If I’m purchasing property under a “lease to own” contract, can the owner require I pay to move the water meter?
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If I’m purchasing property under a “lease to own” contract, can the owner require I pay to move the water meter?
As stated, we have been in this contract for 9 years. Seller had built a garage adjacent to my water meter. Now he has decided he wants to pour a concrete drive where the meter is located. Do I have a legal responsibility to do this? We’re talking roughly $1100. Should I just pay? What are my rights here?
Asked on July 5, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Alabama
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
I hate to throw this back in your court but a good place to start to determine what your rights and liabilities are here is to read your lease agreement It should state whose responsibility it would be for certain things and if the landlord shifted the responsibility to you for this type of thing. Now, not all issues are going to be specifically listed in the lease agreement. It will be general issues such as improvements to the property, maintain the property, etc., It is hard to picture here how this will play out but it seems that he is altering the property and if he does that it may be his responsibility to pay for the move. You leased the property with the meter where it is and it is not being moved for any reason other than his wants Take the agreement to an attorney to review. Good luck.
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