If I pay the delinquent property taxes on the house I'm renting do I acquire the property if I am not repaid?

Question

My landlord has apparently abandoned the property that I am renting. I was in the process of finding another dwelling when I recieved papers in the mail stating that he is being sued for non payment of property taxes dating back to 2005! The paper also stated that payment arrangements can be made in order to avoid court proceedings. If I pay the taxes is it correct that he has 90-120 days to repay me or he forfiets the property over to me?

Answer 1

Hi:
I'm a collector of delinquent taxes in a small town in Vermont. Rules differ from state to state, but the way it works in VT is if the delinquent tax payer does not respond to what they owe and then there is a tax sale [I generally try to use a tax sale as a last resort]. At the tax sale, potential buyers bid on the property. Assuming it is sold [or the town buys it, if there are no bidders], then the homeowner has 365 days in which to redeem [and pays 1.5% interest per month]. If they pay the various fees they get the property back. 97% of the time homeowners redeem [not sure of the figure for rental properties].
No doubt rules are different for your state, but before spending $ on an attorney, I'd contact a town official who handles these matters. Odds are the person you need to speak to is on the notice you saw about the overdue taxes [at least that's how it works here].
good luck,
Marshall G.

Answer 2

You can't just walk in and pay the taxes and acquire ownership. You'd have to wait for a tax sale and bid against any and all other interested parties. High bidder wins.

In some states the former owner would have a redemption period where they could pay you back with interest and get their deed back. The timeframes depend upon state law. In other states, once it's sold at auction for back taxes, it's all over for the prior owner.

You should consult with a local real estate attorney to see what the local laws and procedures are.

Answer 3

This is a very tricky situation, and you need to get the advice of an attorney. If you were to pay the property taxes, you need to ask yourself some more questions like how much is owed on the property (mortgage)? Who is handling the paperwork (bank, finance company)? What problems will arise with your landlord if you pay these taxes? There is much to consider and I hope you will seek legal advice.

Answer 4

you're allowed to pay them, yet you will earnings no good to acquire the valuables. Many states & counties sell "tax certificates" at public sale as quickly as they grow to be antisocial. Such tax certificates carry the the main suitable option to foreclose after a definite era. so which you are able to acquire such an activity you are going to be able to desire to get carry of the tax certificates contained in direction of the technique. If taxes are already antisocial back to 2005, somebody has probable already offered the tax certificates for '05 & perhaps '06. you are able to, in case you desire, purchase the '05 cert. from whoever has it in the event that they'll sell & then bid on the '06 (or '07). Or, you are able to in simple terms ignore it. foreclosure of tax certs take time & you have been searching for something else besides. additionally, if there's a loan on the area, the loan holder will probable in simple terms step in & pay each and all the taxes & foreclose, taking certainly everyone else out.

Answer 5

Where in the world did you hear that from? That's not normally what happens, but since I don't know the state you live in, I don't know what the real estate rules are. Which is really where you should be asking this question in, not in taxes. Your question has more to do with real estate rules, not property taxes. This section is more to deal with income taxes.

Answer 6

Wow, that is a tough one. I would not do anything of the sort without contacting a leagal professional. Tell them the whole story and take the letter to them. Good luck.