can they do that?

Question

As I have mentioned before my dad bought the house I live in and I pay him rent so he is my landlord, his name and my name are on the papers, not my mom's, recently he paid my mom's niece to repaint all the rooms and since that was being done we also cleaned up the rest of the house, I admit it was messy but not trashed, now my mom, who is a neat freak, is threatning that if I don't keep the house as clean as she expects it to be, which is spotless 24/7 she is going to kick me and my girls out and sell the house, can she legaly kick us out just for not having it as clean as she wants? I can see it happening if I was having partys and trashing the place but not for having the girls toys on the floor, I do my best to keep it clean but with 2 small kids it is hard to keep it perfect, and some days I am to busy with other things to clean, it is a lot of stress on me.

Some of you said I should rent some other place, that is a hard decision, on one hand if I move to my own place they can't tell me what I can and can not do in the house on the other hand I like living here, it is a nice house and a good location, also I am on a fixed income and my dad knows that and only charges me $200.00 for rent.

Answer 1

If her names aren't on that paper then she can't legally kick you out. Talk to your dad about it. Maybe she's going through menopause.

Answer 2

It depends on the lease you signed from your dad. Is there a vauge clause in there about unexpected inspections or keeping the house clean? Then maybe. But I think it would really have to be trashed. She can't just throw you out for not dusting or something. It takes A LOT to evict someone, and "not cleaning up to my standards" isn't a valid reason. But, if your mom wants to be a witch, she can keep your security deposit when you try to move out. She can also make your life hell while you living there by checking up on you and "her" house. It seems like Mom doesn't see her rented house as your property, and she still wants to control you and the house. My guess is she wouldn't have that much power over a normal tenant. If you can, try to find another house to rent so you aren't stressed out over Mom and her neat freak ways.

Answer 3

Your mother sounds like a real - well - very unpleasant person. My daughter - who has a husband to help her and only one child, but does work from home, has the messiest house I have ever seen. But that's her, and it's her home. I often clean up for her, wash etc. if I have time, I never, ever comment on her house-cleaning - she's a different personality to me and I accept that. I wouldn't dream of interfering. If you are paying rent - unless it is much lower than normal rents, you might be better off in someone else's property paying rent to someone who doesn't interfere . But it isn't your father is it, it's your mother who is being so interfering. I'll tell you this much - because I was a neat freak - but mothers who aren't obsessed with cleanliness and neatness make much better mothers than the ones who are fanatical about the house being clean and tidy. My daughter is a better mother than I was. As I heard someone say once - the carpet will be worn out and worthless in 50 years time no matter how you treat it now, but your children will be the result of how you treat them now.

Answer 4

I know what you mean by keeping toys picked up, it is hard to keep it clean all the time. Its almost impossible. If your mom isnt on the papers talk to your dad. Explain that you think her expectations are rediculous. Explain to him your doing the best you can and you would appreciate alittle less flack. See if he can talk to her.
We have 5 kids and it is hard. 3 of mine are older so they all help. I hate a messy house theres no reason for it theres enough people to help keep it clean, but I have also come to the conclusion its not ALWAYS going to be spotless. Little ones can create some messes its to be expected.
Mom needs to bak off.

Answer 5

One thin you can do now is start your children picking up after themselves,yes,it takes some work on your part but you may be suprised how good they get at it,children as young as one can and do put up their toys if it is taught to them,not only will this help your stress,it will give them a proud accomplishment and don't forget to praise them for thier work.Make it a question and not a demand you will get good results.Sounds like you need some praise yourself you are a good parent.

Answer 6

If you are on the title, she can't sell without your consent. Remind her of when you were little. Ask her in a very nice way, if she was ever little and if she played like a little girl. Be polite and respectful when you talk to her.