Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts
My mother was living in a housing facility for seven years, the landlord and also housing is saying I am liable for my mother's back rent and the damages that her ex-boyfriend had done. The damages were done four years ago and were also brought to court. My mother passed away two months ago and I am also a minor.
2 Answers from Attorneys
If you are a minor, under the age of 18 and were not emancipated, you are not responsbile for any of your mother's debts even if you signed a lease. The debts are her estate's. To the extent she may have any assets those are subject to a claim.
If you are a minor, where are you living and who is your guardian. Your legal guardian should be assisting you.
I do not know on what basis the housing department is asserting your liability, but I would be interested to know.
If your mother has worked and has some sufficient social security quaters, you are entitled to social security benefits and those benefits cannot be attached by the landlord. Moreover, you may be eligible for additional benefits as well.
The questions and information request of Jonathan Roth are correct