MO HB1748

Allows property owners to file a notarized notice of abandonment with the county recorder of deeds to relinquish all ownership rights and relieve themselves of maintenance obligations and liabilities for the property going forward.

Defines abandonment as intentional relinquishment or renunciation of ownership, title, interest, or possession in land, buildings, or real estate without vesting rights in any other person.

Establishes a priority order for property ownership transfer upon abandonment: joint/co-owners first, then tenants in possession, abutting/adjoining landowners, same-block landowners, condominium/subdivision associations, lienholders, municipalities, and finally the county.

Requires the recorder of deeds to post notice on the abandoned property and mail notices to lienholders, neighboring property owners, and local government within 45 days, with interested parties having 45 days to elect to take ownership for a $100 fee.

Limits liability relief to prospective obligations only (after notice is recorded) and only for liabilities running with the property; does not relieve personal obligations incurred before abandonment was recorded.