Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Re: lease purchase of house

Did you have a written agreement with your landlord? Is it a lease-purchase, or is it an "option" to purchase? Did it not require you to pay rent? And how long have you been living there?

If you've been living there for a while, depending on how much rents are in your area, you may have had housing at the going rate, and may not be entitled to any refund. Landlords don't usually allow tenants to live in a property for free while the tenant is paying toward a purchase of the property. If it is a lease-purchase, potential lenders also want to see that you have been paying rent PLUS the payments toward purchase.

If you can't afford or do not qualify for a mortgage, perhaps the landlord will sell the property (transfer it to your name) and "take back" a mortgage from you for the balance of the purchase price. In effect, the landlord will become your mortgage lender.

Because lease-purchase is different from a lease or a purchase, there are special PA laws governing the rights of the landlord and those of the tenant.

Whatever you do, you should consult with a real estate lawyer in your area.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

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