Q: Can I be sued if I never had a lease agreement and have not lived on the property since 2019?
I lived in a fairly run down trailer that I rented from my grandmother in 2016-2019. I have had trouble with employment and my grandmother let me live there for basically nothing if I helped her with her yard and then when my grandfather became ill I took care of him. She counted this as work/ payment for the property. I moved in with my girlfriend in 2019 and had not lived at the property since. It became even more rundown and not liveable. My grandmother passed away in 2024 and my uncle, who is apparently the actual owner of the property is suing me for 25K or lack of payment. I never had a lease with my grandmother and my uncle never requested payment before. My uncle tore down the trailer a month or so ago because it was so unliveable. We had an initial court hearing, never went before the judge but their attorney said I just needed to explain the situation with the property. I did that and then I was sent a certified letter saying the judgement was passed and I owed money.
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- Tennessee
- (865) 637-3035
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- Answered
A: It appears that you did not defend yourself in Court. Sessions Judgment can be appealed de novo to Circuit within 10 days, or its final. If final, then Judgment Creditor will try to collect against you and you need advice from a lawyer about exemptions and asset protection. If not final, file the appeal today and hire a lawyer to defend you. SOL and no contract for rent will be defenses.
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