Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts
What responsibilities are co-owners expected to do to maintain the property? I want to use family members who will work for free and the other co-owner wants to hire expensive contractors. Can I make improvements to the property without her consent?
2 Answers from Attorneys
What do you mean by co-owners? Condominium owners? Cotenant?
Property Attorney
Our office represents co-owners of real estate. We establish and prepare property ownership agreements and resolve disputes. The fact is that you don't really have the right to alter the property without the permission of the co-owner. A good contractor will not begin any substantive work on real estate without the permission of all owners.
Perhaps some sort of agreement would work whereby the co-owner is reimbursed for the money s/he spends on professionals at some point in the future, perhaps when the property is sold, etc. That way you benefit from the improvements, and the other co-owner is less queasy about fronting the bill.