What would you think? Long

We rent our house.. it's a small ranch on a large lot. Perfect for us. Rent is low and the neighborhood is fantastic! If the house didn't need so much updating such as in the structure, lol, then we would even consider buying it. We heard from our neighbors that many people were interrested in buying this house in the past, but my land-lord would never part with it, as they put it, since it was built by her family.

The house next door to us is our land-lord's mother. We only lived here for about 4 months when her mother was put into a nursing home, so that house has been vancant.

As I came home today, I saw a FOR SALE sign in front of her house. I feel paniced...

When I was 6 months pregnent I lost my job, and between DH and myself, I was the one who made the money. I have been on unemployment, which pays nothing since Nov 2009. I FINALLY just got a call back, so I will be bringing home ALOT more then unemployment, but still not what I used to make.
When I was just laid off, we became 2 months behind on rent. Our landlord was more then understanding.

Since then, we have still been paying each month, but just bearliy making it. (Again, another reason this new job is going to be a HUGE help!) But, we are still those 2 months behind. She says that she understands, and knows nothing is hiring. We make sure to talk to her often about it.

So now, I am thinking in the back of my head, she is now selling her mother's house, what if she decides to want to sell the house we are living in now? Speically since we are still those 2 months behind?

If I get this job, by Jan we will be AHEAD a month...possibly 2 months. I plan on calling her tomorrow to update on weather I got it and discuss other things. I also feel that once we are up to date, she may say we have xxx amount of days to move out... b/c she IS in fact planning on selling.

On top of all that, we heard that all of her previous tenents were HORRIBLE! I mean, yes, we fell 2 months behind, but we have done MANY upgrades to the house. Added ceiling fans in all rooms, finished the basement since it was nothing but holes in the walls, painted the entire house, did tons of yard work, including adding a driveway made with RCA. (we did everything cheap, but looks great)

I just have a million and one things going through my head right now. We were always great tenants till I lost my job, and she seemed to always understand and tell me that it was OK, ... blah blah blah.

Ok, I made this long enough... I dont really have any direct question, besides, what do you tihnk? LOL.

ETA: She took a real long time to finally even find us to rent the house out to. We heard from our neighbors that no one lived here for about 2 years before we moved in.
When we moved in we signed a one year contract, with the broker as well. When the following year came up, we talked to her about wanting to stay here and she was more then happy about it. Said she had no one else wanting to rent it out to, and she loved having us as tenents. (I still had my well paying job then). (we were never a day late with rent at that point) Aaah...Im just confused.

Do you think she would be able to try to sell it WITH us still living here? Aaah... sorry!!

Message edited 9/19/2010 9:38:14 PM.

Re: What would you think? Long

I wouldn't jump to any conclusions just yet. Sounds like the sale of the mother's home is because of an unrelated situation. I would mention it in passing and see what she says...

Re: What would you think? Long

Do you have a contract w/ the landlord?

I would try to work out a payment plan w/ her as to how you'll pay the 2 months that you are behind. Did you accept the new position? I would tell her you can pay say $200 extra a month to put towards that amount. Honestly, I wouldn't let it go too much longer w/o paying or else she could either evict you or charge interest, even if she has seemed understanding in the past.

Re: What would you think? Long

Posted by nov04libride

Do you have a contract w/ the landlord?

I would try to work out a payment plan w/ her as to how you'll pay the 2 months that you are behind. Did you accept the new position? I would tell her you can pay say $200 extra a month to put towards that amount. Honestly, I wouldn't let it go too much longer w/o paying or else she could either evict you or charge interest, even if she has seemed understanding in the past.

Message edited 9/19/2010 9:41:06 PM.

Re: What would you think? Long

Re: What would you think? Long

I doubt she would want to put 2 houses on the market, who knows how long it will be for her to sell that house. I agree you should set up a payment plan so you have a peace of mind.

Re: What would you think? Long

i would not worry to much about your house - she may have to sell it to pay for the nursing home - medicaid does not kick in until most (all) assets are gone - so the house is probably in her name and needs to be sold

Re: What would you think? Long

Re: What would you think? Long

Thanks! I know I'll be more at ease when I talk to her later today. I know she will def give us the 30 or 60 days to get out, but I just hope we never get that call. We really love living here...it's just perfect for us. I looked it up online, the mothers house... and she's only selling it for 140,000 .... but the house does need a TON of work! THe back door wont close so DH and were trying to fix it...and the stink OMG! She had tons of cats...shall I say more? lol. I went in out of curosity, and the house will need everything... floors, counters, windows, wallpaper taken down, all new appliances....I can't see it selling any time soon. But for that price, someone may just tear it down and start fresh. It's already on a decent amount of land...more then what most in my area are, but not as much as ours. I feel a bit better this morning about it...after I let it sink in some... but I know I'll be totally fine when I talk to her. I'm thinking maybe I should take a look around for other house rentals... JUST in case. Our finacials are quite in gear yet to buy... maybe another year or two... oy! Thanks for the replies!