The Board of Selectmen in Exeter, New Hampshire voted unanimously to issue a tax deed on a single-family home, thereby taking ownership of the home, but issued deed waivers on eight manufactured homes (MH) which are located in communities. All of the MHs have delinquent taxes going back to 2009, and some are abandoned, although the assessed value totals $214,000. Seizing the homes would require the town to pay site rents, but by not seizing them they have no right to enter the homes to determine their condition. Selectman Frank Ferraro questioned whether by not seizing the homes might it tell people who own homes there is no consequence to not paying their taxes. Town Manager Russ Dean replied it does not relieve them of their tax burden, as seacoastonline tells MHProNews. If property tax is not paid on an MH the second successive time, a lien can be placed on the property and the interest jumps from 12 percent to 18 percent.

(Photo credit: Matthew J. Silver–factory-built home)