What can we do if our neighbors have not kept up their home and are decreasing the property values of the neighborhood?
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What can we do if our neighbors have not kept up their home and are decreasing the property values of the neighborhood?
Our neighbors own their home outright but they do not pay property taxes. In fact, they have not
paid property taxes for the past 5 years. However, someone else paid the taxes for the first 2 years that they defaulted; the past 3 years have not been paid at all. This home is in disarray and ruining the property values of our neighborhood. Is it possible to put this house in foreclosure or somehow take it away from the current owners since they have not paid their taxes?
Asked on August 2, 2017 under Real Estate Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You (and your other neighbors cannot) put the house into foreclosure for nonpayment of taxes; taxes are between the homeowner and the government. However, the government unit or entity which has not received its taxes (e.g. your town or city) can foreclose for nonpayment of taxes. You can contact your town government about the matter and the blight and see if they will take action, but you cannot compel them to--all you can do is try to persuade them to act.
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