My son and daughter-in-law trashed my house. Sue?

Question

I leased my house to my son and daughter so he could finish college and not pay rent. ($0 per month rent). They trashed the house, then left me holding the bag. It cost me over 10k to get it back in shape, and they stretched the lease from 1 year to 5 years. Now, he's going into the navy. They moved out and left me holding the bag. I'm angry, especially since my daughter-in-law has given me attitude for trying to get them to realized they've done something wrong. Not even a thank you from them, just anger over me explaining to them they signed a lease, and they abused the terms of it. I don't know what to do. Sue? And for what? Also, when they moved out, they tried to take the stove and fridge. They replaced the previous set, but never told me they were going to, or they were broken (I suspect they weren't. Her parents bought them a new Kenmore set, black, matching.). I made them leave them, as they were included in the lease. I don't understand where this attitude of entitlement comes from.

Answer 1

First things first.

1. You don't sue family. It's stupid. It plugs up the courts. And it just makes everyone mad.

2. You don't approve of your daughter-in-law. Get over it.

3. You had your own son sign a lease for a year and it grew into a five-year deal? Perhaps you're a little lax on your landlord responsibilities. Then again, it's not really a lease if you're charging $0 / month.

4. Wanted to take the kitchen and trashed the house? I'm thinking the parents taught the kids about the entitlement thing. Obviously, you felt you were "entitled" to THEIR set.

5. Take a little responsibility in that you made a bad business decision. Learn from it and don't do it again.

Answer 2

If he breached the terms and conditions of the lease you could sue him for breach of contract; I'd suggest some form of mediation/counseling between you both though, as taking him to court is a long, costly, and emotional experience.  

I'd suggest also trying to use your anger in a constructive manner, and instead of letting the situation continue to vex you, perhaps try to realize that you now are better informed as to the company your son keeps, has kept, and it's influence upon him.

I'd also advise caution in the future, when dealing with family members in the future, as experiences like this are seldom forgot, and likely cause more pain.

Answer 3

I would kick both their asses and worry about the repercussions later

Answer 4

SUE???!!!!  Have you like nothing better to do I mean come on! their family!  I you sue your definitely not going to get all the money you asked for and you make family enemies which you definitely will regret in the long run.  Dont sue. You say that your angry which means you need to calm down and think about the long run.

Answer 5

Sue their little asses. If he can exploit his own mother like that, he's never going to have any respect for anyone else. Hope the army teaches him.

Answer 6

h**l yes!!!!

Answer 7

no matter what, its never cool to sue your own family.  

Answer 8

well sorry to say your son seems like a douche bag for trashin your place... given that it seems like your relationship is or has been rocky, it would be a forever long struggle to sue a member of your family...

personally i'd say lesson learned... never trust your son or help him again

Answer 9

he's your son you must know who taught him the golden rule, you did teach him right from wrong when he was growing no don't sue you will only make a bad situation worse

Answer 10

you are doing the right thing in making then leave the stove, and fridge, now since that is your son, and you do have the right to be angry. tel him and her that you were only looking out for them and him, so that he can finish school. and it will take awhile before he can build up enough trust again. because  what he and her did was not show any character in what they did. i know that has to cost to fix it up again. but just leave them and god in his  hands and he will do the rest, as far her wuth the disrespecful attitude she really needs to ch

Answer 11

Fact of the matter is you let him stay at your house.  You've known your son for as long as he's lived.  You should have known better and if it's the first time he's done anything like this, now you know.

Answer 12

You should seek legal advice from an attorney.. Can you sue?  You can sue anyone.. should you sue?  That is an answer that only an attorney and you can asnwer.

Keep this in mind.. once someone is in the military.. they can't hide from any judgement against them.. the military will make sure that they pay (by attaching their checks).

I would say this.. would you sue if they weren't your family, if these were complete strangers?  whatever you answer to that is.. then you have your answer.

Personally.. I hate it when people abuse the relationships that they have with others.  Like family and friends exspecting "family discounts" when a hair dresser is working their butt off to pay their rent.  I mean, how does a person pay for their food at the store with "family coupons"?.. what's wrong with supporting each other and only seeing family and paying the same full price you would with a stranger?

But then, does the person giving the service not have strong enough boundries charge the family a reasonable rate and stick to it?  There is absolutly nothing wrong with treating a legal transaction with family members the same as you would with strangers.. especially when they are taking advantage of you and have shown little or no disregard to you and act like money grows on trees.  Why should anyone have to pay for others regardless to their relationship? Silly.  Good luck, I wish you well.

Answer 13

I blame the parents

Answer 14

Suing might be difficult.  It would depend on how you  wrote the lease.  If they were not paying rent, then technically there is no mutual consideration, and therefore no contract.  Also, if they "stretched" the lease and you didn't evict them after the 1 year expired, then that would be considered implicit consent to let them continue living there.  

You could potentially sue for the damages they left to the apartment, less reasonable wear and tear, provided you have documentation showing the condition of the place before and after.  

As you can see, a lot of problems are going to come up if you try and sue.  It may be possible, if the contract was written correctly by a good lawyer.  But I wouldn't bet on it.  I would say chalk it up as a lesson learned and move on.

Answer 15

You allowed this.  After the first year or anytime after that why did you not demand rent?  They could not have continued living in the house if you had not allowed them to.  All you had to do was file for eviction.  They don't respect you because you have allowed them to use you and walk all over you.

You can sue if you have proof of the damages.  Did you take pictures?  The best evidence is pictures of the house before they moved in and pictures after they moved out before you did any cleaning or repairs or improvements.

The entitlement attitude came from you.    By not treating them like responsible adults, they felt entitled to not act like responsible adults.  I would sue them for damages to your house.  You will also need all of the receipts of your repairs you had to do.  If you win (if you have the evidence, you will) being an officer in the military he will be forced to pay you.

Answer 16

sue. you have every right.