Q: A house has been taken by the city for condemnation, am I subject to civil act from the previous owner for ground rent?
I’m the new purchaser but my title company won’t clear the title because of a ground rent deed from 1967. Even though the property was taken by Baltimore City and the previous owner was paid simple fee for it.
A: Ground rents in Baltimore City are a particular PITA, and, even though I am a real estate lawyer, a title agent, and a former real estate broker, I would not touch the issue without reviewing the abstract, reviewing with underwriter's counsel who had special knowledge of Baltimore ground rents, and then following the instructions to the letter. I'm not even sure that a Complaint to Quiet Title fixes some problems. I'm guessing you bought the foreclosure or condemnation title, and those are no recourse quitclaims. Get yourself a decent lawyer and put no money into renovation until you know that you will get an insurable title.
Thomas C. Valkenet agrees with this answer
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
