A big number of foreclosed federal homes and bank-owned properties are left vacant for long periods of time, particularly when ownership of the mortgage is not clearly established and identifying who is responsible for maintaining the properties is difficult. In most areas, these abandoned properties are demolished, mainly because they contribute to neighborhood blight.

In some communities however, the call for demolition can be prompted by worries over the hazardous effects of ill-maintained properties on public health. Some properties under foreclosure listings in Oklahoma City have been left empty for years and one of these is an apartment complex in Del City. There have been requests to have the property demolished, but the reason has more to do with health, rather than neighborhood blight.

Local reports have revealed that health officials have recommended the demolition of this property which is currently under Oklahoma foreclosure list. The building was reportedly foreclosed on in 2008 and has been empty since 2009. According to local health officials, the complex is a health hazard, with the structure damaged by fires and pools of dirty water accumulating in the premises. City officials have reportedly requested that the building be demolished, but the request has been denied due to the ongoing process of foreclosure.

Some housing market observers assert that empty bank foreclosed buildings and distressed federal homes, aside from causing community blight and contributing to lowering the values of nearby properties; often pose health risks to the public. In the case of the Eagle Point Apartments in Del City, several fires have reportedly occurred in the premises, which effectively damaged the property. There had been no repairs made, according to local reports.

A number of residents believe that the fires were caused by transients or people squatting in the empty building, which is often the case in empty homes and buildings under foreclosed property listings, particularly when their owners fail to make any move to maintain them. City officials also said that the dilapidated apartment property can be a danger to children who might decide to play in the area, especially since it has been left unsecured and anyone can easily enter.

Health experts have stated that the case is just one example of the many dangers posed by abandoned foreclosed federal homes and vacant bank owned properties to the public. They argued that either owners of these foreclosed real estate are made responsible in maintaining them or they should be demolished.

Similar Posts:

Share