Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
Cousin & I each own half of deceased Grandmothers home. No one living there. Can I move in without his ok? Does he have to pay 1/2 of the taxes, if he doesn't do I have any legal recourse.
1 Answer from Attorneys
I assume the two of you have not entered into an agreement as to how expenses and issues related to the property will be governed. As co-owners you have equal rights to the property. Either can live there. However you may be required to pay or account for reasonable rental value of your occupancy while there. If there was an agreement between the two of you it might be otherwise. Also living their you would be obligated for utility use and other maintenace issues relating to day to day usage. Both of you are obligated for the taxes and for major repairs or improvements. It is possible that your occupancy with out discussion could lead to legal action. this would be where on co owner demands partition of the property (sale) because the parties can not agree on use of the property. A good soultion may be for one of you to buy out the others interest in the property if an agreement can be reached.