Vacant, uninhabitable homes and real estate properties are a common sight throughout Miami-Dade. In many cases, deteriorating homes are condemned by the city or state and are reclaimed for public use. However, you may find your own property the subject of condemnation against your will. If you do not wish to sell your property to the government, it may turn into a real estate dispute.
Why would the city condemn your property and seize it from you? According to the Cornell University Law School Legal Information Institute, property condemnation is sometimes known as “eminent domain,” and may occur when your local government needs the area for a road expansion, railroad project or construction of public buildings. In rarer cases, if the city deems an area to have a serious housing shortage, it may seize your property to use for an apartment or condominium complex. When the government enacts eminent domain, you are entitled to the fair market value of the property as compensation.
You might also face condemnation if your property is deemed uninhabitable. This might occur as a result of neglect, but could also happen in a severe flood, sinkhole or other disaster.
You have the right to have your side considered in a hearing if you dispute the government’s attempts to take your property. A residential property dispute like this is often complicated, however. This information is not meant to be taken as legal advice, but is intended to give you a more in-depth knowledge on eminent domain laws.
