Nott v. Owen , 86 Me. 98 ( 1893 )

Peters, C. J.

The plaintiif, representing the ownership of one undivided quarter of a store, had rented his quarter at the-same rate that the other quarters were rented, there being separate contracts between the different owners and the tenant.. Becoming dissatisfied with the amount of rent so received he-undertook to terminate the tenancy as far as his undivided quarter was concerned, and notified the tenant that if he-occupied his share of the promises after a certain date the rent would he at an increased rate, and that the tenant’s continued occupation would be regarded as an acceptance on his part of the neuv terms proposed. As the tenant did not acquiesce in. the proposal of the plaintiff, this suit is brought- to recover the* amount of rent claimed by the plaintiif, the defendant persisting-in a continued occupation of the whole property in pursuance of contracts with the other owners.

The plaintiff’s proposition that the tenant cannot rightfully occupy the store at all unless there be an agreement with him for the occupancy of his one quarter is far from tenable. Were he a sole owner he could manage his own property in his own ■way. But as an owner of property in common with other owners he is not entitled to dictate the management of their interests, as well as his own, without their consent. The error of the plaintiff lies in regarding the tenant as in possession of the store under some agreement with him. The defendant is forbidden by the plaintiff to be his tenant. He is occupying the premises by virtue of an agreement with the other owners, and in occupying their undivided shares he necessarily occupies the whole store. And for the beneficial use of the plaintiff’s share of the same he becomes liable to pay him a reasonable rent therefor.

Were it otherwise any tenant in common would have the power by his perverseness to actually destroy the valuable use of the common property. The plaintiff is really in more controversy with his co-owners than with the occupant of the store. The law frowns upon the idea of any such despotic power being possessed by an owner in common over the common property.

The plaintiff has already received rent at the same rate as that received by his co-owners, which he credits in partial payment of his claim ; while we think it should be in full satisfaction thereof. He has already received a reasonable rent.

Plaintiff nonsuit.