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Death of tenants, breaking away from HOAs
Ask George & Chuck

Death of tenants, breaking away from HOAs

George Stephens, CRB, and Charles J. "Chuck" Jacobus, JD | Advice columnists

Oct. 19, 2009

Dear George: My father renewed a two-year lease on his apartment just before he died. The landlord expects to be paid until a new renter is found. Isn't the lease terminated when a tenant dies?

Answer: It depends on the language in the lease. Many leases contain language that will not absolve the parties of their obligations upon death. Consult with an attorney regarding your father's lease.

Dear George: More than 90% of the residents in our subdivision have signed a petition to leave our homeowners association. An adjoining subdivision has offered to add us to their HOA. How can we switch from one HOA to another?

Answer: Extracting yourself from a homeowners associations is not easy. You must first dissolve the HOA, which requires help from an experienced attorney.

E-mail a question to ask George & Chuck or fax it to 713-978-6684. The answers to questions in this column do not contain legal advice. If you wish to obtain legal advice, you should consult your own attorney.

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