Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington
Rental House Dispute
This is about the house in Texas my parents, who are in Japan, own since 2002 or so, which my ex-sister-in-law is supposed to be managing including collecting rental income for us. I and she have a joint bank account for that purpose; however, I suspect she is not depositing all the checks from the renter. There was only a verbal agreement. She wouldn't give me the name of the renter, either. Please advise what I can do. Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Rental House Dispute
You should write to your sister (to make a record). Tell her your concerns. Send a copy of your letter to your parents.
In your letter, ask your ex sister in law to account for the money. You know how long you have been doing this, and you know how much the rent is supposed to be. There may be repair expenses, or some other amount that she can justify using for the benefit of the house.
There is a body of law called implied partnership that covers issues where people agree, verbally, to split responsibility for a joint venture and there's money involved. The partners have what is called a fiduciary duty to keep track of the money and provide an accounting when requested by the other partner(s).
Just because you used to be related does not give her carte blanche to rip your parents off.
Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell
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