Landlord had us sign contract stating that an adult 21 or older had to be present in home at all times with my 16 and 10 yr old. The children cannot come on the property or enter our leased property at any time alone. I signed the contract otherwise was told I would be evicted. The kids were playing on the roof (very low and accessible easily). This was the first warning and nothing else has ever happened with the children or the landlord nor any damage to the house. Any thoughts? Live in Missouri.

Kids should not be on roof, I hope there were seriously punished.

And yes you are lucky the landlord did not evict you.

I am not sure the agreement is legal or could be inforced if the children are listed as tennants on the lease

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Originally Posted by sunkistmoon

Landlord had us sign contract stating that an adult 21 or older had to be present in home at all times with my 16 and 10 yr old. The children cannot come on the property or enter our leased property at any time alone. I signed the contract otherwise was told I would be evicted. The kids were playing on the roof (very low and accessible easily). This was the first warning and nothing else has ever happened with the children or the landlord nor any damage to the house. Any thoughts? Live in Missouri.

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I don't think it's legally enforceable because it's an unreasonable condition. Perhaps in a perfect World you could always be there with the children but if anything happens and you have to run out you could be evicted.

I wouldn't excuse your children - the fact that the roof was low and easily accessible doesn't change the circumstance - but I would get ready to move. The landlord gave you a break this time but I would suspect he/she is watching for any other problems and I wouldn't want to live like that.

Do you have a written lease? I would expect it not to be renewed.

I go along with the others, the contract is unenforceable because it was signed under duress and because its an unreasonable condition. If he tried to evict you for breaking that contract he would be laughed out of court.

But, if you do not have a long term lease, especially if you are on month to month, he can terminate your tenancy with sufficient notice without giving a reason. So I would be prepared to move.

Hello s:

An agreement wherein one party gives up rights is illegal on its face. You have the right as a parent to let your 16 year old stay at home alone with your 10 year old. He cannot force you to give up that right.

Tell the landlord to sue if he doesn't like what your kids are doing.

excon