Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Iowa

Hello. My in-laws own and live in a home on the verge of being condemned. They received a citation to appear in court and are required to replace their roof. Problem: time line and money. Also, the roof is only part of the problem. The place is a money pit: needs new siding, porch replace, foundation is crumbling, toilet sits at a 15 degree angle in the bathroom because of problems with floor, walls cracked from foundation problems. The home is paid for but they have a 2nd mortgage/loan of some kind against the house. What can they do? What is their liability if it's condemned? Can they sell the property as is? I'm afraid now that the city is finally slapping them with a citation they will start getting one after the other and this house is literally done. Not worth that kind of money. If they city condemns and say it needs to be knocked down, are my in-laws going to have to foot the bill? Do they still own the property once condemned or does the city seize that? Council Bluffs, Iowa


Asked on 8/19/09, 10:31 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

If they do not repair the house the city will have it declared a nuisance and will bulldoze it and send them the bill. Your relatives will still own the lot that the house is sited on.

I would think that even if the house is torn down they will still be liable on the note they took out against the place. I would suggest that they contact their lender and let them know what the situation with the property is.

Read more
Answered on 8/19/09, 11:54 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Iowa