property for a former boyfriend. He was the only one living on the property. After 3 years, he abandoned it and I received a foreclosure notice from the bank (the note was 6 months behind). It cost me over $7,000. He signed a general warranty deed, listing me as grantee. I filed the deed so I could put the house up for sale. Yesterday, I receive a real estate tax bill for well over $2,000 for the prior 3 years. Do I have grounds to file a claim against him in regards to the unpaid taxes?
Asked on November 12, 2010 under Real Estate Law, Oklahoma
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
My first instinct was "yes" but I think that one needs more information here to give you a reasonable answer. Did you pay any of the taxes for the time that he was living on the property? Or did you pay any of the mortgage? Was there an agreement that he would be solely responsible for all of it because why: he was occupying the property? Did he pay rent? I think that you should seek legal help here with this matter. What was the consideration you gave him for signing over the deed? Paying the back mortgage? How much is the property worth and are you splitting it with him? Did it increase in value? Too many questions here t give an answer. Seek help. Good luck.
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