She is currently in a nursing home. She has cancer and Hospice has taken over her care. She is bedridden, kidneys and bowel functions have stopped. She will pass very soon, few days at best. She doesn't have any assets but she has made a list, notarized by hospice, with all of her bequests. Can HUD apartment manager lock me out so that I can't distribute her bequests list? Once she passes, do they own the contents of her apartment?
If the manager has to pay someone to come in and clear out the stuff, it will cost money, so one might think he/she would think it'd better to let you do it.
Really, what do you expect HUD to do for you? Send an agent to investigate?
A waste of resources in the middle of a pandemic.
I believe the President & the Covid 19 task force and state governors have signed emergency orders to cease any evictions, and not to shut off power and electricity to any American during this pandemic.
So what’s the rush?
That is still your friend’s apartment, she is still alive and thus her landlord is now the “steward” of that apartment and the property in it.
Reverse roles for a moment. Aren’t you pleased your mgmt company may fight for your rights too if you were in hospice?
Is it so important you get in there and why do you expect to be allowed in?
Respectfully I agree with the landlord.
This is not for HUD to fix.
Just the thought of people rummaging through a hospice patient’s apartment without her or next of kin is creepy.
The renter gets a voucher to pay for usually 70% of the rent depending on her income. The voucher goes to the landlord will get paid by the government.
Are you her Executor as well?
Work with the building management and if they say no, I would stay the heck out of there. If this doesn’t work for you hire an attorney & get access legally for all involved.
Patience may work here. Good luck.
IF the rent is late they do have the right to begin eviction process and I would imagine preventing you or anyone else from removing what might be "of value" so they can recoup the rent might be legal.
If the Nursing home, or better yet the Social Worker from Hospice might be able to help out in this situation. Contact one or both and see if they can "work some magic"
Usually, when someone dies, their family is responsible to clear out their apartment. The lease should specify what will happen to items left behind.
The items do not become the property of the landlord. Try not to worry.
Has the manager told you that he intends to take her things once she has passed? Is there a reason you dont trust her/him?
If anyone knows what we should do, short of not paying an attorney, we would love some input. I have left a message with HUD at the state level. We are just very hurt that we are "not allowed" to carry out the wishes of our dear friend. We have also been told that the owner of the building said that we can't remove anything until she passes. This could easily be when another month of rent is due and he can keep her deposit for rent. Please believe that the owner cares not about anything but money from this building. Right now we are just waiting, calling the nursing home to see how she is doing. Can't visit as the building is quarantined. Any ideas, suggestions or legal knowledge would be appreciated more than you could ever know.
Thank you!
Julie Young
Waterloo, Iowa