I don't think I bought the lot next door...

[Gene Hacker]

I just found out today about a crazy title situation with the county and I am exactly sure how to proceed. Its a long one and somewhat complicated but I will try to make is as simple as possible:

I purchased a house from the bank. The previous owner owned the house (I will call it parcel H for house) and a lot next door (I will call it parcel V for vacant). The house solely rests on parcel H. The loan was only secured by parcel H (so I am told...I need to check this out).

The bank foreclosed and took back parcel H. The bank gave the borrower cash for keys to move out. The borrower moved everything (mostly worthless junk) next door to parcel V.

Ok. so I bought the parcel H (with the house) from the bank. It was clear from the listing through closing that I was only purchasing the lot with the house. The only APN was parcel H. Both the trustees deed and the deed from the bank to myself only has parcel H included.

Six months later I get a notice from the county saying that I have numerous code violations and lists the parcel number as parcel V. I contacted the inspector and explained that I don't own the parcel, that I only bought the parcel next door. The county inspector told me that I am the owner of record of parcel V and I will be personally liable unless I provide proof to the contrary.

So I called the county recorders office to clarify. The county recorders office said that I am in fact the owner of record on both parcels. They said that the lot as defined by the legal description includes both parcels and it doesn't matter if the deed only included one APN. This just doesn't seem right to me.

So here is my dilemma...I don't want to be personally responsible for the violations on parcel V. If the foreclosure was in fact on both properties and I am the legal owner of both I think it is likely that the previous owner/borrower will likely take legal action against me. What a mess. The lot would add value to my property but not enough for any legal hassles.

My next step is to make the journey to the recorders office and see if the original trust deed included both APNs or just one. I also have several calls into the title company which has proven to be elusive in the past.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.