Tex. Loc. Gov't Code Ann. ch. 214 (subchs. A, B, C, G, H, I, Z) § 214.004
SEIZURE AND SALE OF PROPERTY TO RECOVER EXPENSES.
Operative Text
Sec. 214.004. SEIZURE AND SALE OF PROPERTY TO RECOVER EXPENSES. A Type A general-law municipality or home-rule municipality may foreclose a lien on property under this subchapter:(1) in a proceeding relating to the property brought under Subchapter E, Chapter 33, Tax Code; or(2) in a judicial proceeding, if:(A) a building or other structure on the property has been demolished;(B) a lien for the cost of the demolition of the building or other structure on the property has been created and that cost has not been paid more than 180 days after the date the lien was filed; and(C) ad valorem taxes are delinquent on all or part of the property. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 1017, Sec. 5, eff. Aug. 28, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 470, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1997.
Under Texas Local Government Code § 214.004, certain Texas municipalities have the authority to place a lien on property to recover the costs of demolishing a substandard building and, under specific conditions, to foreclose that lien and force a sale of the property. Foreclosure can proceed either through a tax-lien proceeding under the Tax Code or through a separate judicial action, but only when the demolition lien has gone unpaid for more than 180 days and the property also has delinquent ad valorem taxes. This provision gives municipalities a legal mechanism to recoup public funds spent on demolition when property owners do not voluntarily pay.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners subject to a municipal demolition order in Texas should be aware that § 214.004 gives qualifying municipalities the power to file a lien for demolition costs and, if that lien remains unpaid beyond 180 days and property taxes are also delinquent, to pursue foreclosure through either a tax proceeding or a judicial action. Compliant operators generally resolve any outstanding demolition cost liens promptly and keep ad valorem taxes current to avoid triggering the dual conditions that enable foreclosure. Maintaining clear records of payments and lien releases is a common practice for property owners navigating municipal enforcement actions under this subchapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in or near properties subject to municipal demolition proceedings in Texas should understand that § 214.004 primarily governs the financial relationship between the municipality and the property owner, not the landlord-tenant relationship directly. However, a foreclosure action initiated under this provision could affect the ownership and future status of the property where a tenant resides. Tenants who believe their housing situation is being affected by municipal demolition or lien enforcement activity may find it useful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office for general information about their rights during ownership transitions.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation