It's easy to get overwhelmed by property law, whatever country, state or legal system you look at. In this article we have collected some of the most curious and interesting legal provisions from some US states that are still valid today, and although they often seem unrealistic, remember that every legal provision has a history, a justification, and a social or historical circumstance that justified its creation!
In TEXAS, any improvements (whether completed or in progress) or appurtenances made to the property shown by the real estate agent become the property of the final buyer at the time of sale, unless otherwise agreed in the contract or the ownership of the property is specifically provided for. By "fixtures and fittings" we really mean everything inside and outside the property: from the shelves to the artwork on the wall and family photographs, to the sofa if it hasn't already been removed by the removal company, and even the temporary coat hanging in the hallway, if it was in the house at the time of the move-in, everything becomes the property of the new buyer!
If you're a Texas homeowner and you're in the process of selling your house, make sure you do a thorough cleanup before the first buyer walks in!
In the state of Arkansas, a bizarre law states that "not more than six women may live on the same property, regardless of their relationship". Certainly, the law is not flexible even if a family has five (or more) girl children and the mother is part of the family, since that brings the total to six.
As inhumane as this provision may seem, it is also beneficial to real estate agents, because if large families with offspring of daughters want to buy housing in Arkansas, they are forced to buy at least two properties because of the local law!
The number six seems to be the deciding factor in many cases in America with regard to legislation, a good example being RHODE ISLAND, where the paragraph states that no fence can be more than 6 feet (180 cm) high. Any higher than this is considered technically "defective" and as such is a trespassing condition. So, if you are moving to a town in beautiful Rhode Island with a garden house, we recommend that you choose your neighbours carefully, as there is no way to hide behind a high fence!
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Although San Francisco is in many ways a city with very liberal values, the city has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards potted possums. Unfortunately, in this colourful, vibrant city, it is illegal to keep pot plants outside the home or apartment - and if you do, public spaces inspectors can immediately throw them out and even fine you for breaking the rules. This provision is probably intended to prevent accidents, but that is only our assumption.
Weekend renovations and hobby DIYers are unlikely to have a good time in the state of NEW JERSEY. Here, it is illegal to do any exterior painting work on the facades of houses on Sundays, including windows, doors and fences (if they are painted). So if you have such a job, you'd better finish it by Saturday!
In the city of Valdron, WASHINGTON, there is a restriction on restrooms in houses. Here, the law strictly prohibits the creation of a second toilet, which is quite odd for American housing construction practices, where the average house will almost certainly have a second or even third bathroom.
Besides San Francisco, there is another place in America where certain things are not welcome outdoors. In Boulder, COLORADO, it is illegal to keep upholstered furniture on patios, porches, verandas, semi-covered parts of the house directly attached to the house. So if you want to spend a moonlit summer night chatting with friends, relaxing on a comfy couch, Boulder is definitely off the list of potential locations!
We hope the above will help anyone thinking of buying property in the US. And if you need real estate legal help in Hungary, feel free to contact our team!
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source: lightersideofrealestate.com
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