From our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Rent Money Owed at Death in Camden County

Most Recently Updated July 16, 2018.

“My Dad passed away this month. When he died, I found out that I was still on his Camden County apartment lease as a cosigner. The lease was signed in 2011. I had moved out in 2013, letting the management company know that I wanted off the lease. When I asked if the management company had anything for me to sign, they replied ‘no’. When I had moved out my Dad had let his brother, his son and his grandson move in. They are still there and the landlord’s been asking them for money for every day they are there past the end of last month. When my Dad died, I just thought I would be morally obligated to remove my Dad’s property and clean. Instead, I am getting a feeling that the landlord wants to hold me responsible for damages, utilities, and possible future rent. Dad had nothing, and I am a stay at home mom of special needs children.”

Rent Money Owed at Death in Camden County

You have mentioned a number of potential issues. First, the only person who has the authority to act for your dad after he has died is the executor of his estate (if he had a will) or the administrator of his estate (if he had no will). It sounds like your dad or his estate owes the landlord some money.

If your dad had any money in his account or if his assets could be sold to pay the bill, that could reduce your own personal exposure in this case. If so, think about opening his estate and using that money to pay the bill and to settle any dispute with the landlord.

Suing you for rent will cost the landlord money and time. If you have little money, there is little upside for the landlord. But, to diminish the chance even more, if you can apply some of the estate’s money and get a release from the landlord then you wont be personally involved at all (a nice result).

If your dad had no money at all, you may still want to open the estate to have the court declare him insolvent. However, you would need to have an experienced Camden County Estate Attorney tell you if that process is even worth the time and money.

As to your own exposure, you should have an experienced lawyer look over the relevant paperwork. Good news or bad, it’s better to know your true position rather than let the landlord threaten you without any information.

More Probate Questions?

Creditor claims are only part of the overall probate process. By all means, if you wish to learn more, please read my more detailed article, The Probate Process All You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: Rent Money Owed at Death in Camden County

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining creditor claims. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website. Therefore, please contact me and let me know how I did. Certainly, your comments and questions are welcome!

Let our Probate Lawyers help walk you through what can be a confusing process. To begin with, call to speak to one of our experienced Probate Attorneys.  By all means, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions. In fact, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation. Ultimately our goal is to make the process as painless as possible!

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Tags: Camden County, creditor claims, New Jersey, Probate, Probate Attorney, Probate Lawyer