Question

Help/ advice needed.  My mother who has beginning stages of dementia unknowingly signed a lease agreement at an apartment complex (she thought she was just filling out intake papers) and now they are refusing to let her out of it.Help/ advice needed. My mother who has beginning stages of dementia unknowingly signed a lease agreement at an apartment complex (she thought she was just filling out intake papers) and now they are refusing to let her out of it. Glenmur apartments near 95th. Any advice? Do I need a lawyer?  

Answer 1

Get a doctors note that proves she has dementia. Then if they don’t listen get a free consultation with a lawyer.  

Answer 2

That’s so sad.  

Answer 3

Does she have a well that gives anyone legal power over her health or financial aspects that might be a way out of it but I’m not a lawyer

Comments

@ishtar she does not. She lives with my dad who is of sound mind but she went without him ‍♀️

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@mew3047 sounds like they both could use power of attorney for health care and living will, lawyer can help or any hospital or doctors office has a shorter form.  

Answer 4

First - make sure she has a power of attorney set up. Do this before you have any lawyer indicate she is not capable of making decisions. If that is already established, you may need a lawyer as well as a letter form her doctor that she is not capable of making decision.  

Answer 5

That is absolutely disgusting of them. I’m so sorry! Lawyer up right away!  

Answer 6

You may want to start at DuPage County Senior Services; free advice. BUT really agree with the Power of Atty as a first step.  

Answer 7

Yes, see a lawyer, I think dementia is a type of mental handicap and see a lawyer.  

Answer 8

Hmm. This sounds tricky. Have a lawyer write a letter on her behalf?  

Answer 9

I’ll PM you.  

Answer 10

Oh @mew3047 I'm so sorry to hear this

Answer 11

Very sad that this whomever runs complex is a complete a—hole w no compassion.  

Answer 12

I agree with Nikki, get the doctors letter and meet with landlord and then seek legal advice if that doesn’t work. Also on the previous leases, did she sign them solely, did your dad or both. That could also factor in.  

Comments

@lepidopteran they own a house, they have never rented ‍♀️. She was just looking around with no intention to rent anything

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@mew3047 did she leave any deposit money?  

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@lepidopteran yes she did ‍♀️ and when I questioned her about it she said she thought she had to in order to see the place. I can’t even begin to understand what was going on in her head at this time

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On one hand it looks bad for us but on the other hand it shows how completely confused she was  

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@mew3047 that’s the hard part about a loved one with early stages. My mom has done things and we just shake our head. Praying you get this settled.  

Answer 13

What jerks! Glad you are sharing to show the quality of their company! I think all the above steps will help.  

Answer 14

There is a law for that, google it and email it to the leasing office. this is time to look into filing to take over her financial and signing privileges

Answer 15

Horrible! So sorry! My dad passed recently also had dementia. The laws are tricky here. honestly not sure much can be done. If she didn’t have a POA set up for her finances AND a POA for health PRIOR to signing, its unlikely to get out of the contract. Did she have any docu. from her doc sating she’s unable to make descions- what stage on dementia she has or whatever ? &How did she get there? I assume she drove. This will also work against her here. Consult a lawyer, maybe just having a lawyer call on her behalf threatening litigation or lawsuit will work. Def get a POA (for health & $) ASAP to prevent future issues. Best of luck

Answer 16

Lawyer for sure. I’m in the insurance industry and when signing documents the insured must be in a competent state of mind to make decisions (mentally/medically capable of making decisions, not under the influence, etc) I would assume this goes for signing other important documents such as leases. I bet that a lawyer can help you get of this. They obviously didn’t verbally explain this to your mother. I hope you don’t have to fight them on this too much once you get a lawyer. I’m sorry this happened to her!