Q: Is it illegal for the city to demolish a house I bought without contacting me?
The city demolished my house and did not contact me first. The house that I was in the process of refurbishing was knocked down before I was made aware. Now, I believe the city has a lien on my property for the demolition that I did not authorize. I was in the process of buying the property when the work order was sent out to the old owner at the address of the property but she didn’t get it because she doesn’t live there and it went back to city hall. I know this because I saw a copy of the returned letter when I went to city hall . The city failed to check and see if the property had changed owners or if anyone at all knew they were about to demolish the house.
A: In almost all instances, the city is required to notify the "record owner" reflected in the official deed records at the address on file in the official records. If the owner moved, it is incumbent on him/her to timely change the address in the official records. If you were "in the process of buying the property" but had not yet completed the purchase and recorded the deed, you most likely were not entitled to notice from the city.
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.
