Healthy Living

What’s a tangled title?

If you live in a home but your name isn’t on the deed, you may have a tangled title. This can create legal and financial challenges, but help is available. 

Tangled title

Tangled titles happen when a person has a legal interest in a home in which they live but their name is not on the deed. People with tangled titles may face a variety of legal issues or barriers to access programs and services because the title to their home is not in their name. 

A tangled title can happen if: 

  • A relative owned the house in which a family member lives, and that relative (whose name is on the deed) has passed away. 
  • A surviving heir to the home currently lives in the home, but their name is not on the deed, and the owner has moved or passed away. 
  • An occupant lives in the home, and their name is not on the deed. 
  • A prospective homeowner enters into a rent-to-own agreement (also called a lease purchase agreement or an installment land contract) to buy the house and has paid all or some of the purchase price, but the prospective homeowner’s name is not on the deed. 

Having your name on your home’s title allows you to: 

  • Apply for a mortgage, refinance a mortgage, or apply for a home equity loan. 
  • Negotiate with the city or a utility company about taxes or bills. 
  • Apply for grants from the city to make necessary home repairs. 
  • Obtain or change homeowner’s insurance on the property. 
  • Leave the home to a family member or loved one in case of death. 
  • Sell the home. 

That’s why the city of Philadelphia’s Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has partnered with community groups across the city to increase awareness and provide services for those facing tangled title issues. If you need help with a tangled title, please visit phillyvip.org/tangled-title-fund/, call 215-523-9553, or email tangledtitlefund@gmail.com. 

This program is funded by DHCD, PHDC, and the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative (NPI). 

How to keep home energy costs down 

Follow these tips to save money while keeping your home warm: 

  • Keep windows and doors to the outside closed, and keep gaps sealed. 
  • Keep doors closed to rooms you aren’t using. 
  • Open blinds to let sunlight warm your home. 
  • Set your thermostat to the recommended temp (around 68 degrees). 
  • Insulate your home. 
  • Remove any clutter near your heater. 

This article is made available for educational purposes only and does not provide specific legal advice. This article should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney.

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