Buying land, owner suddenly backs out?

Question

Minnesota

I hope this is the right forum. I wasn't sure where to post this question. But, I own a trailer that sits on a lot of land owned by my neighbor. When I moved in I agreed to pay him lot rent each month instead of buying the lot from him because at the time he had wanted a ridiculous amount. He did not have any sort of contract at all with me because I have known this man since I was a kid (he's nearing 70 or 80 now). The bills now are too expensive especially considering the size and shape of the lot. I discussed buying the lot with him and he agreed to sell it to me, we just hadn't figured out the price yet.

When I tried to discuss it with him today, he told me that his kids "won't let him sell it now", even though we already agreed on it and he is the owner of the land, not his kids. Is there anything that I can do since he agreed to sell in the first place? Or, if it comes down to it, is there anything he can do to me if I simply refuse to pay the lot rent until he sells it to me, since we never had a contract? He's getting old and has some serious health issues--I do not want the lot to be passed to either of his children because they will make my life hell. I am just trying to save myself some money and headache down the line. Also, my trailer is not movable (too old) so removing it from the lot is not an option. I know he would sell it to me if not for his kids trying to tell him what to do.

Answer 1

You have no legal signed agreement for the purchase of' this land. You had a discussion about the purchase of the land.



You would' have to have signed a written contract with this person in order to be able to legally enforce a sale of the land to you.



You are renting this land space for your. trailer. If you fail to pay the rent on this land, you could be legally evicted.



If his children want to keep the land in the family this is there decision.



I hope this has been of some benefit to you, good luck.



"FIGHT ON"

Answer 2

The owner didn't back out of anything. There was never a legally-binding agreement, so there is nothing to back out of.



There is no contract so there is nothing you can do legally. Under the law, agreements to sell real property MUST be in writing. Rental agreements, however, can be verbal, and when they are, a month-to-month tenancy is created.



Failure to pay rent can result in an eviction action being taken against you. If a court orders you off the property and you can't or don't remove the trailer, the owner can sue and obtain a judgment against you for any costs involved in removing it.

Answer 3

Nothing you can do, his family have advised him not to sell, presumerably as they think you are taking advantage of his age...and it seems like you are by considering refusing to pay rent........... so his family are likely to advise him to give you notice to leave and remove your trailer within 30 days and after that it will be removed and they will seek costs in court

Answer 4

Contracts for rental or sale should always be in writing - of course. By you paying and him accepting the rent you had a month-to-month rental contract. That means it can be terminated at will, typically 30 days notice. Check for local regulations that would govern this. You do not mention a sales contract only that he said he would sell the property to you. That means nothing. If you don't pay the rent you will likely get evicted. If you want to stay, negotiate a deal. Maybe offer to pay the kids something additional.