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jmoncus · Aug 16, 2006, 06:35 AM

I've been living on some property for the past two years that has a main house set up for two tenants and a detached garage apartment. I live in the garage apartment. Only one of the two rentals in the house is occupied. The landowner and I never signed a lease or contract. The landowner told me six weeks or so that he was considering selling the property. Subsequently, I've asked him numerous times if he was going to sell or not. Recently he told me that someone out of Atlanta, Ga. Was going to purchase the property. I've asked him the status of the purchase and he replied that the persons still had not signed the legalities to purchase the property. But he has asked that I be moved out by the First of Sept. This landowner is known to be questionable in his business affairs. So I asked him if I could have the name of the people so that I could contact them to see if they were interested in continuing to rent the garage apt. He stated they were not. The lady who lives in the main house has a daughter that was recently married and had a baby and she is close friends with the landowner. It is my belief that he wants to let the daughter and her family move into the garage apt. He is just too evasive about the details of the selling of the property. Even if he has sold the property, he is obviously making a profit.
I can't afford to move at this time with the additional costs of security deposits, application fees, first and last months rent, etc. I read that there is a stipulation in Alabama's laws that I might be due three months rent for being forced to move.

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

ScottGem · Aug 16, 2006, 08:05 AM

At the top of this forum is a "sticky" post with links to state landlord tenant laws. You can review that, though a quick review indicates Alabama is bereft of real LT laws. So tis unlikely there would be such a stipulation. If there was, it would mostl likely be for people with a lease.

Since you have nothing in writing, you really have no recourse. If the landlord wants you out, you go. If he gives you reasonable notice (at least 30 days), I don't think there is anything you can do.

jmoncus · Aug 16, 2006, 08:55 AM

But would the notice be rquired in writing?

ScottGem · Aug 16, 2006, 10:15 AM

I don't know. You don't have anything in writing indicating you are legally entitled to live there.