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79-Year-Old Trapped in Leaky Home: What Can I Do?

Ramalingam Kalirajan |10843 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2024Hindi

I am aged 79 years and lived in my own portion of my house in the bottom portion. Since this house is very very old more than 125 years and the top portion of the house built by tiles only before 75 years. During rain the leakage of hall is inevitable and I told the owner who is widow and have son without any job running 29 years. Besides the actual owner of that portion is no more and his mother also died a year back. She is the wife and after his death the deed is not changed her name till today. She is very adamant and coming to any JV with another Portion at front of the road. Actually the leakage is happening because of the very old house and if the cyclone is heavy we don't know what will happen in that portion. Such a bad position is in the top. portion. Moreover she is not. employed also. Whom shall I report about the condition of the house which is very worst.and may collapse at any time if the rain or cyclone will be very heavy. In my age of 80 years ,I am not able to go outside due to my physical body strain and my wife also havinng severe knee joint pain . How can I go for either to rectify the leakage of my own or ask her to rectify the leakage portion in her portion which is not able to locate the area. Please tell if I go for corporation commissioner to.look and take any action upon seeing the condition of house which is 125 years old. Pl suggest me what shall I do . Thanks

Ans: The house you live in is over 125 years old, posing significant risks.

The upper portion is built with tiles and is more than 75 years old.

Leaks during rains and cyclones have created a hazardous situation.

The owner, who is a widow, has financial and personal constraints.

The property title is not updated in her name, complicating matters further.

Key Challenges Identified

Structural Risks

The old construction and lack of maintenance increase the risk of collapse.
Heavy rains or cyclones can worsen the situation.
Lack of Ownership Clarity

Legal ownership is unclear, complicating your ability to seek redress.
Physical Limitations

Your health and mobility constraints make action difficult.
Your wife's joint pain limits her ability to assist.
Owner’s Reluctance

The owner is unwilling to address the property’s condition.
Immediate Steps to Consider

Document the Issues

Take photographs of the damaged and leaking areas.
Keep records of dates and details of complaints made to the owner.
Consult a Structural Engineer

Request a local engineer to inspect the house.
Obtain a written report highlighting the structural risks.
Report to Local Authorities

Contact the Corporation Commissioner of your city or municipality.
Submit a formal complaint along with the engineer's report.
Explain the risks to your safety and the neighbourhood.
Seek Assistance from Neighbours

Discuss the issue with neighbours who may also face similar risks.
A joint complaint may add weight to your request.
Engaging Legal Support

Consult a Legal Expert

Seek legal advice on rights related to unsafe living conditions.
Understand if you can compel the owner to take corrective action.
File a Grievance Through Legal Channels

If the owner remains uncooperative, file a complaint in the local court.
Highlight the risks posed by the property to public safety.
Explore Tenants’ Rights

If you are considered a tenant, check your rights under local tenancy laws.
Addressing Health and Safety Concerns

Identify Alternative Housing Options

Consider temporary relocation during the monsoon or cyclone season.
Reach out to family or friends for support in finding safer accommodation.
Ensure Emergency Preparedness

Keep essential documents and valuables in waterproof containers.
Prepare an emergency evacuation plan for heavy rains or cyclones.
Leverage Community Support

Seek help from local welfare organisations or senior citizen support groups.
Addressing Financial and Ownership Issues

Advise the Owner to Rectify Ownership Documents

Suggest updating the property title to her name.
This will enable her to access loans or financial assistance for repairs.
Propose Joint Renovation Efforts

Offer to share the cost of minor repairs to address immediate risks.
Discuss this as a temporary measure until she can afford full repairs.
Explore Government Assistance

Check if your municipality offers schemes for old or unsafe buildings.
Apply for support on behalf of the owner if necessary.
Final Insights

The current condition of the house requires urgent attention to prevent a disaster.

Document the issues thoroughly and involve local authorities for a resolution.

Seek legal and structural advice to protect yourself and your family.

Address health and safety concerns proactively to reduce risks during emergencies.

By taking these steps, you can manage this challenging situation effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.