Inheriting a home can feel like a blessing, but it often turns into a nightmare when one family member refuses to cooperate. A common problem occurs when a sibling or relative moves into the inherited home, refuses to sell, and doesn’t contribute to property expenses. Meanwhile, the other heirs are left paying taxes, insurance, and maintenance — with no benefit.
If you’ve inherited a house with an uncooperative family member, Talkov Law’s partition attorneys can help you protect your rights. Call (877) PARTITION (727-8484) today.
The Problem: One Family Member Living Rent-Free
Disputes over inherited property frequently follow a predictable pattern. One sibling may take possession of the home and refuse to vacate, while declining to pay rent despite the ownership rights of the other heirs.
Essential expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and mortgage payments are often shouldered by only some family members, creating financial strain and resentment.
In some cases, the occupying heir’s refusal to cooperate leads the others to consider evicting a sibling from an inherited home, but eviction actions between co-owners are rarely straightforward and often do not provide a lasting solution.
Efforts to sell the property may then be obstructed by the occupying heir, leaving the remaining co-owners unable to access the value of their rightful inheritance.
Can My Sibling Refuse to Sell an Inherited House?
In California, no co-owner can be forced to stay on the title of a property against their will.
Even if your sibling insists on “keeping the family home” or refuses to sign off on a sale, the law provides a clear remedy through a partition action.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 872.210, any co-owner — even one with a small ownership interest — has the absolute right to request partition. The court can then order the sale of the property so all heirs receive their fair share of the inheritance.
This means:
- Your sibling cannot permanently block a sale.
- If they live in the home, the court may order them to pay rent to the other heirs.
- If you’ve been covering property costs, you may be reimbursed before proceeds are divided.
In other words, the law prevents one heir from unfairly benefiting at the expense of others.
The Legal Solution: Partition Actions in California
California law gives every co-owner the right to force the sale of inherited property through a partition action under Code of Civil Procedure § 872.210. This means:
- No family member can hold the property hostage.
- The court can order the property sold and divide proceeds fairly.
- The court may also order reimbursement for heirs who paid more than their share of property expenses.
- If one heir has been living in the home rent-free while excluding others, the court may award “ouster damages,” essentially requiring them to pay rent to the other co-owners.
Why Partition Is Often Necessary in Inheritance Disputes
Family homes carry deep emotions, but when one heir refuses to cooperate, the others should not be forced to sacrifice their inheritance. A partition action ensures that:
- The property is sold at fair market value.
- All heirs receive their rightful portion of the proceeds.
- Contributions toward taxes, mortgage, and upkeep are accounted for.
- The court enforces fairness, even when one family member resists.
Protecting Your Inheritance with Talkov Law
At Talkov Law Partition Attorneys, we regularly represent heirs facing uncooperative siblings and relatives in inherited property disputes. We understand the family dynamics and the legal complexities of partition actions. Our attorneys handle the legal process from start to finish, ensuring you receive the value you’re entitled to from your inheritance.
Don’t let a family member live rent-free while you foot the bill. Call Talkov Law at (877) PARTITION (727-8484) to speak with an experienced partition attorney today.
