Owner didn't pay maintenance

[theavengedninja]

Florida... So the other day a man comes to my house looking for my owner. He gave me a packet stating it is a lawsuit against my owner, his wife, and states " uknown person in possession of the subject property" I think that includes me since I rent from him. Saying I have twenty days to respond but once again this is not towards me. The guy at the door who gave it to me said I do not need to worry, that this process hasn't even started and is going to take a long time. My landlord said to me not to believe them that he doesnt owe them money. I am not very worried because I am hoping that I last till the end of the lease and just move out. I moved in sept 14 2012 and have a year contract. I looked into the documents a bit it states "unknown person in possession of the subject property may claim an interest in the subject property by virtue of being in actual possession of same." meaning what? SO Should I be worried or think this is an issue that will only affect my owner?

 

[tranquility]

You're in legal possession of the property. It is conceivable you could lose that possession and that is the reason you are joined in the suit. (From what you've written.) Yes, it might take a long time and could very well extend past your lease.

But, when someone sues you, it is prudent to seek the advice of an attorney who can review the complaint. You might need to answer to not lose rights as the possessor.

 

[theavengedninja]

Thank you. SO just in case your saying I should have a written response for they know I am renting it???

 

[theavengedninja]

I would have shown it to an attorney right away but that would cost money? Its just terrible that I need to pay to ask some questions i might not need a lawyer for myself.

 

[Zigner]

Thank you. SO just in case your saying I should have a written response for they know I am renting it???

I think the most important thing to take from the prior advice is that you should review the documents with a local attorney.

 

[theavengedninja]

How much will it cost to ask a question?

 

[Zigner]

How much will it cost to ask a question?

Ask the attorney(s) when you call for an appointment.

 

[ecmst12]

Whatever it costs for a consultation (potentally a couple of hundred if you want him to read the paperwork, possibly more if he needs to write a response) will be worth it to protect your interests/

 

[tranquility]

Thank you. SO just in case your saying I should have a written response for they know I am renting it???

I said you should see an attorney as you may need to answer. "Answer" is legal jargon for an official response to a complaint. It is not just a written response. It is formatted in a certain way and includes certain information.

 

[theavengedninja]

Actually I did some research myself and found the guy that owns my place has actually been paying back the amount. Legitimate receipts as well, I have one physical receipt that he left here when I moved in and it shows the bill that was on the packet but with the deductions of his payments.With google I found out that I can call the courthouse and find out if it is still a legitimate lawsuit and/or in the process of any.

 

[tranquility]

It's good you are taking control of the situation, but remember you've been served. You have a timeline to avoid default.