If uncle pays property taxes on a home which my brother, uncle and myself own can he take full ownership?

Question

We inherited the house from my grandmother. He is upset by the fact he was not granted sole ownership of the house. He is living in the house at this time. Someone told us if he pays the taxes for 3 years in a row he will become sole owner. Is this true or is this person just trying to stir up trouble?

Answer 1

What he is doing is making a gift to you guys (or whoever owes the tax).

Answer 2

No, not true - the person is misinformed.

Answer 3

What you are referring to is acquiring title by adverse possession.  Different states will have different rules about it.  Consulting an attorney who specializes in real estate matters would be wise.

Answer 4

No, there is no truth to that at all.  The city, town, or county doesn't give a hoot who pays the taxes.  As long as the taxes are paid, title is not affected at all.

This isn't a case for Adverse Possession either.  Your names are all on the deed, so none of you can adversely possess the others' undivided shares of the property.  Adverse Possession requires "open and notorious" occupation of another's land.  If his name is on the deed, his possession CAN'T be notorious!

Answer 5

It's completely untrue. I don't know why people continue to spread rumors like this.

Call your local town or city hall and ask them directly. They'll confirm for you that you still own the house, no matter who pays the taxes.

Answer 6

That seems unlikely, but you do need to consult an estate and/or real estate lawyer in your area to clarify the law and general practice for joint ownership in your area.

In most situations like this "families" work out a written agreement of "general understanding" spelling out who does what when and who pays for what, etc.  Or, the non-occupants force the sale of the property and divide the proceeds.

Answer 7

in some states yes --pay him the back amounts and you keep them up in the future, and pay this years now as you do not want him getting the bill and change the billing address with the deeds office to yours