This piece was originally featured in Oakland Together, a monthly newsletter mailed to older Oakland residents.
One important way families build wealth is by passing their home to the next generation. However, this wealth can be threatened by “tangled title.”
Tangled title is a broad term covering situations when family members have an interest in a home, may even be occupying it, but are not on the deed. This commonly occurs when a parent passes away and does not leave a will, or if they had a will but the heirs do not open an estate.
Tangled title causes many types of difficulties: residents are unable to get financial help from public agencies for repairs, deal with a delinquent mortgage, or obtain homeowner’s insurance.
Peter Lewis, attorney at NLS
“That’s where we come in,” says Peter Lewis, an attorney at Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS). “We can help individuals or refer them to other programs they are eligible for.”
Tangled title is a problem here in Oakland, just like most city neighborhoods. Lewis estimates there are at least 4,000 tangled title properties in Allegheny County. These homes are at risk of becoming abandoned and condemned.
“People start getting harassing phone calls and letters, so they leave,” says Lewis. “Resolving these cases is one solution for affordable housing. What’s more affordable than a house you already live in?”
The people who come to NLS for help understand this. “It’s kind of amazing. They’re aware of the ramifications and want to preserve intergenerational wealth,” says Lewis. “The goal is to stabilize home ownership and possession.”
Are you living in a home with a tangled title? NLS can help. Apply through their website or call the intake unit at 1.866.761.6572.
