Q: Options for extending stay after verbal agreement terminated
I have lived in my house since 2006 after the original owner passed away, and the daughter took over the estate. We had a verbal agreement with her about a year or two ago that we could continue living here while trying to purchase the house. Despite offering to do a rent-to-own option, she did not want to discuss that. We have made repairs to the property, such as fixing the electric box and repairing roof leaks, at our own expense. Recently, an attorney sent us a letter terminating our verbal agreement, stating we must vacate by April 30th or face further legal actions. Given our situation and with nowhere else to go, what options do we have to get more time or address this issue?
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- Tennessee
- (901) 526-1088
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- Answered
A:
You should file a lawsuit for breach of contract.
Attorney Floyd 901 779- 4973
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- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
You have a few options to explore in this situation, especially since you’ve made significant repairs to the property and have a history of verbal agreements with the landlord. Since your agreement was verbal, it may be harder to enforce legally, but the fact that you’ve made improvements could be a factor in your favor. You might want to start by reaching out to the attorney who sent the termination letter to see if there is room for negotiation or an extension of your stay, especially given the repairs you've made and your current circumstances.
If negotiation doesn't work, you can request a formal extension or payment plan, explaining your need for more time to find housing or finalize a purchase. You could also ask for temporary financial assistance from local organizations or government resources for housing. It may also help to document all your communications and improvements to the property, which could strengthen your position.
If the landlord remains firm on the eviction, you may need to look into local tenant rights organizations or seek legal assistance to understand your rights and options. You could also inquire about temporary eviction stays in your area, which might provide you with more time to find housing. Consulting an attorney could give you more clarity about whether the verbal agreement and improvements made to the property could offer you additional legal protections.
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