Evelyn Britton, a homeowner in her 80s, has been hit with daily $250 fines for code violations on her property, resulting in a total bill of over $1.1 million. The violations include excessive trash and debris outside her home, an unkempt yard, and abandoned cars. Despite her son’s insistence that he has taken action to address the issues, county officials maintain that the property’s condition has steadily declined.
Britton has been given until May 23 to take action or face further intervention from the county, including the potential demolition of her home. The county claims that a lien was placed on the property in 2011 for alleged code breaches and that efforts to resolve the issue have been unsuccessful.
Legal experts advise homeowners to promptly address any liens placed on their properties to avoid escalation and potential foreclosure. Homeowners who dispute liens should consult an attorney to protect their legal rights and prevent the loss of their property.
In addition to liens from mortgage lenders, homeowners within homeowners association (HOA) communities are also at risk of foreclosure if they fall behind on fees. HOAs can place liens on properties and auction them to reclaim unpaid funds, and the sale price may not reflect the property’s true value.
Britton’s case highlights the importance of maintaining one’s property and adhering to local regulations to avoid costly penalties and legal repercussions.
