Texas Landowner’s Bill of Rights

Texas Eminent Domain law requires the condemning authority (the government or authorized private entity wanting to take your property) to provide affected landowners with a copy of the Texas Landowner’s Bill of Rights.  The Texas Landowner’s Bill of Rights outlines your basic legal rights:

●          You are entitled to adequate compensation if your property is taken from you for a public use;

●          Your property can only be taken for a public use;

●          Your property can only be taken by either a governmental entity (such as a city or county) or by a private entity (such as a utility company) authorized by law to do so;

●          The entity wanting your property must notify you about its interest in taking your property;

●          The entity wanting your property must give you its assessment of the adequate compensation for your property;

●          The entity wanting your property must make you a good faith offer to buy the property before it can file a lawsuit to condemn the property;

●          You have the right to hire an appraiser or other professional to determine the value of your property or to assist you in a condemnation proceeding;

●          You have the right to hire an attorney to negotiate with the entity wanting your property and to represent you in any related legal proceedings;

●          You have the right to a hearing before a court-appointed panel of three special commissioners before your property is condemned;