If you’re involved in real estate, rent a home, or own a business,
you may be familiar with your state or city’s real estate laws.
Real estate laws have a long history, and stem from the ownership of property
by the ruling class, or a monarch in the feudal system. Hundreds of years
ago, only the most powerful groups and individuals had the rights to own
property and land.
Common types of laws include landlord and tenant agreements, land use laws,
property taxes, and foreclosure laws. While many of them make logical
sense, there are a few real estate laws out there that seem random and
strange, but were created for a reason, and are still enforced.
Boulder, Colorado
In Boulder, as well as other cities such as Lincoln, Nebraska, there is
a law against having couches on your porch. The law also prevents leaving
any upholstered chairs or mattresses in your yard or on the porch of your
home, and stems from a habit of college students setting furniture on
fire outside.
Walnut, California
In the city of Walnut, it is illegal for you to put dirt, sand, rocks,
or cement on your property, as well as trash and dead animal carcasses.
Many people don’t understand the ban on cement and rock, as it’s
common for homeowners to resort to cement backyards as an eco-friendly
option to grass that requires watering.
Michigan
Since 1989, the last Sunday of each June is known as log cabin day, which
was passed to celebrate the state’s history. On this day in Michigan,
you can attend log cabin festivals, go on tours of historic log cabins,
and even buy your own, if you’re in the holiday spirit.
Aspen, Colorado
In this snowy city, it’s illegal to throw snowballs at public or
private property, including your own home, as well as at any person.
Ridgeland, Mississippi
In the city of Ridgeland, it’s illegal to install burglar bars outside
your windows. However, you’re allowed to put them on the inside.
Waldron Island, Washington
Located in Puget Sound, this island has banned buildings from having more
than two toilets. This law, while humorous, is a part of an effort to
limit development on the island and prevent it from becoming overcrowded.
Knowledgeable in California Real Estate Law
At Allen, Semelsburger & Kaelin LLP, our real estate law attorneys
have helped protect clients for more than 25 years in complex situations
including rent control disputes, restrictive zoning issues, and owners
who have purchased properties with shoddy construction. Our skilled attorneys
have been able to recover damages that are as high as $95 million. Whether
you’re a mobile resident, home renter, or business owner, no case
is too simple or complex for our team to handle. We’re confident
in our ability to handle disputes and achieve the results you desire.
Call Allen, Semelsberger & Kaelin LLP at {F:P:Site:Phone}, or contact us onlineto receive legal counsel in your real estate matters. Our team of real
estate lawyers is available to help you, whether you’re a resident,
homeowner, or municipality.