Rent-Equity in Mother-in-Law's home

[arbutus]

A somewhat complicated question...

My wife and I moved into my mother-in-law's home shortly before getting married, for financial considerations. We were married relatively young (22/23) and rent in Victoria/Vancouver is very expensive while finishing my doctorate.

The agreement when we moved in was that we would pay $450 a month towards the mortgage and maintenance of the house. As her way of supporting us, my mother in law said that if she ever sold the house, we would receive the amount we have put into the house through this "rent". We paid this amount for 2 years, though I did several home renovations (two bathroom floors, replaced stairs, finished the basement) in exchange for rent for a few of those months.

My wife and I are now separated. Would I have a right to half of the agreed payment when my mother-in-law sells her house, should we divorce?

Thank you in advance.

[representingself]

I highly doubt it!

Unless you had a written, notarized contract with your mother in law.. then you are nothing but a Tenant.
Not to mention the fact that you can't force her to sell that house!

You can't sue your Landlord for your contributions to you apartment, should said Landlord decide to sell the property. That is ludicrous!!

Property/rent values in B.C. are very high, and you lived in HER home for $450/month for two years.

Consider yourself lucky for her generosity and you should seriously consider just saying Thank You....

[standing on the sidelines]

the judge would probably look at you and say, be greatful for the cheap rent you had for two years.

[arbutus]

Thank you for your responses.

I should clarify though, that's 450 each. And, it's just for one room of a 4 BRD house, with two other students living there plus her.

But I do understand that I'm up the creek since I wasn't expecting to get separated and didn't get that in writing.

[representingself]

Originally Posted by arbutus

Thank you for your responses.

I should clarify though, that's 450 each. And, it's just for one room of a 4 BRD house, with two other students living there plus her.

But I do understand that I'm up the creek since I wasn't expecting to get separated and didn't get that in writing.

If you mean that your M.I.L personally lives in the home you are asking about... then you are definitely not going to get any money out of her....