Home / Crime and Justice / Zero-Dollar Home Transfer Sparks Legal Battle
Zero-Dollar Home Transfer Sparks Legal Battle
14 Feb
Summary
- Homeowner signed deed for a loan, losing property title.
- Company claimed ownership for zero dollars via quit-claim deed.
- Court ruled no landlord-tenant relationship existed between parties.
A homeowner in Locust Grove, Georgia, found herself in a distressing situation after signing a quit-claim deed, transferring ownership of her home for zero dollars to T&T Properties Limited Inc. The homeowner, Jamie Norris, stated she signed the document believing it was solely for collateral on a loan to cover $6,850 in overdue property taxes.
National Consumer Law Center attorney Sarah Mancini warns against signing quit-claim deeds when seeking loans, noting it is a common tactic in foreclosure relief schemes where individuals aiming to help actually aim to seize ownership. T&T Properties' attorney, Ed Joyner, asserted the company acted within its rights, claiming the deed protected their investment without foreclosure.
T&T Properties later attempted to evict Norris, claiming she was a tenant delinquent on rent. However, a magistrate judge ruled against this, stating no landlord-tenant relationship existed. Norris reported being charged exorbitant interest, exceeding pawn shop rates, on the loan. Despite T&T's claim they would return the title upon loan payoff, they have filed again for eviction, now demanding over $12,000.
