Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Vermont

I own a seasonal camp on the lake been in family for years on leased land. The owner just sold it and the new owner wants to tear down and build a condo do we have any right to market value? We used to have a formal lease with the old owner but in recent years we just paid year to year verbal.


Asked on 10/21/11, 1:45 pm

2 Answer from Attorneys

Stephan Parks ParksDoherty, PLLC

Without a writing executed by the land owner it is unlikely you will be able to enforce your rights. There is a chance that previous owner told the new owner of your rights and both will testify to this, however, this is unlikely. If the use of the land was permissive, any argument that rights were obtained through adverse possession won't fly. I recommend consulting with an attorney because there may be other facts in play that could be important, but be prepared to be dissapointed. Perhaps if the new owner has a copy of the old lease and actsd consistent with your ongoing rights....there could be a small toe hold. More likely new owner doesn't have a copy of the lease and will claim permissive use doesn't vest you with rights. Similarly, a month to month lease doesn't transfer title (fee simple ownership). Good luck.

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Answered on 10/25/11, 5:25 pm


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