Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Abused property

I am looking for information. I have a neighbor who has not lived in the house since 1989. The land is a garbage dump and the house is boarded up and falling apart, and a fox living in the dwelling.

I believe he owes some taxes. I would like to obtain the land or some. What legal options do I have? There is a large 275 gallon propane tank in the yard rusting away and leaf/yard clippings the neighbors throw there. I believe it is a fire hazard. He does not reply to letters or phone calls. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.


Asked on 4/18/06, 2:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Postl Burkinshaw Law Offices, P.C.

Re: Abused property

You can get information about the property from the county registry of deeds. The information may or may not be available online- if you go to http://www.masslandrecords.com/malr/index.htm and select the county you may be able to search the land records. If the owner has not paid the taxes, the property could be auctioned at some point in the future. You could bring a nuisance action against the owner to get the property cleaned up but that would be expensive and probably not productive. Finally, you might call your local representative (city councillor, etc) and get him to contact the appropriate town departments to take some action regarding the property.

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Answered on 4/18/06, 3:45 pm


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