Am I legally obligated to pay for half a major repair cost?
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Am I legally obligated to pay for half a major repair cost?
My name is on the deed and mortgage for a house with my ex-boyfriend. He still lives at the house but I no longer live at the property, however I am still paying for half of the mortgage/insurance/taxes. He recently informed me that he needed to replace the hot water heater and wants me to pay him back for half of the expense of replacing it. Am I legally obligated to do so? I have not lived in the house for over a year. He also did not consult me when choosing the replacement water heater/installation, he made the decision entirely on his own.
Asked on February 28, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
As a co owner you are jointly responsible for the repair and maintenance of the home and you have an equal say in choosing boilers, etc. However, your situation is not a very good one for you. You seem to be paying for something that you do not enjoy or reap any benefit from at this point in time. I think that it may e a good idea to finally break this umbilical cord with the ex and the house Go see an attorney for help. Good luck.
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