Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Minnesota
Duplex Maintenance
I own half of a duplex that has not been painted since its construction in 1985. I want to protect my home and improve its marketability by painting the structure. Unfortunately, the owners of the other half of the duplex refuse to paint and have done so for two years. Are these neighbors legally binded to maintain the integrity of this co-owned structure?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Duplex Maintenance
There should be some covenants in the paperwork from when you bought this place that require the owners to live up to certain standards. Find all the paperwork from your purchase and read it.
Even it there are no private covenants binding the owners of this property, I believe there is law which would give you some rights against this co-owner, but that is something I would have to research to know for sure. It's the kind of thing I would have to charge a consultation fee for - usually about $150.
Assuming that the answer is yes, that the maintenance is as much their responsibility as yours, then you should probably be able to hire it done and sue them in conciliation court for "contribution," which is a legal theory which requires them to pay their share of any joint obligation.
Before making any serious moves you should consult a lawyer.
Good luck.
This response is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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