Condemnation

When the government uses its power to take private land for public use

The government can use its power to take over your land, but it must pay you a fair price for the property, as well as the moving costs. The government’s right to condemnation is called eminent domain, which is spelled out in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Just like in the movies, condemnation occurs when the government wants to lay down railroad tracks, build highways or construct public housing. A property can also be condemned because its run down or damaged and dangerous to live in.