QUESTION: Dear Legal Wiz,
I live on a piece of land and recently found out that the man who is collecting my rent is not the owner. He is a squatter. The owner is new and gave them the go ahead to remain there for a while.
Now this squatter turned landlord is threatening to give me notice and get rid of me after I built up a nice house.
I cant afford to leave, but the owner is proposing that I stop paying rent and buy the portion that I live on. They want me to pay too much money though.
Bruce

RESPONSE: Dear Bruce,
As long as you are there you will be hassled. So if you dont intend to move, get something in writing from the person who has rights. It is being suggested that you ask the owner to give you a lease to purchase agreement. That way if the squatter turned landlord take you to court, you can produce it as a defense.

Legal Wiz

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EDITOR’S NOTES:
The above does not constitute legal advice. Inhouse senior journalists research and discuss with specialists eg attorneys-at-law, as necessary before posting responses. In conclusion, names are changed at times by request.

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