What Is Ground Rent In Real Estate?

What Is Ground Rent In Real Estate?

Ground rent is a situation where a homeowner owns the house they live in but not the land it sits on. The land is owned by someone else, known as the ground lease holder, who leases the land to the homeowner.

Ground rent is most commonly found in the Greater-Baltimore real estate market but exists throughout Maryland. The payments for ground rent usually range from $50 to $150 per year and are typically paid semi-annually. The ground lease is usually for 99 years and renews indefinitely.

The homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of the land and any improvements on it. They have the authority to alter, remodel, and reconstruct the property as long as it preserves the value of the land. Ground lease owners have no right to take back the property unless the tenant fails to make the required payments.

Key Takeaways:

• Ground rent is a situation where a homeowner owns the house but not the land it sits on.
• Ground rent is most commonly found in the Greater-Baltimore real estate market but exists throughout Maryland.
• Payments for ground rent range from $50 to $150 per year and are typically paid semi-annually.
• The homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of the land and any improvements on it.
• Ground lease owners have no right to take back the property unless the tenant fails to make the required payments.

How to Determine if a Property is Subject to Ground Rent

When considering purchasing a property, it is important to determine if it is subject to ground rent. This can have significant implications for both the current and future homeowners. Here are some steps to help you determine if a property is subject to ground rent:

1. Check the property description: When a property is listed for sale, the property description should indicate whether it is subject to ground rent. Look for keywords such as “Fee Simple” which indicates no ground rent, meaning the purchase price includes both the house and the land.
2. Review the deed: To get more specific information, you can look at the deed filed in the land records of the Circuit Court in the county where the property is located. This will provide details about the ownership of the land and any ground lease associated with it.
3. Utilize the Ground Rent Registry: Maryland law requires ground lease holders to register ground rent leases on the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation’s Ground Rent Registry. You can check the registration status of a property through the Real Property Search on the Department’s website. If a ground lease is registered, the homeowner is obligated to pay the ground rent to the lease holder.

By following these steps, you can determine if a property is subject to ground rent and make an informed decision before purchasing.

“It is essential for potential homebuyers to thoroughly investigate whether a property is subject to ground rent. Failing to do so can lead to unexpected financial obligations and complications down the line.” – Real Estate Expert

Table: Ground Rent Determination Checklist

Consequences of Failing to Pay Ground Rent

Failure to pay ground rent can have significant consequences for homeowners. When a homeowner fails to pay ground rent on time, the ground lease holder has the right to file a lien against the property for the amount owed. This lien gives the ground lease holder a legal claim on the property until the debt is satisfied.

If legal action is taken to collect the past due ground rent, the homeowner may also be required to pay fees and costs associated with the collection process. These additional expenses can further burden the homeowner and make it more difficult to resolve the situation.

In extreme cases, if the homeowner consistently fails to pay the ground rent, the ground lease holder can initiate foreclosure proceedings. Similar to a mortgage foreclosure, this means the ground lease holder can take possession of the property and sell it to recover the unpaid ground rent. However, it’s important to note that under Maryland law, the ground lease holder cannot demand more than three years of past due ground rent.

If a homeowner finds themselves in a situation where they are unable to pay their ground rent, it is crucial to address the issue as soon as possible. Communicating with the ground lease holder and seeking professional advice can help homeowners explore potential solutions and avoid the serious consequences of failing to pay ground rent.

Redeeming Ground Rent and Cost

To redeem ground rent is to purchase the land from the ground lease holder. In Maryland, ground rents created after April 8, 1884, are redeemable, meaning the owner must sell the ground rent if the tenant wants to buy it. As a homeowner, the process of redeeming ground rent starts with the ground lease holder. They are required by Maryland law to provide you with information on purchasing the ground rent. If you are unsure of the lease holder’s identity, the State Department of Assessments and Taxation has a redemption process in place to assist you.

The cost to redeem ground rent is determined by Maryland law and takes into account the leasehold value of the property and your annual earnings. The State of Maryland regulates the purchase prices for ground rents to prevent excessive barriers to redemption. This ensures that the cost is fair and reasonable for both parties involved.

If you are considering redeeming your ground rent, it is important to familiarize yourself with the applicable Maryland laws and consult with legal professionals if needed. They can guide you through the redemption process and ensure that your rights as a homeowner are protected.