Nuisance Abatement properties are growing concern for Municipalities, Cities and Counties across this great country of ours. This term refers properties and structures that are:
- Vacant
- Abandoned
- Foreclosed
- Probate
- Redevelopment
- Burned
- Occupied by homeless / squatters
Unsecured, unsafe, vacant buildings and structures can lead to instability and deterioration to the neighborhood. Most communities around the country have Nuisance Abatement properties.
Residential and commercial properties become vacant as a result of:
- Bank foreclosure
- Abandonment
- Failure to notify heirs of owners death
- Developers has not yet commenced work
What happens when a property appears vacant or abandoned?
- Homeless encampment
- Squatters occupy home
- Scammers attempt to take possession of property
- Scammers attempt to take ownership of property
- Trash and debris dumped on site
- Utilization by area gangs
- Property becomes a nuisance
- Crime increases
- Severe risk of fire with damage to neighboring structures, for which owner could be liable
- Property value of site and the surrounding neighborhood sharply declines
- Neighbors call the police or the city to complain
- City’s nuisance property abatement inspector arrives and inspects property
- City checks status of property, tracks down owner
- A fire occurs at the property
- Overgrown Vegetation
- Dilapidated
Nuisance abatement properties, structures, and vacant lots are often considered unsafe and deteriorating to the community, and can attract criminal activity that could pose a threat to the safety and welfare for the neighboring residents.
To improve neighborhood safety, the quality of life and solve safety concerns within the community. Most often, nuisance abatement programs are part of problem-oriented or community police programs. Most jurisdictions in the United States have bylaw enforcement officers – code enforcement bureau and units who deal with nuisance abatement.