Independence, OH asked in Real Estate Law for Ohio

Q: Do we have occupancy rights if there is no signed lease agreement? We have been occupants of facility for 18months.

We made repairs to a “friends” building in return for use. There is no signed lease but have we operated under a proposal for last 18 months.The building owner seeing the buildings potential is now changing terms and threatening to “ban” us from the building. We have invested 30k in building and we were suppose to occupy for 8 years. We have receipts for utilities and repairs along with copy of proposal we have operated under. The building owner has to go through legal eviction process correct? He can’t just lock the doors and benefit from the repairs made correct? If doors are locked can we sue for loss of revenue and balance of remaining investment?

Thanx

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1 Lawyer Answer
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
Answered
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: If a landlord does a lock-out on residential property, the tenant can sue for wrongful eviction. It is more complicated for commercial property. And if you invested $30K without anything in writing, it is even more complicated. Use the Find a Lawyer tab and retain a local real estate attorney to review all the facts and advise you of your options.

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