I have been living in the same home for the past 22 years with a rent to own situation, that was on a 20 year term. I first entered my rental agreement in Nov of 84 the following year my landland's husband passed and a rent to own contract was drawn up for me to purchase the home for $50,000. I would pay $275 per month plus 1/2 the utilities though the utilities would stay in her name since it was agreed that I would only use the second floor until the rent to own contract had been satisfied. Since this original agreement some of the utilites have been transferred into my name and those that are not I have paid by reimbursing the landlady after receiving copies of the bills from her. During the next 20 years I would also make improvements and repairs to the home without any reimbursement. This was agreed upon as part of the payment of the house. The landland and I have had a very agreable relationship so we had not worried about the transfer of the deed when the 20 year contract was fulfilled. Now, my landlady has been placed in a nursing home and her only living relative (a niece) has taken over her affairs. I have been told that there are bills that I did not pay and that I needed to reimburse her for. Some of these bills are over a year old. When I asked for copies of the bills I was given only a list on a legal pad sheet of paper. I have heard nothing about my rent to own contract and the transfer of the deed. I have most if not all copies of bills, checks, correspondense and receipts from payments and improvements and repairs on the home. I would like to know if anyone can give me any advise as to how I should handle this situation? I believe the niece does not have any idea of the arrangments made between her aunt and myself. Also can any tell me how I can get ahold of old Tenant/Landlord Codes from the state of Delaware? I need them from 1984 & 1985. Thanks so much for any help you can give me even if you steer me in a direction to search.

When the contract was drawn up did you sign it? Did you keep a copy for yourself? Do you have anything in writing to prove to the niece the agreement? Any witnesses? Is the LL/her aunt unable to vouch for what you are saying? Can you go see her?

Google Delaware Landlord/Tenant Law and there should be somewhere local you can get the old statutes from. How will they help?

I'm sorry you are going through this. It's a hard way to learn to get everything in writing and keep copies of it all.

I would NOT pay the niece what she is asking without real proof i.e. statements of the amounts.

If you have a contract, then find an attorney and have him write her a letter. That should only cost about 30 bucks and it might scare her away. Keep a copy of all communication between the two of you, and if you decide to turn this over to the attorney, then cease all communication and refer her to your attorney should she want to speak to you.