On a twin home owned by 2 who pays for the roof and siding?

[Jeremy Karja]

Hi BP,

If I buy one side of a twin home and the other side is owned by someone else and there is no association.  Who pays for the roof and siding if they need replacing?  Can you insure 50% of a roof and siding or who pays the insurance or rather how?

Thanks!

Jeremy

[Charlie MacPherson]

@Jeremy Karja You have stumbled upon the main reason that I actively steer buyers away from duplexes where they’re not going to own both sides.

You’re going to have to work this out with your neighbor.  I’d advise you to put whatever agreement you come to in writing and get it notarized.  That way you both have a fallback position in the event of a dispute.

You should not only discuss repairs, but also insurance, maintenance (i.e. pumping the septic, sealing a shared driveway, etc) and landscaping.

Ultimately, I’d see if you could buy his side and own both.

Good luck!