Posted by John Merchant on April 14, 2006 at 15:57:11:
Utilities can force payment easier than that…all they have to do is cut off lights or water.
Since it’s illegal to live in a home or MH without them, it’s then illegal to live there under Health Code or ordinances.
I’ve found this an easy way to toss deadbeat tenants who weren’t even paying their utilities…I just notified health dept and the health inspector grabbed a cop, went to the door and ordered the T out before that T could trash (or further trash) the premises.
As I recall, despite TX HS laws, the U bills are going to show on the title and keep the S from selling until they’re paid.
Posted by dealmaker on April 12, 2006 at 20:51:53:
They’re possibly different in different states. Here in TX your HOMESTEAD, whether a 10 X 40 foot trailer on a small lot, or a 40 acre parcel with the “big house” from the TV show “Dallas” is your “homestead”. It’s therefor exempt from attachment for any reason other than failure to pay mortgage, or failure to pay “ad valorem” taxes.
We also have “homestead exemption” where you can get a break on your property taxes from the county ro school district.
Posted by roger - texas on April 15, 2006 at 19:46:14:
The Texas homestead exemption from seizure isn’t lost just for failure to pay a mortgage or ad valorem taxes. Encumbrances may be properly fixed on homesteads for: M&M liens, refinanceing, reverse mortgages and a couple of others.
Homesteads can also be up to 200 acres, 100 arces if you are single. And burial plots are also exempt.