Case Name: OSCAR OSTEEN, et ux. v. EMMA MATHEWS, etc., et al.
Court: Florida Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Florida
Decision Date: 1942-02-06
Citations: 149 Fla. 451
Docket Number: 
Parties: OSCAR OSTEEN, et ux. v. EMMA MATHEWS, etc., et al.
Judges: BROWN, C. J., WHITFIELD, TERRELL, BUFORD, CHAPMAN and THOMAS, JJ., concur.
Reporter: Florida Reports
Volume: 149
Pages: 451–452

Head Matter:
OSCAR OSTEEN, et ux. v. EMMA MATHEWS, etc., et al.
6 So. (2nd) 269
En Banc
February 6, 1942
Rehearing Denied February 28, 1942
Elmore Cohen, for petitioners.
Walter M. Rogers, for defendants.

Opinion:
ADAMS, J.:
This case comes here on petition for certiorari under Rule 24 to review an order striking parts of an answer.
The suit is to foreclose a mortgage. Defendant answered in effect that the suit should not be maintained for that. Plaintiff entered the mortgage premises under an agreement with defendant as owner of the fee whereby plaintiff was to occupy same and in return was to maintain same in a "fair condition until such time as defendant would determine otherwise;" that plaintiff entered under such agreement and subsequently purchased the mortgage here in suit. The question is, does plaintiff hold the mortgage for the use and benefit of defendant under the aforesaid agreement?
We find nothing in the alleged agreement to prevent plaintiff from purchasing the mortgage or to restrict his ownership in same when purchased. We know of no principle of law to prevent a tenant in possession from purchasing a lien on the leased premises.
It is ordered that the writ issue and the said order is quashed.
BROWN, C. J., WHITFIELD, TERRELL, BUFORD, CHAPMAN and THOMAS, JJ., concur.