I need some help I've been living in my house for 4 years paying all ultilitys since day one. I haven't seen or heard from the landlord in years. The landlord hasn't paid taxes on this house since 2007. How can I get this house in my name before they take it away. I have taken care of this house and I would like to own it. What can I do?

First its not a good idea to piggyback your question on another thread. This can lead to confusion. So I've moved your question to its own thread.

Also ANY question on law needs to include your general locale as laws vary by area.

The likelihood is that you will not be able to take ownership. Have you been paying rent? Have you tried contacting the landlord? Have you checked who is listed as the owner and if there is an outstanding mortgage?

There is no such thing as squatters rights. However, local laws about adverse possession MIGHT help you, though I tend to doubt it. The most likely possibility is that the county will put it up for a tax sale.

Hello r:

You didn't say ANYTHING about paying rent. My guess is that you AREN'T.. If that's so, I wouldn't DO anything. You've got a pretty sweet deal already. What makes you think that somebody is trying to take it away? If he wasn't making payments, they would have foreclosed a LONG time ago. If you're paying the taxes, the COUNTY isn't going to take it.

Course, if you want to BUY it, go to the tax assessors office, find out WHO the owner of record is, and send 'em an offer.

excon