What are my rights if my sister and I inherited our parents home and she is living in the house rent free?
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What are my rights if my sister and I inherited our parents home and she is living in the house rent free?
Recently the well pump and pressure tank ailed and had to be replaced. Am I liable for half the cost since I am no receiving any benefit from the house which is 1/2 mine?
Asked on May 22, 2013 under Estate Planning, Washington
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
This is often the problem when one sibling takes residence in a jointly owned home. But the reality of the situation is that you both have equal rights - and equal responsibilities - to live and maintain the home absent an agreement to the contrary. So what that means is that you need to come to an agreement - in writing - with your sister as to rent or come to some other agreement, such as she has to pay taxes to maintain the house up to a certain amount (big expenses such as say over a certain amount should be shared). Good luck.
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