If my landlord passed away, do I have to honor my lease agreement with the new owner?
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If my landlord passed away, do I have to honor my lease agreement with the new owner?
My landlord passed away. Now her daughter is owner of the house I rent. Do I have to honor the lease since the agreement was made with me and the deceased? I have to move out because I have lost my full-time work and can no longer afford the monthly payment. I can’t give 30 day notice and don’t have the money to pay an additional months rent for not giving proper 30 day notice.
Asked on July 27, 2010 under Real Estate Law, New York
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you are still bound by the terms of the lease despite the change in ownership due to a new landlord.
There may be language in the lease regarding heirs, successors, etc. to the landlord. Even without that language, the new landlord, who in this case, inherited the property can enforce the lease terms.
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