Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Texas

Backstabbing Homeowner

I recently made a verbal agreement to lease-purchase a home. Our agreement was $500 per month for one year to be applied to the purchase price of $68,000.00. I was given the keys to the house by the homeowner on a Wednesday evening and proceeded to clean, etc. making it ready for my two sons and myself to move into. The homeowner told me she was going home to draw up the contract and would be in touch. Over the next two weeks I spent approximately $1,000.00 preparing the house to be moved into by cleaning and paying to have my furniture, etc. moved into the house. On Wednesday, exactly two weeks from the date she gave me the keys and her verbal agreement I received a phone call from her saying that they had changed their mind and sold it to a friend who was already approved for the entire amount of the purchase price. What legal stance to I have for reimbursement for what I've spent? I do have receipts for the amounts.


Asked on 12/15/03, 1:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cheryl Rivera Smith The Smith Law Firm

Re: Backstabbing Homeowner

You can sue in small claims court under the theories of breach of contract and quantum meruit. You will probably, at most, be awarded the money you are out since a real estate contract, to be enforceable, must be in writing.

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Answered on 12/15/03, 6:03 pm


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