I bought a foreclosure with cash while I was dating someone and my name is the only one on the deed. He moved in and helped with home improvements and never paid rent. We broke up after being together less than a year and has now hired a lawyer and is suing me for all the money he put into the house plus labor at outrageous rates. He claims I owe him $29,000, I figure I owe him $3300 on the high side. Can he actually win this kind of a case?

Sure he can win if he produces enough evidence that he did actually do the work and spent money. His rates can not be higher than handy man rates in your area but then he can fudge the hours. Did he put cash into the project or buy supples ot fixtures?

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Originally Posted by jodiebelden

Can he actually win this kind of a case?

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Hello j:

I don't think so. If he did this work in exchange for rent, he can't now charge you. If he did this work as a GIFT to you, then he can't re-write the contract now. In any case, whatever your arrangement WAS, he can't change it now.

excon

Both your answers are correct. It depends on the understanding that existed. He's going to claim that he did this work to gain "sweat" equity in the house. So you counter claim that he did it in lieu of rent. He will have to prove the amount is is suing for.

He put approx $3000 into physical items for the house. He also claimed 20 hours a week in unemployment that entire time so if he is claiming I owe him for around 1200 hours of work... he would have to report that as income to the unemployment bureau.

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Originally Posted by jodiebelden

He put approx $3000 into physical items for the house. He also claimed 20 hours a week in unemployment that entire time so if he is claiming I owe him for around 1200 hours of work...he would have to report that as income to the unemployment bureau.

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Hello again, j:

Please use the answer this question button instead of the comments button...

You say he has a lawyer... I don't know HOW much communication you've had with him, if any. But, you might mention to him that IF these WERE earnings, his client committed fraud. Certainly, if he continues to INSIST they were earnings, you'll have no choice but to report him to the State. At the very least, as you say, he'll have to repay ALL the benefits he received...

That may make a difference, or it may not. Lawyers aren't in the business of settling cases.. They don't make any money that way.. They make their money by fighting.

excon

His lawyer had a pile of receipts that he was "claiming", over $1200 had my credit card numbers on them and he was even claiming things he used for his business (he has his own electrician business). I want to file a motion to dismiss need a basis

Sorry, new to this..
I have had a PPO against him as he got violent with me during the breakup process so all communication has been through the lawyer and the court.
Good point, if I mention this to the lawyer maybe they will re-think the amount they are suing for.