Bummer of a situation, but...
 

There are some great resources out there as far as learning what your tenant rights are.

I would highly suggest you visit the www.HUD.gov website and search for the tenant laws for your state.

You might also want to check out EZ Landlord Forms - they have articles and a forum specifically set up for people that don't know what to do.

However, if I may... you will not be able to bill your landlord (grandma) for work done and/or withhold your rent for that amount... unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.

Please let me know if there is anything specific I can help you out with.

Marie dear -

So sorry that you have to put up with this.. and this is your grandmother? OY!!

If it would help, I'll come down with some Mounties ... you know they always get their man!!

all the best
caya

Your grandmother sounds like money is her first love. I hope you get this resolved and can stay in your house with your husband. It's sad what people will stoop to for profit at other's expense. Good luck.

Ruth from Canada

Marie,

Even when I cannot give you any advice on this topic because of different country laws, I would like to say that I hope you solve this problem soon and that you do not get so stressed with this, you have enough on your plate to even have to worry about something like this, specially comming from a family member, just can't understand.

Much love,

Paty

Thanks for all the replies, I am off to a good start and things are bound to get ugly. I am not worried about getting money for maintainence because we put thousands of dollars into this place knowingly over our 16 years together. We do not expect this back but I also do not expect anyone else to be enjoying the new countertops or tile-enclosed shower!

I have spent most of my life here and Ed has spent all of our relationship here. I had always stayed here because my plans were to remain super close to them (grandmonsters) and this was a sacrifice I have regretted more and more as time goes on. I thought at this point in life I would be taking care of them, huhh. Anyway, Ed is going to pass away in this place we call home.

There is no reasoning with a money-grubbing, self-centered devil. Talking will only force her to push her weight, her controlling animal ways but I will have to try. I am serious though, she is not human I just know it!

Wait until August 1st when I tell her I need a written increase 30 days beforehand. She will argue because she thinks she is powerful, not realizing that law is stronger than her and it is on my side....oh lala!!>>Believe51

Ugh! I think if you open grandmonster heart, it is full of darkness. You might even see a creature there with a fang inside her heart that's why there is no room for love and compassion inside her unkind heart.
Ed and Marie, hang tight. God is good. I'm always praying for you.
Hugs,
Gemma

Marie ~ How old is the grandmonster? This is just unbelievable...is it possible she has the beginnings of dementia? You and Ed are such loving, sweet people! Its almost unheard of. How can she even think of doing this to you at this point of your life? Use free housing advice in the State of RI first and foremost. I am so sorry and you shouldn't have to worry about this right now.
Sending lots of hugs ~ Ruth

Geeeez marie
 

I was just about to ask and then I read Ruth's post asking how old your grandmonster is and if it could be Alzheimer's. I have seen some people's personalities change to someone they were not before. Has she always been this way?

This is a very sad situation coming from your Gran and not to mention what Ed and yourself are having to go through in your lives.

I pray you can get it under control and hope Ed is feeling better.

Take care Marie & Ed

Beleives51:
Your email tells me two things.

At one time you must have had a reasonable relationship with your grandmother to rent from her. Otherwise, why would you have picked her place of all places to rent if she is so nasty?

Does SHE feel that she has been giving you an especially good deal in your rent all along? Has she? (Be honest - are rents rising in your area?)

Does she feel it is "her turn"?

If she thinks that finally you have come into some money, maybe she feels that it is time for this subsidy to end. Does she depend on this income? Has she had to make repairs to your rental?

My suggestion is to sit down and talk to her. TELL her that you have received no inheritance. Show her your overwhelming medical bills. Find out, not what she wants, but how she FEELS?

Maybe she feels that she is being used and taken for granted (you certainly don't like her) but this situation could change if everyone's feelings were put on the table.

Just an idea......

Good luck. Sending positive vibes your way.

My grandmother would have told me to love her to death....And I would have argued with her for hours. Marie, do your best and trust God for the rest. You're a mighty fine gal, Miss Marie! I'm believin' for ya! ma