Who do I contact to find out if the property across from my house has been abandoned?

Full question:

Who do I contact to find out if the property across from my house has been abandoned?

Answer:

A court generally must declare property to be abandoned as far as real property is concerned. When deciding whether property has been abandoned, the court must consider the nature of the property, the acts and conduct of the parties in relation to the property, and other surrounding circumstances. "Abandonment" of property is a technical legal concept requiring evidence of a specific intent to relinquish a known right. The party seeking to declare an abandonment must prove that the abandoning party intended to do so. Proof of the intent to abandon requires an inquiry into the facts and circumstances. Intention to abandon may be inferred from the acts and conduct of the owner and from the nature and situation of the property.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In California, property is generally considered abandoned if the owner has not occupied it for a significant period, typically over five years. However, specific circumstances can vary. For example, if the owner has not paid property taxes for five years, it may lead to a tax sale, which can be an indicator of abandonment. Always check local laws and regulations for precise definitions and procedures regarding abandoned property.