Eviction And Contract Dispute

Summary

Verbal contracts can be legally binding in Ohio but are harder to enforce. Landlords must follow proper eviction procedures, including court orders. Harassment includes threatening behavior and unwanted communication. Text messages can serve as evidence for verbal contracts. If a valid contract was breached, the promised equity could be considered a loss. Consult a local attorney for personalized advice and to determine a reasonable settlement offer.

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I live in Ohio and spent the entirety of last year as a live in care taker of my grandmother. I sacrificed mentally and financially to keep her out of the nursing home and in her home. In exchange, I was supposed to be able to get her house on contract from my father for $*,* below its value. When my grandmother died, my father refused to produce that contract but insisted I pay him anyway. 30 days after our contract was supposed to begin, he informed me that I made a mistake, and after living here for over a year, I was supposed to just get out of the house. 30 days after that, he gave my brother a land contract on the house that he refused to give me. Then, when having guests over, my father messaged me saying I better get my guests out - or else. He never specified the threat, but continued to file eviction paperwork saying I moved people into the house and refused to pay rent. I was given 30 day notice to be out on April *, *. I asked for a few days longer and was granted until April 10th, *. On April 7th, *, I was struck on my motorcycle and required major surgery. When I got home on April 10th, I found he had let himself into my home, throwing away many personal possessions and changing the locks. He also took $* in cash from my desk. When I asked if I could get into the home to get my things, he informed me again that I could stay longer. I informed my father that I was willing to pay if I could receive a written contract, and he replied that I don't need a contract again. 1 month later, my brother messages me very rudely, asking me when I was going to be out of his house. Before I could respond, he informed me that I had * hours to move my motorcycle, and if I didn't that he would evict me. The following Monday he filed for eviction and listed that I owed $*,* in rent when there was never a rent agreement created.
I'm sorry to hear about your situation, ****. In Ohio:
• Verbal contracts can be legally binding but are harder to enforce.
• A landlord generally cannot enter your home without notice.
• Evictions must follow proper procedure, including court order.
• You may have a claim if your personal property was disposed of without notice.
I recommend consulting a local attorney to explore your options.
Have I been the victim of harassment
Based on the information you provided, it appears you may have been subject to harassment. In Ohio, harassment can include threatening behavior, continued unwanted communication, or intimidation. However, this can only be determined legally by a court. Please seek advice from a local attorney.
Is this considered a retaliatory eviction?
In Ohio, a retaliatory eviction is defined as an eviction in response to a tenant exercising their rights. Based on your story, it could potentially be seen as such. However, a court will have to make that determination. Consult a local attorney for further guidance.
If I have texts proving the verbal contract, can I use for the $*,* lost in the house that I was promised for taking care of my grandmother
In Ohio, text messages can be used as evidence to enforce a verbal contract. However, it depends on the content and clarity of the messages. It's important that you consult with a local attorney for a thorough evaluation.
Would the $*,* equity I was promised in the house be considered a loss?
In Ohio, if the promised equity was part of a valid contract that was breached by your father, it could potentially be considered a loss. However, this would need to be determined by a court and is based on the specific details of your case. Consult a local attorney for further guidance.
What would be a reasonable settlement offer
A reasonable settlement offer would depend on the specifics of your case, the evidence you have, and the potential damages. As I can't provide specific legal advice, I encourage you to consult with a local attorney to determine a fair settlement based on the potential loss of the $*,* equity, any additional damages, and legal fees.