My sister and her family are living in the house we inherited from our parents – I need the money and want to sell, but can I ask her to leave?

• A Mumsnet user revealed that she owns half a house – but cannot sell it
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A woman has sparked a discussion online after revealing that she and her sister inherited a house together – and they have different thoughts about selling it.

The anonymous poster, thought to be UK-based, took to parenting forum Mumsnet to share her story and ask others for their advice. 

In the post, she revealed that the sibling and her family have been living in the home, and covering upkeep expenses.

While the poster wants to sell the home, her sister does not, saying she cannot afford the buy out.

The poster explained explained: ‘So my sibling and I inherited a house from our parents which they have been living in for the last few years.

An anonymous woman has revealed that her inheritance has been managed has put her in a sticky position financially, and she isn’t sure how to resolve it (stock image) 

‘With the cost of living crisis, obviously money is tight for both our families, and I am now desperate to either sell to be honest as it would be a life changing amount of money at present.

‘My sibling obviously has no intention of leaving, but says they cannot buy me out at present due to lack of finance herself, but this is really impacting on my family of 4, whereas they only have themselves and [their] partner to think of, as [their] child is significantly older and [is] at uni now. 

‘They pay all bills and maintenance on the house and I’ve never wanted to demand anything more but I feel like I’m being [taken for] a mug now.

‘AIBU [am I being unreasonable] to be really frustrated? I don’t want to p*** them off as they’re the only family I have now, but I really need to figure out how to move this issue forward.’

A number of Mumsnetters felt that it would be ok for the sibling to continue living in the house – assuming that they started to pay the poster a fair rent.

One said: ‘Are they paying you rent? They should be paying half market rates.’  

Another agreed, adding: ‘Yeah they should be paying you rent then if they want to stay in it. They don’t just get to live there in half your house as though it’s all theirs. They should pay you rent until they can afford to buy you out, or they need to sell.’ 

A third suggested that the sister might be aware she are reaping huge benefits from the current setup, writing: ‘They need to be paying you about 40% market rent (or work out what the maintenance equates to). No wonder they’re happy for that arrangement!!’

The poster opened up about the situation on Mumsnet, asking people what they should she should do about her predicament

And a fourth suggested: ‘Another option is to work out a commercial rent price and ask her to pay half of that each month.’

Meanwhile, a fifth chimed in to suggest another option, writing: ‘Is it big enough that you can tell them you’re moving in too?!

‘Ok they’re paying bills, but as it’s half yours they should be paying you something as well, have they been?’     

Others felt that more serious action was required, and that the poster needed to sell the house to ensure she received her rightful inheritance, even if that means involving the courts.

One said: ‘Unfortunately you need to get pushy or they will live there forever. A court can order the sale – hopefully it won’t get that far.

Some commentators thought that the sibling should start paying rent on the 50 per cent of the home owned by the poster

‘Speak to her properly and tell her that sadly you need the money and can’t subsidise her any longer. Explain if the house isn’t put on the market you will need to go to court.’

Another agreed, writing: ‘Tell them that if they don’t agree to sell the house (on the market now, with a view to completing the sale within the next few months) or pay half market rent then you’ll have to force a sale.

‘Presumably with half the proceeds of a family home they’ll be able to buy a smaller house or flat outright or with a small mortgage, so affordable to them?’

A third respondent who also felt formal advice was necessary, wrote: ‘You need legal advice. I’d consult a solicitor. Do and try and talk it out with your sister to resolve amicably too, at the same time.’

And a fourth concurred, adding: ‘Your sister is being massively unreasonable and deep down she must know it. She’s relying on your good nature to not get tough with her and evert your rights, it’s a form of emotional blackmail. 

Numerous commentators felt that the poster should take the situation very seriously – even going as far as getting legal advice

‘I wouldn’t mess around with getting her to pay rent, I’d want your 50% asap. Either she buys you out or she agrees to sell. Go and see a solicitor for some proper advice, not from self-styled experts on here!’ 

Meanwhile, a fifth commentator was even stronger in their advice, writing: ‘You need to get legal advice on this. Who did what for your mum in the past is totally irrelevant to the inheritance/will situation.

‘If the property was left to you 50/50, then your sister should be paying half the rental valuation to live there, and you are equally responsible for repair bills.

‘Get legal advice, then ask her to sell or get a Letting Agent to value it for monthly rent, make sure the property meets rental requirements, and get the LA to draw up a tenancy.

‘This situation will never change unless you do something about it. But she cannot continue to live there rent free while you struggle.’

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