Hello, I would appreciate any info. My name is Boni, I'm trying to help my sister. She lives in Gainesboro TN. Her husband just left her, and took all her money and went out of state. Apparently eviction notice was given to her spouse but not her. She has 2 kids, She does not have a copy of notice, however one of her neighbors said the landlord gave one to her husband last week before he took off. She has 2 children ans the landloard just had her water turned off. I am not familiar with tn landlord tn laws and process. Her name is in the rental contact as living there but not a signer on the lease. What are her rights? Ant info would be greatly appreciated? Do you kon a good property lawyer in this area?

Boni

A landlord can not legally turn off the water or anything else prior to the actual eviction. However she has no standing as a tenant since she was not a signer. Unfortunately the landlord is only doing what he must, he hasn't done anything to wrong your sister and his rent is owed. The deadbeat husband is the one you need a lawyer for not the landlord. Sorry this has happened to her but she should prepared to move.

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Originally Posted by bonibking

Hello, I would appreciate any info. My name is Boni, I'm trying to help my sister. She lives in Gainesboro TN. Her husband just left her, and took all her money and went out of state. Apparently eviction notice was given to her spouse but not her. She has 2 kids, She does not have a copy of notice, however one of her neighbors said the landlord gave one to her husband last week before he took off. She has 2 children ans the landloard just had her water turned off. I am not familiar with tn landlord tn laws and process. Her name is in the rental contact as living there but not a signer on the lease. What are her rights? Ant info would be greatly appreciated? Do you kon a good property lawyer in this area?

Boni

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In certain states, you are considered a resident in a property if you have resided 14 consecutive days in a home. This would be your sister's case. The Landlord cannot turn off the water, lights, heat, air, etc to force her out. Contact your local Legal Aid. They have attys that do pro bono cases to fulfill their yearly hours, they also offer free courses given by attorneys and other services. If to no avail, then contact your TN Bar Association.

In TN they can not turn off the utilities ( which is why you always let them get them in their own names, so the power company can disconnect them when they don't pay them.

But sadly unless she comes up with money to pay the rent, they will set her out on the street after they go though the eviction process.

She needs to go to social services and see if she can get any emergany rental payment. ( various renters I get do that from time to time.)