Disabled Tenants Seeking Buyout

Summary

The couple, both disabled and living in Pennsylvania, are tenants in common in a house with other owners who want to partition. The husband receives SSDI and has a small pension, while the wife has no income. They are seeking a grant or loan to buy out the other owners. The estimated value of the property is $350,000 and they own 1/6 of it. Their monthly income is $1700 and their expenses are approximately $1450. They have sought help from legal aid and have considered Section 8 housing, but prefer not to move. The partition has been ordered and they are currently speaking to a Master who will decide how the money is divided.

Full Conversation

My husband and I are both disabled. We are tenants in common of the house
What specific legal issue are you facing regarding your tenancy?
we live in and the others want to partition. Can we get a grant or loan to buy them out?.
What type of disability do you and your husband have? In Pennsylvania, there are programs that provide financial assistance to disabled individuals for housing-related issues.
Both have epilepsy and vision issues, wife has hearing issues, husband cognitive issues
Are you currently receiving any form of disability benefits? In Pennsylvania, certain programs may assist disabled individuals with housing-related issues.
husband receives dissability
What is the nature of the disability benefits your husband is receiving? Is it from a private insurance company or a government program like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
SSDI
What is the percentage of ownership you and your husband have in the property?
In Pennsylvania, tenants in common can sell their share without the consent of the others. However, they can also buy out the other owners.
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What is the estimated value of the property? In Pennsylvania, you may be eligible for housing assistance programs based on your disabilities and financial situation.
$*,*
What is the estimated amount you would need to buy out the other owners? In Pennsylvania, there are programs like the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) that might assist with such situations.
$*,*
Based on your share, why do you need $*,* to buy out the other owners?
There are five others thus divide by six and take off the */*
What is your current financial situation? Are you able to contribute any amount towards buying out the other owners?
he is on SSDI and has a small pension, I have no income. No real savings.
What is the amount of your husband's SSDI and pension? In Pennsylvania, certain programs may assist disabled individuals with housing-related issues.
approximately $*,*
What is the annual amount you would need to maintain the property after buying out the other owners?
sorry, $*
What are your monthly living expenses?
utilities and putting toward taxes
What is the total amount of your monthly utilities and taxes?
yearly taxes are about $*, utilities I would have to check
What is the estimated monthly cost for your utilities?
one Moment please
Could you please provide an estimate of your monthly utility costs?
$*.*, and homeowners insurance $*.*
What is the total monthly cost of your living expenses including utilities, taxes, and insurance?
$* -$*
What is the total amount of your monthly expenses including food, transportation, and medical costs?
we have SNAP for food, others several hundred dollars
What is the total amount of your other monthly expenses including transportation and medical costs?
as stated, several hundred dollars
What is the exact amount of your monthly transportation and medical costs?
we do not drive, so Uber about $* per week,
What are your monthly medical expenses?
with prescription plan approximately $*.*
What is the total amount of your monthly expenses including food, transportation, medical costs, utilities, taxes, and insurance?
$*.*
What is the total amount you can afford to pay monthly towards buying out the other owners?
$*.*
What is the total amount of SSDI and pension your husband receives monthly?
$*.*
What is the total amount of your monthly income including your husband's SSDI and pension?
that is the total, $*.*
Based on your income and expenses, it seems challenging to afford the buyout. Have you considered legal aid for advice on partition action?
We have been through the mill with other options like legal aid
Have you considered seeking help from a non-profit organization that assists disabled individuals with housing issues?
we are searching
What non-profit organizations have you reached out to for assistance so far? In Pennsylvania, organizations like the Disability Rights Pennsylvania might be able to provide some guidance.
Looked at section *, talked to local representative
What was the response from the Section * representative? In Pennsylvania, Section * may provide housing vouchers to eligible individuals.
they gave us some places to go see
What were the places recommended by the Section * representative and have you visited them?
we visited them but feel we would prefer if possible not to move
I understand your preference. Have you considered discussing your situation with the other owners to explore possible solutions?
they are adamant that the house be sold
What is the reason the other owners want to sell the house?
money
What is the relationship between you and the other owners?
they are my husband’s nieces and nephews
What is the reason your husband's nieces and nephews want to sell the house?
to get their share
What steps have you taken so far to negotiate with your husband's nieces and nephews?
it has been 12 years and they adamantly refuse
What steps have the nieces and nephews taken to force the sale of the house?
In Pennsylvania, a partition action can be initiated by any co-owner to force the sale of the property.
partition has been ordered
What is the current status of the partition order?
we are speaking to a Master
What is the role of the Master in your case?
he will decide how the money is divided
What is the timeline given by the Master for the division of the money?