My sister-in-law owns the house we live in. We pay all taxes and insurance on the house as well as all normal maintence costs. We are responsible for keeping up the place. On long term expenses, we pay 50% - example, for reroofing we paid 1/2 of the cost of $3000.

The question arose as to our status regarding living in the house. My position is that we are renters based on the paragraph above. Due to a family dispute, we are moving next month, but I wanted her to know it for the time remaining we are entitled to the protection of a renter.

We livel in Georgia, U. S. A.

Thanks, darkday ahead.

OK, so you pay upkeep but not a rental. You have no document defining your agreement. That makes it kind of iffy as to your status.

However, since you are moving the point is moot. What I'm wondering is what protections you think you get as a renter.

Well in general a renter has little protection, except for a notice to evict you a renter has little rights.

So what you are saying is that you are living in a house that belongs to someone else. ( that means you don't own it) you don't have a written lease or rental you are merely living in someone's home without any written plan and sound more like a guest who is helping with their bills.

If you are moving I guess it don't matter, if they want you out, they will have to give you notice to evict you.

Personally it sounds like you had a real bad deal since you were paying on major repairs and the such but not getting any ownership in the home.

In my state you'd be a renter. Absent a lease it's considered a month-to-month verbal occupancy.

Absent a written lease agreement, it is doubtful you are renters. You appear to be "house sitters" who are usually tasked with some maintenance/utility costs for the fact that you are residing in the property.