MO HB1186

Creates a formal process for property owners to legally abandon real property by filing a notarized notice of abandonment with the county recorder of deeds, relieving them of future maintenance obligations and liability

Defines abandonment as the intentional relinquishment of all ownership, title, interest, and rights in land, buildings, or real property without intent to transfer to another party

Establishes a priority order for transferring abandoned property: first to joint/co-owners, then tenants, then abutting landowners, then same-block landowners, then condominium associations/subdivision trustees, then lienholders, then the municipality, and finally the county

Requires interested parties to elect in writing within 45 days of the abandonment notice to claim the property; when multiple parties at the same priority level elect to claim, the recorder of deeds casts lots to determine ownership

Sets fees of $100 for parties electing to take ownership (subdivisions 2-6) plus recording fees, and $50 paid by the abandoning party to cover notice posting and mailing costs