Facing the loss of your property through eminent domain can be deeply unsettling. Whether the land is tied to personal history or represents a significant investment, learning that the government wants to take it for public use often raises questions about your rights...
Eminent Domain
When are real estate owners at risk of condemnation?
There are only a handful of scenarios in which outside parties can theoretically interfere in real property ownership. Mortgage lenders and other lienholders can sometimes foreclose on the property. It is also possible for certain parties, including local government...
Will eminent domain be used in the new city of Starbase?
Starbase has just been officially incorporated as a Texas city, with an overwhelming vote by those who live in the area of Cameron County that surrounds Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket testing and launch facility. Some of the city’s residents (over half of whom work at...
Understanding the two main types of inverse condemnation
When government actions significantly impact your property value without proper compensation, inverse condemnation becomes your legal remedy. This occurs when authorities take or damage your property's economic value through various means, effectively constituting a...
3 tactics to protect real property in an eminent domain scenario
Both individuals and businesses can acquire real property holdings. Those who legally acquire real property and fulfill all of their obligations, including paying taxes, should be able to retain ownership and control over the property indefinitely. Unfortunately,...
What does a notice of eminent domain mean for property owners?
Eminent domain gives the government the power to take private property for public use, but this authority comes with strict legal obligations. Before any property can be seized, the government must provide the owner with clear, formal notice of its intent. This...
The impact of eminent domain on deed restrictions and covenants
Eminent domain is a powerful tool that lets the government take private property for public use. This can greatly affect deed restrictions and covenants, and property owners in Texas need to be aware of these effects. Deed restrictions and covenants are private deals...
Can historic buildings survive modern eminent domain?
Historic buildings often face challenges when cities grow and change. Government projects can threaten these important structures through a process called eminent domain. However, if you own a historic building, there are ways to protect it. Texas law provides you...
5 common challenges in eminent domain cases
Eminent domain cases present unique challenges for property owners in Texas. When the government exercises its right to acquire private property for public use, owners often face complex issues that require careful navigation. Understanding these common challenges can...
Can I reverse an eminent domain claim?
The government's power to take private property for public use often makes property owners feel helpless. In Texas, eminent domain claims can be incredibly challenging. However, property owners have rights and options to fight these claims. Understanding the process...