[tanear1964]

Ok... sept of 2008 I was contacted by the owner(I was told at first) of a property in really bad shape.I was told that if I was to get the property fixed up my family could have it.
My church contacted him and they worked out that the church was going to do the work as we where 300 miles away.. The work was done and we moved in on Oct 25th of 2008.. we where handed the keys by the minister of our church and told that they house may last 2 years before we will have to rebuild or move.. We have never been given a lease or ask to pay any rent... He visited the property and saw all the work done and now he says that he is going to sell the property and we need to vacate the property... what rights do I have under squatter law??

[ScottGem]

None, since they do not exist. Was the title transferred to you? If not, you need to have the owner file a quit claim deed deeding the property in your name.

Without that you have no rights to the property if the owner wants it back.

[Fr_Chuck]

First there is no such thing as "squatters rights" there are rules of law on adverse possession but normally they will require you to have possession without the owners knowledge and normally you will have to have possession for 10 to 15 years.

So mistakes
1. not having anything in writing
2. not dealing directly with the owner

You are just a renter and your rent was labor and repair of the home.

you can try and sue for amounts of repairs that would be more than the value of rent. But even that is a maybe.

[LisaB4657]

Speak to your minister and find out if they have an attorney available to give you a consultation. You may have a claim against the owner for fraud.