I have a rental property worth $130.000 and another home with 0 equity, I live in, both in Colorado.

Asked 9 months ago - Denver, CO

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Will the homestead exemption cover a rental property?

Attorney answers (6)

  1. Pro

    Contributor Level 20

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    Answered September 08, 2012 18:55. Hopefully one of our many experts in bankruptcy law here in Denver will chime in. My understanding is that the homestead exemption only applies to the home in which you actually reside. It normally does not apply to a second home or to rental property.

    The information provided in this answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you are interested in... more
  2. Pro

    Contributor Level 17

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    Answered September 08, 2012 19:11. The homestead exemption is designed to protect your home. Consult with a bankruptcy attorney to see if chapter 13 can help you.

  3. Contributor Level 16

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    Lawyer agrees

    Answered September 08, 2012 22:08. There is much information you do not mention. Is the rental property free and clear? Is there a tenant ther currently? What other income do you have? How much debt are you struggling with?

    The homestead exemption only applies to your home - the property in which you reside. If you have a debt load that you cannot manage you should consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney who files both chapter 7 and chapter 13 cases. Such a lawyer will be able to review your situation and help you determine what your options are. Bankruptcy is a very complex area of law and with what is at stake it will well worth your while to hire a lawyer to help you do it right.

  4. Pro

    Contributor Level 20

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    Answered September 08, 2012 22:41. There is no homestead exemption for rental property. If you want to protect the equity in your rental property, you or a family member have to live there.

    You can reach Harkess & Salter LLC at (303) 531-5380 or info@Harkess-Salter.com. Stephen Harkess is an attorney... more
  5. Contributor Level 18

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    Answered September 08, 2012 19:04. I have never seen a homestead exemption apply to a rental property. If you have an asset like this, why don't you settle your debts yourself?

  6. Pro

    Contributor Level 12

    Answered September 10, 2012 08:27. My collegues raise good points, the most important one of which is that we don't have enough information. The homestead exemption is intended to protect your primariy residence, but you can chose which property is your primary residence. You should seek counsel before you make any decisions and while you still have time to do what little planning is left under the new bankruptcy code. Good luck!

    This general response is not intended to be legal advice because I don't have all the facts. The particular facts... more

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