Removing Sister from a joint ownership property?
Hi Guys – My sister and I were left our mothers house several months ago and my sister is refusing to sell the house or pay the utility bills and is living in the house by her own choice and without my permission.
I am now receiving threatening letters from the gas and electricity company over non payment as they have been put into my name.
I’ve read a couple of articles about landlords rights as with regards to disconnecting supplies and having their hands tied. As I am receiving no rent and there is no tenancy agreement, then can I request to have the gas and electricity supply cut off?
Thanks
Harry
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Previous Article
Is the listed flat too small?Next Article
Tenant's accidental damage to bath?
Member Since April 2021 - Comments: 15
9:07 AM, 29th April 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Crossed_Swords at 29/04/2021 – 01:23
Yes.
Member Since April 2021 - Comments: 15
9:23 AM, 29th April 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Silver Flier at 29/04/2021 – 09:04
Thank you for the links, but you’re not a squatter or a tenant in agreement if you own part of the property. Solicitors are not an option, that’s the reason why I put this post up, as I’m looking for a legally correct way out of this. I am trying to take the moat bridge is drawn up, so starve them out approach…
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 53
9:43 AM, 29th April 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Harry Trump at 29/04/2021 – 09:23
If the house is still in your mother’s name then she is not part-owner, and if she doesn’t have your mother’s permission to live there, then it seems to me she’s a squatter. Might be worth looking into further.
Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 32
11:43 AM, 29th April 2021, About 5 years ago
Why is a solicitor not an option? You could charge the costs to the estate so your sister pays half at least. As regards the utilities who put them in your name? They should be in join names if anything or still in your mother’s name in which case it all comes out of the estate in due course.
What is your sister’s justification for her actions? what does she hope to achieve?
Member Since April 2021 - Comments: 15
11:53 AM, 29th April 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by MargaretM at 29/04/2021 – 11:43
A solicitor could prove cost prohibitive as costs come of the estate ultimately. The utility company for the gas and electric put the bills in my name after I complained to the energy ombudsman which is currently still ongoing. Her justification is that she owns half of the house and whilst she is bill free and rent-free there is no incentive to move. She may also be hoping that I do myself in due to my mental health deterioration after living through hell over the last five years…
Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 32
12:06 PM, 29th April 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Harry Trump at 29/04/2021 – 11:53Oh dear! not a nice sister. I think though that if you want to shift her out legally you’re going to have to get advice and help.
Good luck.
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 53
8:02 AM, 30th April 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Harry Trump at 29/04/2021 – 11:53
I think you need a better understanding of the legal position. Someone earlier suggested trying to get free legal advice. You can also get low-cost basic legal advice on-line, though it needs patience. For example: https://www.justanswer.co.uk/sip/property-law
You might want to see which solicitors are on-line at different times of the day and address your question to the one you think most appropriate.
Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 32
8:19 AM, 30th April 2021, About 5 years ago
You didn’t say in your first post but you have now said about ‘living through hell for the last five years’. Is that when this all started?
Member Since April 2021 - Comments: 15
8:22 AM, 30th April 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by MargaretM at 30/04/2021 – 08:19
Several months as said in my first post Margaret.
Member Since April 2021 - Comments: 15
1:38 PM, 30th April 2021, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Silver Flier at 30/04/2021 – 08:02
I’ve had free legal advice and they have advised going through a solicitor and filing a Section 50. The costs could exceed the value of the house and so a solicitor may not be cost effective…