Owners of Foreclosed Homes can no longer blight your Los Angeles Neighborhood
Have a blighted home in your neighborhood? Perhaps the lawn hasn’t been mowed in months, the pool is green, there is debris all over the yard or it is just a mess.
As of July 8, 2008, those that own residential property taken back in foreclosure must (by law) maintain the exterior of the vacant property.
Violations include: (1) allowing excessive foliage growth that diminishes the value of surrounding properties; (2) failing to take action against trespassers or squatters; (3) failing to take action to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in standing water; or, (4) allowing other public nuisances.
PENALTIES: A fine can be assessed after the owner has been provided notice and an opportunity to remedy the violation; and been given at least 14 days to begin, and 30 days to complete, any corrective work. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $1,000 per day for any violation.
If you have such a home in your neighborhood, you might send a letter to the Realtor and the lender owner. In the letter you might mention the law. But remember the property must have completed the foreclosure process and it must be vacant.
Read here for Los Angeles foreclosure timeline
We are all in this together. If we go out of our way to do the best we can, including helping take care of our own neighborhoods, life will be better for each of us. All the Best, Floyd
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Floyd, I can't believe how long I have known you!
You are a wonder representative of your (mortgage) profession. If more members of the mortgage banking field boasted your expertise and ethics, we wouldn't be in this mess.
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