how do i find out if there is a lease on a property?

Question

I recently bought land from my mother. I put my camper on the land where there was already another guys trailer. I did a search at the court house to see if there was a lease by this person and did not find one, so i gave the guy thirty days written notice to vacate. Today i was charged with criminal trespass for putting a camper on the land. the man says he had a 99 year lease with my mother, but i have the deed and he could not supply the lease at the time .

Answer 1

If a lease exists, it is between your mother and the guy, it has nothing to do with the court house. Ask your mother to see if the lease exists. If yes, ask you mother for a copy of the lease. If not, proceed with the eviction since the guy couldn't produce one himself, most likely he is a transient.

Answer 2

Leases are not always recorded at the courthouse or register of deeds. What does your mother say about this situation? Was this person paying her any rent ? Is she aware of the situation? Needless to say, if the guy has no written evidence of a lease which supposedly lasts a century, he's probably a few straws short of a full bale. If he can produce the lease, you're screwed.

Of course, I presume you did not enter into a contract of sale with your mother which would invalidate the purchase in the event of such a scenario ?

Answer 3

He's lying to keep his spot, tell him to take you to court and produce the evidence. Proceed with the eviction, and since it sounds like your mom is still alive, ask her, I'm betting he's a squatter.

Who would charge you with trespass if you own the damn thing? That's not even an accurate charge, get an attorney to talk to the prosecutor about that nonsense.