Busy bodied landlords?

Question

My husband and I are buying a house (owner financed) from a couple in the town that we live in. Today they decided to drop by unannounced. They started pointing out things they didn't like.
I have a couple of trash bags sitting on the back porch (trash runs on Thursday) and they complained that they didn't like that. WELL...I guess I could leave the trash bags in the house so they can stink it up until trash day. A light fixture in the bathroom isn't working and my husband has it down to be replaced (can't do that till payday) and they complained about that. They went into the basement and saw that a pipe was leaking and complained about that (I didn't know it was leaking I don't use the basement for anything). And of course they came by on the day that I decided to clean out the dish washer so I had the racks out sitting on the floor and they didn't like that. Ok, well I guess I could let the dish washer get all yucky and grimy. I think we should move but hubby doesn't agree.

Answer 1

Please tell me you have something in writing with these people. Hopefully whatever document you have with them addresses this.

In most states, landlords have to give you 24 hours written notice before they can enter your property. Sounds like they might just be small town people who don’t understand this. Have you tried to explain to them as that they should warn you before popping over?

Answer 2

Just because someone comes to your door doesn't mean you have to let them in. If it is an inconvient time, or you just don't want them in, ask them to call before they "drop by."
If you are buying the house, it is essentially your house. You won't find mortgage companies snooping around houses unless the people buying the house are seriously behind in their payments. At which time they may come around to look at the resaleablity of the house before they foreclose.
In your paperwork with these people, does it say you must stay with them as the financers for the entire lenght of the loan? If not, then you might want to find your own financing elsewhere. If that's not possible now, for whatever reason, work toward the time when you can do that and eliminate these people from your lives.

Answer 3

Are you renting or selling? Why would it affect you if you bought the house? You're entitled to do whatever you want to the house. Do you live in a community? If you do, then you'll have to follow the rules. I would just move. This is too much work to live in this place. Your landlord was suppose to let you know the day before that he's coming.

Answer 4

How long before you are finished buying? I would not like to deal with that either. I had landlord that did that when I had a trailer on their property and now that I look back I should have moved much sooner because they were such busybodies and I don't deal well with naggy busybodies. These people have low self esteem so they get some kind of boost by stepping on you.

Answer 5

Not sure what your agreement is but I hope that it is in writing. If it were me I would make sure to abide by the agreement to the letter and try not to let their nosiness or other complaints bother you. You will eventually own your own home! It is probably not worth it to move and have to start over.

Also if it is financially feasable, look into refinancing with a bank or credit union as a lender. They usually don't care about the small upkeep issues.

Answer 6

You may want to get a lawyer to go over the arrangement you have with these people and make sure that you are actually buying a house and are not renting from them. I have heard of this happening before. People get into a situation where they think they are buying but they are actually renting.

If you are truly legally buying then you are the current owners of the place and can just ignore their visits. If they are still the owners of the property then you are renting. You may be renting with an agreement to purchase but you are still renting. I would not recommend this situation. There are lots of ways that it can go wrong and you don't even get to take advantage of the tax writeoffs of a mortgage or have the ability to borrow against the equity if you need to. Get a lawyer and get to the bottom of the arrangement.

Answer 7

Well, for starters they can't just drop by unannounced. They need to give you 24 hours advance notice before any kind of a home inspection. Secondly, do you have a lease? If you do, neither of you can break it without a lot more cause than their complaints or your discomfort with their oversight. You have rights as a tenant, get informed on them and enforce them with your landlords. And don't let them in the house again without a 24 hour written notice. Good luck

Answer 8

Since the terms of the sale are unclear, I can't tell if you're buying or renting. If you're buying, you can't just move. If you're renting, you're probably in a lease. Either way, they should not stop by unannounced. You're not doing anything wrong, they are being intrusive.

Answer 9

if you have a contract to buy, they have no right or authority to enter your house. Next time show them the door and tell them they are not welcome on "YOUR" property. If they persist call the police and have them removed removed as trespassers.

Answer 10

if your legaly renting the place the owners arnt aloud to just come by and legally your not aloud to replace that light but as far as i see who gives a s*** what they dont like they cant just kick u out and u can keep the garbage wherever the heck u like its your home.