How Much Notice Will You Receive If Your Property Is To Be Condemned?

By Lauren Wolff 2 years ago

If you have received a notice of land condemnation or your property being wanted for a public purpose, it means that a federal, state, or local government is seeking your property. The government has the power to do so, known as eminent domain. You might not know what to do when you first receive the notice. This is where an attorney can help. 

One of the things you should keep in mind is that the government entity seeking your property should send you enough notice or warning. There are certain steps they need to take; if they do not, you can take legal action. Speak to a Land condemnation lawyer in Hillsville if you believe your rights have been violated. 

What is an eminent domain?

Eminent domain is the power granted to governmental entities which allows them to seize private properties from the owners for public use. For example, the property could be used to build a public park, toilet, community center, etc. However, even though the government has these powers, the private property owner also has certain legal rights. 

It is important to educate yourself about these rights and protect them when the time comes to avoid being exploited. It can be a real concern for private property owners when their properties fall in the way of governmental work. There are various complications that might come your way. That is why it is recommended to speak to an attorney as soon as you receive the land condemnation notice. 

What is the process of land condemnation?

The government entity in Hillsville cannot simply show up at your door and ask you to vacate the property whenever it wants. There are certain steps to the process that it must adhere to. These include the following: 

  • Land condemnation notice: They must first send you a written notice of land condemnation through the mail, which should include information about the public purpose your property is taken for. According to the Fifth Amendment, private land can only be condemned for a public purpose. 
  • Making a bona fide offer: The entity will compensate you for taking the property. You should receive the appraisal reports of your property, which they will then use to make an offer. 
  • Opportunities to negotiate: Remember that you do not have to accept the first offer. During the negotiation process, you can request a larger compensation and even question the validity of the compensation offered. 

You will likely get a significant amount of time after receiving the land condemnation notice before you have to vacate the property. Speak to an attorney for expert guidance.