An abandoned property can get a new life

The law defines it as any abandoned structure or abandoned, barren or vacant lot that is unfit for human habitation or use because it is in ruinous condition, in disrepair or has construction defects, or that is harmful to public health or safety. And not every neglected property qualifies: it becomes a public nuisance when the municipality formally declares it, after notice and the opportunity for a hearing.

No. Since Law 97-2026, a structure occupied as the principal residence of a possessor exercising dominion over the property is not considered a public nuisance. Note: that exclusion applies to the nuisance declaration; an occupied but inadequate dwelling can be addressed under a separate regime of the Code (Arts. 4.015 to 4.020) in municipalities that have adopted it by ordinance.

Yes. If the municipality declared it a public nuisance, there are three paths to acquire it legally: the letter of intent (Art. 4.012), the summary procedure (Art. 4.012A), and the expropriation-and-public-auction model (Arts. 2.018 and 2.021). Which one applies depends on your municipality and the property.

It depends on the path. With the letter of intent you deposit the property's appraised value plus 10% for the costs and fees of the procedure. At an auction, bidding sets the price. In the summary procedure, first option goes to people with limited opportunities in the traditional market; you don't need to be an investor. Budget also for the rehabilitation work, which is on you.

You have concrete rights and deadlines: 30 days from notice to oppose and request a hearing before an Examining Officer, and, when the order allows it, terms to repair (no longer than 30 days, with limited extensions). If the municipality ends up doing the work, quarterly fines of $1,000 to $5,000 follow. Acting in time is what matters most.

Yes, but the inheritance has to be settled first, and the clock matters: if the property was already declared a public nuisance, heirs have 3 years from that declaration (not from the death) to come forward and claim it before it can end up belonging to the municipality. We explain where to start.

The law requires every municipality to publish its inventory and update it quarterly, but most still don't. We publish what exists, and the data grows every week. You can help by reporting abandoned properties in your area.

We are not the government: we are an independent citizen initiative. We gather official data that lives scattered around (legal notices, CRIM, municipal postings) and present it for free. Browsing the inventory and generating your letter of intent costs nothing.