My son and daughter in law had me move in with them 2 years ago.They made me sell my car when we moved to Washington and left me with no transportation. I can't get them to take me anywhere unless I make arrangements with them in advance. I have been paying rent for my room and I pay gas and electric plus all my own bills including paying for my own food. My son has been paying house payment and cable (including internet). He has now given me a lease agreement that I must sign and also wants me continue paying my rent, utilities, my own bills and now one third of the cable and internet. He has now told me I must vacate myself and all of my belongings by the end of the month because I won't sign the lease. I am on a fixed income (social security) and don't know what to do. Any advice?
From your post it looks like the only change is paying 1/3 of the internet and cable bill. Is the extra so onerous that you decided not to sign a lease? How much would it cost you to live on your own? Are you paying the full amount of the gas and electric bills or 1/3?
I do not know why you agreed to sell your car, but it is unreasonable for you to expect your family to drop everything to drive you places. Just as it was unreasonable for my teens to expect me to drop everything to drive them somewhere (except in an emergency). Most communities have some form of seniors transport. Grocery stores deliver, taxis can be called.
How long ago did he present you with the lease? What are the tenancy rights in your state? If he told you today that you have to be out in 10 days, that does not seem fair or legal.
Just about EVERY place has senior housing where rents are based upon income. Can you call your county office of aging and see what is available in your area. There may be a waiting list but add your name to it even if it seems impossibly long.
Do you have other children? Friends? Many areas have transportation services that may help you get around. How old are you? Any health issues?
It appears that you went along with your son's game plan. Are there additional pieces of information that would give us a clearer picture? For example, if you are 78, no health issues and paying $100/month rent ---- I would view the situation differently than if you are 62,paying $600/month rent. Are there other assets? What happened to the proceeds of the car sale?
The Lease is an excellent idea, as others above have noted that if in the future you should need to apply for Medicaid [which is different from Medicare] the Lease will show proof that you were paying your son money for rent, and not as a "gift". I realize all of this is new so so many people who are not familiar with the workings of Medicaid.
What was the reason for selling the car? Was the cost of transporting the car by truck would have been too expensive? I could see that happening. Maybe there is a reason that your son prefers that you not drive. Have you asked him?
That doesn't mean that it isn't a good idea for you all, as a family, to have everything down on paper - it IS a good idea for everyone to be certain of where they stand. This would also be a good time for you to discuss contingency plans for the future, such as what happens should you begin to need more support with things such as personal care.
But from what you describe, he's lost patience and is now going about things in a rather overbearing way. Don't let yourself be bullied; indeed, tell him that you won't allow yourself to be bullied. If you can't afford a lawyer or an elder care advisor, contact your Area Agency on Aging (or equivalent) and ask them to point you in the right direction.
And while you're on the phone to them, ask them if they know of any transportation services for elders that you might be able to access.