Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
I put an apartment in my name for my mother who was unable to apply alone. She always paid rent on time however recently got ill and unable to financially pay rent for the last four months. I have never lived in the residence with her and this is her debt. She was summons to court for request of property and rent in which a judgment was put in my name for the back payment. She is willing to transfer the judgment into her name since it's her debt however I am not sure how to go about transferring names and who to contact. Should I contact a clerk at the courthouse where the judgment was filed to see about removing my name? Also the amount on the judgment is incorrect is that a cause for appeal?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Does "put an apartment in my name for my mother who was unable to apply alone" mean that you also signed the lease? If so, you are fully responsible for all of tenant's obligations. The time to contest the amount of the claim for unpaid rent was at the time the complaint was filed.
You cannot "transfer" the judgment from your name - that's how it was issued because you were probably named in the law suit by the landlord.
You need to contact a lawyer ASAP to help you figure out what your rights are in this matter. A clerk at court has no power to change anything in court papers.
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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