Chapter 1 PROPERTY AND OWNERSHIP — GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.

§ 55-101. Real property defined.

Real property or real estate consists of:

  1. Lands, possessory rights to land, ditch and water rights, and mining claims, both lode and placer.
  2. That which is affixed to land.
  3. That which is appurtenant to land.
History.

R.S., § 2825; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3056; C.S., § 5325; I.C.A.,§ 54-101.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

“Real property” defined,§ 73-114.

“Real property” defined in tax laws,§ 63-201.

CASE NOTES

Buildings.

Hotel building affixed to land and held and conveyed as real estate, with the land upon which it stands, is real estate within the meaning of this section, and its character as such cannot be changed by attempted execution of a chattel mortgage purporting to cover building apart from land. Beeler v. C.C. Mercantile Co., 8 Idaho 644, 70 P. 943 (1902).

Buildings built by school district on land deeded for school purposes did not revert to grantor despite reversionary clause to that effect, since reversionary clause was invalid. Independent Sch. Dist. No. 7 v. Barnes, 71 Idaho 203, 228 P.2d 939 (1950).

Ditches.

Ditches and water rights are real estate under the provisions of this section. Ada County Farmers’ Irrigation Co. v. Farmers Canal Co., 5 Idaho 793, 51 P. 990 (1898); Nelson Bennett Co. v. Twin Falls Land & Water Co., 14 Idaho 5, 93 P. 789 (1908); Brunzell v. Stevenson, 30 Idaho 202, 164 P. 89 (1917). In action to quiet title to irrigation ditch, where rights of parties are mutual, court may direct each to pay costs. Mahaffey v. Carpenter, 42 Idaho 619, 248 P. 13 (1926).

Ditches, by means of which water is diverted from irrigation canal and conveyed to user’s land, are appurtenant to land and are real property. Randall Canal Co. v. Randall, 56 Idaho 99, 50 P.2d 593 (1935).

Fixtures.

A fixture is “real property” for the purposes of§ 5-241. West v. El Paso Prods. Co., 122 Idaho 133, 832 P.2d 306 (1992).

Grass and Timber.

Grasses growing from perennial roots are real estate. Severe v. Gooding, 43 Idaho 755, 254 P. 1054 (1927).

Standing timber or stumpage is real estate. Spence v. Price, 48 Idaho 121, 279 P. 1092 (1929).

Standing uncut timber is real property. Howard v. Estate of Howard, 112 Idaho 306, 732 P.2d 275 (1987).

The sale of land with timber on it was not the same as a sale of timber such that the income distribution mechanism of the trust was triggered, where the will distinguished between sales of realty and sales of timber, and the testator was knowledgeable in the business of timber land transactions. Howard v. Estate of Howard, 112 Idaho 306, 732 P.2d 275 (1987).

Hereditaments.

Real property includes that which is appurtenant to the land; it includes all easements attached to the land; and, it includes hereditaments, whether corporeal or incorporeal, such as easements, and every interest in land. Hughes v. State, 80 Idaho 286, 328 P.2d 397 (1958).

Mobile Homes.

Mobile home was affixed to the land at the time of a non-judicial foreclosure sale and, therefore, was converted to real property pursuant to this section, as the owner had installed a well set-up, with a pump, pressure tanks, and lines; a septic system with inspections and hookup to the home; a driveway; power lines; and a foundation, decks, and mobile set-up. Spencer v. Jameson, 147 Idaho 497, 211 P.3d 106 (2009).

Mortgage.

A mortgage does not meet any of the elements of the definition of real property in this section and is, thus, considered personal property under§ 55-102. McKay v. Walker, 160 Idaho 148, 369 P.3d 926 (2016).

Shares in Irrigation Company.

While shares in irrigation company have been held to be personal property, ownership of shares in mutual irrigation company not organized for profit is but incidental to ownership of water right. Ireton v. Idaho Irrigation Co., 30 Idaho 310, 164 P. 687 (1917).

Water.

In action to quiet title to certain shares of canal company stock, where it was shown that plaintiff had notice of defendants’ open, notorious and uninterrupted use of water right represented by such shares, by virtue of which the defendants gained prescriptive title thereto, the court properly quieted title to the stock in defendants. Pflueger v. Hopple, 66 Idaho 152, 156 P.2d 316 (1945). Water.

— Attributes of Real Property Lacking.

A water right does not have all the attributes of a real property interest, in that the water right may be conveyed without a complete legal description and may be lost through nonuse. Crow v. Carlson, 107 Idaho 461, 690 P.2d 916 (1984).

— Permits.

Permit to appropriate water is not real property. It is not an appropriation of public waters of state but merely the consent given by state to construct and acquire real property. Speer v. Stephenson, 17 Idaho 707, 102 P. 365 (1909); Marshall v. Niagara Springs Orchard Co., 22 Idaho 144, 125 P. 208 (1912); Basinger v. Taylor, 30 Idaho 289, 164 P. 522 (1917).

Water right is real estate and must be conveyed as real estate, and where one has a valid water permit issued to him by state engineer, he cannot convey water right secured thereby by simply handing permit to a would-be purchaser. Gard v. Thompson, 21 Idaho 485, 123 P. 497 (1912).

— Rights.

Water right is real estate. Albion-Idaho Land Co. v. Adams, 58 F. Supp. 579 (D. Idaho 1945); Knowles v. New Sweden Irrigation Dist., 16 Idaho 217, 101 P. 81 (1908); Nielson v. Parker, 19 Idaho 727, 115 P. 488 (1911); Nampa & Meridian Irrigation Dist. v. Briggs, 27 Idaho 84, 147 P. 75 (1915); Bennett v. Twin Falls North Side Land & Water Co., 27 Idaho 643, 150 P. 336 (1915).

Water right is real property and may be sold and transferred separately from land upon which it is used, same as any other real property. Hard v. Boise City Irrigation & Land Co., 9 Idaho 589, 76 P. 331 (1904); Boise City Irrigation & Land Co. v. Stewart, 10 Idaho 38, 77 P. 25 (1904); Twin Falls Canal Co. v. Shippen, 46 Idaho 787, 271 P. 578 (1928).

Water right is an appurtenance to land irrigated by use of such water. Taylor v. Hulett, 15 Idaho 265, 97 P. 37 (1908); Paddock v. Clark, 22 Idaho 498, 126 P. 1053 (1912).

While shares of water stock may be personalty, the water right which such shares control is real property. Bothwell v. Keefer, 53 Idaho 658, 27 P.2d 65 (1933).

A water right is real property and may be sold as such, with the purchaser acquiring no greater right than his vendor. Beecher v. Cassia Creek Irrigation Co., 66 Idaho 1, 154 P.2d 507 (1944).

A water right, being real property, may be acquired through prescriptive title by adverse possession and use for more than the statutory period. Pflueger v. Hopple, 66 Idaho 152, 156 P.2d 316 (1945).

Plaintiff, who had prior decreed rights to water was entitled to recover damages from the defendants for loss or damage to plaintiff’s crops proximately caused by acts of defendants, which deprived plaintiff of the water decreed to his land and to the use of which he was entitled. Follett v. Taylor Bros., 77 Idaho 416, 294 P.2d 1088 (1956). Appellants’ decreed water right constitutes real property and such right is appurtenant to appellants’ land to which the water represented thereby has been beneficially applied. Anderson v. Cummings, 81 Idaho 327, 340 P.2d 1111 (1959).

Inasmuch as water rights are real property which may be protected by injunction, mandamus or prohibition when threatened, lessor’s complaint, which alleged that as a result of lessees’ failure to use water rights they were in danger of being lost, stated a claim for equitable relief and should not have been dismissed. Olson v. Bedke, 97 Idaho 825, 555 P.2d 156 (1976).

Because the senior appropriators had acquired water rights, they had property rights under this section that could not be taken from them for public or private use, except by due process of law. When there was insufficient water to satisfy both the senior appropriators’ and the junior appropriators’ water rights, giving the junior appropriators a preference to the use of the water would constitute a taking for which compensation was required under Idaho Const., Art. XV, § 3. Clear Springs Foods, Inc. v. Spackman, 150 Idaho 790, 252 P.3d 71 (2011).

Cited

Idaho Irrigation Co. v. Gooding, 285 F. 453 (9th Cir. 1922); Welch v. Garrett, 5 Idaho 639, 51 P. 405 (1897); Hall v. Blackman, 8 Idaho 272, 68 P. 19 (1902); Johnson v. Hurst, 10 Idaho 308, 77 P. 784 (1904); Twin Falls Bank & Trust Co. v. Weinberg, 44 Idaho 332, 257 P. 31 (1927); State v. Finch, 79 Idaho 275, 315 P.2d 529 (1957); Duff v. Draper, 98 Idaho 379, 565 P.2d 572 (1977); Olson v. Idaho Dep’t of Water Resources, 105 Idaho 98, 666 P.2d 188 (1983); Golden Condor, Inc. v. Bell, 106 Idaho 280, 678 P.2d 72 (Ct. App. 1984); Fulton v. Duro, 107 Idaho 240, 687 P.2d 1367 (Ct. App. 1984); Clearwater Minerals Corp. v. Presnell, 111 Idaho 945, 729 P.2d 420 (Ct. App. 1986); Sun Valley Hot Springs Ranch, Inc. v. Kelsey, 131 Idaho 657, 962 P.2d 1041 (1998); Chavez v. Barrus, 146 Idaho 212, 192 P.3d 1036 (2008).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-101A. “Lands” defined.

Lands are the material of the earth, whatever may be the ingredients of which it is composed, whether soil, rock or other substance, and include free or occupied space for an indefinite distance upwards as well as downwards, subject to limitations upon the use of airspace imposed and rights in the use of airspace granted, by law.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-101A, as added by 1965, ch. 104, § 1, p. 190.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Ida-Therm, LLC v. Bedrock Geothermal, LLC, 154 Idaho 6, 293 P.3d 630 (2012).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-101B. “Condominium” defined.

A condominium is an estate consisting of (i) an undivided interest in common in real property, in an interest or interests in real property, or in any combination thereof, together with (ii) a separate interest in real property, in an interest or interests in real property, or in any combination thereof.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-101B, as added by 1965, ch. 104, § 2, p. 190.

§ 55-102. Personal property defined.

Every kind of property that is not real is personal.

History.

R.S., § 2826; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3057; C.S., § 5326; I.C.A.,§ 54-102.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

“Personal property” defined,§ 73-114.

“Personal property” defined in revenue law,§ 63-201.

Wildlife property of the state,§ 36-103.

CASE NOTES

Apple Crop.

Apple crop is personal property. Twin Falls Bank & Trust Co. v. Weinberg, 44 Idaho 332, 257 P. 31 (1927).

Income.

Income is included within generic definition of personal property. Diefendorf v. Gallet, 51 Idaho 619, 10 P.2d 307 (1932).

Mortgage.

A mortgage does not meet any of the elements of the definition of real property in§ 55-101 and is, thus, considered personal property under this section. McKay v. Walker, 160 Idaho 148, 369 P.3d 926 (2016).

Cited

U-Haul Co. v. Armstrong, 107 Idaho 31, 684 P.2d 1008 (Ct. App. 1984); Fremont-Madison Irrigation Dist. v. United States Dep’t of Interior, 763 F.2d 1084 (9th Cir. 1985); Chavez v. Barrus, 146 Idaho 212, 192 P.3d 1036 (2008).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-103. Who may own property.

Any person, whether citizen or alien, may take, hold and dispose of property, real or personal.

History.

R.S., § 2827; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3058; C.S., § 2827; I.C.A.,§ 54-103.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Inheritance by aliens,§ 15-2-112.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Hill v. Hill, 140 Idaho 812, 102 P.3d 1131 (2004).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-104. Interests in common.

Every interest created in favor of several persons in their own right is an interest in common, unless acquired by them in partnership, for partnership purposes, or unless declared in its creation to be a joint interest, or unless acquired as community property.

History.

R.S., § 2828; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3059; C.S., § 5328; I.C.A.,§ 54-104.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Cointerests deemed to be in common,§ 55-508.

“Community property” defined,§ 32-906.

Simultaneous death of joint tenants or tenants by the entireties,§ 15-2-613.

Waste by joint tenants, action for,§ 6-201.

Waste by tenants for life or years, action for,§ 6-201.

Waste by tenants in common, action for,§ 6-201.

CASE NOTES

Accounting Between Cotenants.

Where a cotenant leases or lets property for profit, he must account to his cotenant. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935).

Burden of Proof.

Where money in a joint tenancy survivorship account is deposited by one party, and after his death a question of his intent arises, the party asserting the gift must prove all the elements of a gift, excepting irrevocable delivery, by clear and convincing evidence. In re Estate of Chase, 82 Idaho 1, 348 P.2d 473 (1960).

Cotenants in Water.

As respects the right of irrigation district to recover damages from other districts for diversion of unused stored water in reservoir, districts which were not using water on their own land, but who were distributing appropriations to land owners and collecting rent therefor, were cotenants. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935).

In an irrigation district’s action for damages for diversion of water from a reservoir by co-owner, co-owner could not profit by failure of the district to make final proof of completion of diversion works, or take from reservoir the district’s share of water and distribute it to its consumers, where co-owner made its proof of completion of diversion works for its share of water and same diversion works impounded water belonging to all parties. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935).

Estoppel of Co-owner.

In an irrigation district’s action against co-owner for diversion of unused waters from reservoir, co-owner is estopped to set up provision of contract that waters reserved to district’s grantors should be appurtenant to lands and to be used only for irrigation of lands and domestic and stock use therefrom, where co-owners took same water and distributed it to its water users outside of the district. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935).

Incidents of Cotenancy.

Cotenant cannot take advantage of any defect in the common title by purchasing an outstanding title or encumbrance and assert it against his companions in interest. Legal title acquired by him is held in trust for the others if they choose within a reasonable time to claim the benefit of the purchase by contributing or offering to contribute their proportion of the purchase money. Wilson v. Linder, 21 Idaho 576, 123 P. 487 (1912).

Tenant in common is entitled to contribution for expenditures absolutely necessary for the benefit and preservation of the common property and may charge cotenants with their proportion of the reasonable expenses incurred fairly and in good faith for the benefit of the common property. Keyser v. Morehead, 23 Idaho 501, 130 P. 992 (1913).

A tenant in common is entitled to the use, benefit and possession of common property, provided he does not exclude his cotenant from like use and benefit. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935).

Joint Tenancy.
— Abrogation.

Under this section and§ 55-508 the common-law rule of joint tenancy has been abrogated, and every interest in real estate granted or devised to two or more persons, other than executors or trustees, constitutes a tenancy in common, unless expressly declared to the contrary. Powell v. Powell, 22 Idaho 531, 126 P. 1058 (1912).

This section, abrogating the common-law rule of joint tenancy, does not abolish such tenancy. It merely declares that such an interest is in common “unless declared in its creation to be a joint interest.” Gray v. Gray, 78 Idaho 439, 304 P.2d 650 (1956).

— Bank Account.

A joint tenancy may be terminated prior to the death of one of the joint tenants by any act of the joint tenants which destroys one or more of the essential common-law unities of interest, title, time and possession. Ogilvie v. Idaho Bank & Trust Co., 99 Idaho 361, 582 P.2d 215 (1978). — Bank Account.

Where the tenancy was created by a written agreement in which the parties declared the tenancy to be joint, a valid gift of a joint interest in the account with right of survivorship was made and effectively delivered to the plaintiff, one of the parties, at the time the account was created, and, therefore, the balance in the account at the time of the death of one of the parties was and is the property of the plaintiff. Gray v. Gray, 78 Idaho 439, 304 P.2d 650 (1956).

All the elements of a valid gift inter vivos may or may not be present in the creation of a joint tenancy in a bank account. The gift may or may not be involved. The essentials of a valid joint tenancy account are those set out in S.L. 1943, ch. 30, § 1 and this section. These essentials being present, the right of the survivor does not depend on the fact of a completed gift. Gray v. Gray, 78 Idaho 439, 304 P.2d 650 (1956).

— Enforcement of Debts Against.

Because of the right of survivorship, debts secured by jointly owned property by a debtor joint tenant are not enforceable against the joint tenancy property after the death of the debtor joint tenant, unless one or more of the essential unities was destroyed prior to the joint tenancy’s termination by death, and then only to the extent of the debtor joint tenant’s interest. Ogilvie v. Idaho Bank & Trust Co., 99 Idaho 361, 582 P.2d 215 (1978).

— Survivorship.

The fact that real property was purchased by the husband and wife with joint tenancy funds did not create a joint tenancy with right of survivorship in the realty. Greene v. Cooke, 96 Idaho 48, 524 P.2d 176 (1973).

Presumption from Possession.

The law presumes that possession of one cotenant is possession of all cotenants, and no presumption of abandonment arises. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935).

Cited

Twin Falls Canal Co. v. American Falls Reservoir Dist. No. 2, 49 F.2d 632 (D. Idaho 1931); Zimmerman v. Spickelmire (In re Spickelmire), 433 B.R. 792 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2010).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

Termination of tenancy, what acts by one or more of joint tenants will sever or terminate the tenancy. 39 A.L.R.4th 1068.

§ 55-105. Future interests — When vested.

A future interest is vested when there is a person in being who would have a right, defeasible or indefeasible, to the immediate possession of the property upon the ceasing of the immediate or precedent interest.

History.

R.S., § 2830; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3061; C.S., § 5329; I.C.A.,§ 54-105.

CASE NOTES

Alien Beneficiaries of Trust.

Under inter vivos trust agreement that named 14 German citizens as beneficiaries and provided that annual payments of income be made at the discretion of the trustees, that any beneficiary coming to the United States was to be paid his share of trust estate, and that payments should not be subject to confiscation by or create sinews of war for any government antagonistic to the United States it was not possible after the time of making the conveyance for any person other than the named beneficiaries of the trust to acquire a property interest in it other than through a named beneficiary. Hermann v. Brownell, 274 F.2d 842 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 364 U.S. 821, 81 S. Ct. 56, 5 L. Ed. 2d 50 (1960).

Easement with Vested Rights.

Where the original grantors of an easement gave grantees the right at any time to lay and maintain an additional pipeline or pipelines alongside of the first one, the grantors did not only create a mere option, but also an expansible easement with vested rights not affected by the rule against perpetuities, nor did the contract suspend the power of alienation in violation of this section. Northwest Pipeline Corp. v. Forrest Weaver Farm, Inc., 103 Idaho 180, 646 P.2d 422 (1982).

Right of Refusal.

A preemptive right of first refusal at the owner’s own price or a third-parties’ bona fide offer which the owner is willing to accept does not suspend the absolute power of alienation of real property. Meridian Bowling Lanes, Inc. v. Meridian Athletic Ass’n, 105 Idaho 509, 670 P.2d 1294 (1983).

Vesting.
Cited

Where will devises property to testator’s widow for life with remainder to testator’s son, title to property vests immediately in son upon the death of testator. Coats v. Harris, 9 Idaho 458, 75 P. 243 (1904). Cited Hodge v. Waggoner, 164 Idaho 89, 425 P.3d 1232 (2018).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-106. Contingent interests.

A future interest is contingent whilst the person in whom, or the event upon which, it is limited to take effect remains uncertain.

History.

R.S., § 2831; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3062; C.S., § 5330; I.C.A.,§ 54-106.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Rule in Shelley’s Case abolished,§ 55-206.

CASE NOTES

Future Interest.

Although a deed may create a future interest in an easement, such an easement may run afoul of public policy when the easement is conditioned on an event that may never occur. Kirk v. Wescott, 160 Idaho 893, 382 P.3d 342 (2016).

Cited

Wilson v. Linder, 18 Idaho 438, 110 P. 274 (1910); Hermann v. Brownell, 274 F.2d 842 (9th Cir. 1960).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-107. Alternative future interests.

Two (2) or more future interests may be created to take effect in the alternative; so that if the first in order fails to vest, the next in succession shall be substituted for it, and take effect accordingly.

History.

R.S., § 2832; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3063; C.S., § 5331; I.C.A.,§ 54-107.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-108. Inheritance by posthumous children.

When a future interest is limited to successors, heirs, issue or children, posthumous children are entitled to take in the same manner as if living at the death of their parent.

History.

R.S., § 2833; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3064; C.S., § 5332; I.C.A.,§ 54-108.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Unborn child as existing person,§ 32-102.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-109. Transfer and devolution of future interests.

Future interests pass by succession, will and transfer in the same manner as present interests.

History.

R.S., § 2834; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3065; C.S., § 5333; I.C.A.,§ 54-109.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Hermann v. Brownell, 274 F.2d 842 (9th Cir. 1960).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-110. Possibilities.

A mere possibility, such as the expectancy of an heir apparent, is not to be deemed an interest of any kind.

History.

R.S., § 2835; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3066; C.S., § 5334; I.C.A.,§ 54-110.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Transfer of possibilities barred,§ 55-501.

CASE NOTES

Settlor of Trust.

Where under inter vivos trust agreement the possibility that the trust property might revert to the settlor was inalienable, unsaleable and remote, settlor had no interest of any kind in the trust property. Hermann v. Brownell, 274 F.2d 842 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 364 U.S. 821, 81 S. Ct. 56, 5 L. Ed. 2d 50 (1960).

§ 55-111. No rule against perpetuities.

There shall be no rule against perpetuities applicable to real or personal property.

History.

R.S., § 2836; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3067; C.S., § 5335; I.C.A.,§ 54-111; am. 1957, ch. 54, § 1, p. 92; am. 2008, ch. 77, § 1, p. 204.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2008 amendment, by ch. 77, rewrote the section, substituting the heading “No rule against perpetuities” for “suspension of power of alienation”. See§ 55-111A for present similar provisions.

Compiler’s Notes.

Section 2 of S.L. 1957, ch. 54 read: “All other acts, or parts of acts, in conflict with this act to the extent of said conflict are hereby repealed.”

Effective Dates.

Section 3 of S.L. 1957, ch. 54 declared an emergency. Approved February 20, 1957.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Kirk v. Wescott, 160 Idaho 893, 382 P.3d 342 (2016).

§ 55-111A. Suspension of power of alienation — Future interest by power of appointment.

  1. The absolute power of alienation of property cannot be suspended by any limitation or condition whatever, for a longer permissible period than during the continuance of the lives of the persons in being at the creation of the limitation or condition, and twenty-five (25) years thereafter. No trust heretofore or hereafter created, either testamentary or inter vivos, shall be declared void, but shall be so construed as to eliminate parts violating the above provisions, and in such a way that the testators or trustors wishes are carried out to the greatest extent permitted by this section; and there shall be no presumption that a person is capable of having children at any stage of adult life.
  2. If a future interest or trust is created by exercise of a power of appointment, the permissible period is computed from the time the power is exercised if the power is a general power including a testamentary general power or from the time the power is created if the power is not a general power.
  3. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, there is no suspension of the power of alienation of property by a trust or by equitable interests under a trust if the trustee has power to sell, either express or implied, or if there is an unlimited power to terminate in one (1) or more persons in being.
  4. Furthermore, the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not limit transfers, outright or in trust, for charitable purposes or transfers to charitable entities.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-111A, as added by 2008, ch. 77, § 2, p. 205.

CASE NOTES

Rule Against Perpetuities.

Although a deed may create a future interest in an easement, such an easement may run afoul of public policy when the easement is conditioned on an event that may never occur. Kirk v. Wescott, 160 Idaho 893, 382 P.3d 342 (2016).

Decisions Under Prior Law
Charitable Gift.

The language of the possession list making gifts to various friends and charitable organizations did not offend the rule against suspension of the power of alienation pursuant to this section because this rule does not apply to charitable trusts. Salfeety v. Seideman, 127 Idaho 817, 907 P.2d 794 (1995). This section was not violated since the real property in trust was to be immediately sold upon settlor’s death and the proceeds distributed to designated charities; thus, there was no suspension of the power of alienation of the real property. Salfeety v. Seideman, 127 Idaho 817, 907 P.2d 794 (1995).

Where the only gift which could potentially violate this section was settlor’s gift of the income from the oil and gas leases, because she specifically stated in the possession list and the script that the leases should not be sold since they were a gift to charity, and because this section does not apply to charitable trusts, that gift was valid. Salfeety v. Seideman, 127 Idaho 817, 907 P.2d 794 (1995).

Deed.

Where a deed clearly refers to a person’s interest as a life estate and the remainder interests pass at the person’s death, the remainder interests vest upon the person’s death and meet the requirement that a remainder interest vest or fail within twenty-five years of the death of a life in being. Riley v. Rowan, 131 Idaho 831, 965 P.2d 191 (1998).

Rule Against Perpetuities.

The common law rule against perpetuities is generally stated to be that no interest in real estate is good unless it must vest, if at all, not later than twenty-one years after some life in being at the creation of the interest plus the period of gestation. Locklear v. Tucker, 69 Idaho 84, 203 P.2d 380 (1949).

Idaho has adopted what is intended to be a complete system governing alienation of real property; and the common-law rule against perpetuities is not in force in this jurisdiction. Locklear v. Tucker, 69 Idaho 84, 203 P.2d 380 (1949).

Testamentary Trusts.

A testamentary trust under which the testator bequeathed his interest in a corporation to his wife, in trust, with authority to terminate trust at any time the business proved unprofitable, but otherwise to operate the same as going concern for 10 years after testator’s decease and thereafter the wife to close trust or continue it in her discretion, and with a direction that the net proceeds should be sole property of testator’s wife except that profits in excess of $20,000 in any one year should be subject to division, with the wife receiving one-half and other half being distributed among employees, did not violate statutory rule against perpetuities. In re Zeb’s Estate, 67 Idaho 567, 189 P.2d 95 (1947).

Even though parties had agreed that the only question involved was whether or not a trust provision violated the terms of this section, a holding that, regardless of the trust provision, petitioners were barred from any relief by other provisions of will was not prejudicial in view of fact that court determined the trust provision was valid. In re Zeb’s Estate, 67 Idaho 567, 189 P.2d 95 (1947).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
ALR.

§ 55-112. Future interests defeated.

A future interest, depending on the contingency of the death of any person without successors, heirs, issue or children, is defeated by the birth of a posthumous child of such person capable of taking by succession.

History.

R.S., § 2837; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3068; C.S., § 5336; I.C.A.,§ 54-112.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-113. Future interests not defeated.

No future interest can be defeated or barred by any alienation or other act of the owner of the intermediate or precedent interest, nor by any destruction of such precedent interest by forfeiture, surrender, merger or otherwise.

History.

R.S., § 2838; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3069; C.S., § 5337; I.C.A.,§ 54-113.

§ 55-114. Future interests not defeated by premature determination of precedent estate.

No future interest, valid in its creation, is defeated by the determination of the precedent interest before the happening of the contingency on which the future interest is limited to take effect; but should such contingency afterward happen, the future interest takes effect in the same manner and to the same extent as if the precedent interest had continued to the same period.

History.

R.S., § 2839; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3070; C.S., § 5338; I.C.A.,§ 54-114.

§ 55-115. Homeowner’s association — Prohibited conduct.

  1. As used in this section:
    1. “Homeowner’s association” shall have the same meaning as in section 45-810(6), Idaho Code.
    2. “Board” means the entity that has the duty of governing the association that may be referred to as the board of directors, executive board or any such similar name.
    3. “Member” or “membership” means any person or entity owning or possessing an interest in residential real property or lot within the physical boundaries of an established homeowner’s association.
  2. No fine may be imposed for a violation of the covenants and restrictions pursuant to the rules or regulations of the homeowner’s association unless the authority to impose a fine is clearly set forth in the covenants and restrictions and:
    1. A majority vote by the board shall be required prior to imposing any fine on a member for a violation of any covenants and restrictions pursuant to the rules and regulations of the homeowner’s association.
    2. Written notice by personal service or certified mail of the meeting during which such vote is to be taken shall be made to the member at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.
    3. In the event the member begins resolving the violation prior to the meeting, no fine shall be imposed as long as the member continues to address the violation in good faith until fully resolved.
    4. No portion of any fine may be used to increase the remuneration of any board member or agent of the board.
    5. No part of this section shall affect any statute, rule, covenant, bylaw, provision or clause that may allow for the recovery of attorney’s fees.
  3. No homeowner’s association may add, amend or enforce any covenant, condition or restriction in such a way that limits or prohibits the rental, for any amount of time, of any property, land or structure thereon within the jurisdiction of the homeowner’s association, unless expressly agreed to in writing at the time of such addition or amendment by the owner of the affected property. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the enforcement of valid covenants, conditions or restrictions limiting a property owner’s right to transfer his interest in land or the structures thereon as long as that covenant, condition or restriction applied to the property at the time the homeowner acquired his interest in the property.
  4. No homeowner’s association may add, amend, or enforce any covenant, condition, or restriction in such a way that prohibits the installation of solar panels or solar collectors on the rooftop of any property or structure thereon within the jurisdiction of the homeowner’s association; provided however, that a homeowner’s association may determine the specific location where solar panels or solar collectors may be installed on the roof as long as installation is permitted within an orientation to the south or within forty-five (45) degrees east or west of due south. A homeowner’s association may adopt reasonable rules for the installation of solar panels or solar collectors consistent with an applicable building code or to require that panels or collectors be parallel to a roof line, conform to the slope of the roof, and that any frame, support bracket, or visible piping or wiring be painted to coordinate with the roofing material. The provisions of this subsection shall apply only to rooftops that are owned, controlled, and maintained by the homeowner.
    1. No homeowner’s association may add, amend, or enforce any covenant, condition, or restriction in such a way that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the display of a political sign. (5)(a) No homeowner’s association may add, amend, or enforce any covenant, condition, or restriction in such a way that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the display of a political sign.
    2. For the purpose of this subsection, “political sign” means any fixed, ground-mounted display in support of or in opposition to a candidate for office or a ballot measure.
      1. Is placed within the common ground;
      2. Threatens the public health or safety;
      3. Violates an applicable law or ordinance;
      4. Is accompanied by sound or music or if any other materials are attached to the political sign.
    1. No homeowner’s association may add, amend, or enforce any covenant, condition, or restriction in such a way that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the display of: (6)(a) No homeowner’s association may add, amend, or enforce any covenant, condition, or restriction in such a way that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the display of:
      1. The flag of the United States of America;
      2. The flag of the state of Idaho;
      3. The POW/MIA flag; or
      4. An official or replica flag of any branch of the United States armed forces.
    2. A homeowner’s association may adopt reasonable rules, subject to applicable laws or ordinances:
      1. That require:
        1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of the state of Idaho to be displayed in accordance with 4 U.S.C. 5 et seq.;
        2. A flagpole attached to a dwelling or a freestanding flagpole to be constructed of permanent, long-lasting materials with a finish appropriate to the materials used in the construction of the flagpole and harmonious to the dwelling;
        3. The display of a flag, or the location and construction of the supporting flagpole, to comply with applicable zoning ordinances, easements, and setbacks of record; and
        4. That a displayed flag and the flagpole on which it is flown be maintained in good condition and that any deteriorated flag or deteriorated or structurally unsafe flagpole be repaired, replaced, or removed;
      2. That regulate the size, number, and location of flagpoles on which flags are displayed, except that the regulation may not prevent the installation or erection of at least one (1) flagpole per property that:
      3. That govern the size of a displayed flag; (iv) That regulate the size, location, and intensity of any lights used to illuminate a displayed flag;
      4. That impose reasonable restrictions to abate noise caused by an external halyard of a flagpole; or
      5. That prohibit a property owner from locating a displayed flag or flagpole on property that is:
    3. A property owner who has a front yard and who otherwise complies with any permitted homeowner’s association regulation may elect to install a flagpole in accordance with paragraph (b)(ii) of this subsection.
  5. Attorney’s fees and costs shall not accrue and shall not be assessed or collected by the homeowner’s association until the homeowner’s association has complied with the requirements of subsection (2) of this section and the member has failed to address the violation as prescribed in subsection (2)(c) of this section. A court of competent jurisdiction may determine the reasonableness of attorney’s fees and costs assessed against a member. In an action to determine the reasonableness of attorney’s fees and costs assessed by the homeowner’s association against a member, the court may award reasonable attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party.

(d) A homeowner’s association may remove a political sign without liability if the sign:

(e) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this subsection, a homeowner’s association shall not remove a political sign from the property of a homeowner or impose any fine or penalty upon the homeowner unless it has first provided the homeowner three (3) days’ written notice that specifically identifies the rule and the nature of the violation.

1. Is not more than twenty (20) feet in height and, subject to applicable zoning ordinances, easements, and setbacks of record, is located in the front yard of the property; or

2. Is attached to any portion of a residential structure owned by the property owner and not maintained by the homeowner’s association;

1. Owned or maintained by the homeowner’s association; or

2. Owned in common by the members of the association.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-115, as added by 2014, ch. 141, § 1, p. 385; am. 2016, ch. 209, § 1, p. 592; am. 2016, ch. 365, § 1, p. 1074; am. 2017, ch. 58, § 30, p. 91; am. 2019, ch. 199, § 1, p. 616; am. 2020, ch. 242, § 1, p. 708.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

This section was amended by two 2016 acts which appear to be compatible and have been compiled together.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 209, added subsection (3).

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 365, added subsection (3) [now (4)].

The 2017 amendment, by ch. 58, redesignated the last subsection, formerly designated as subsection (3), as subsection (4), resolving a conflict caused by the multiple 2016 amendments of this section.

The 2019 amendment, by ch. 199, inserted present subsection (4) and redesignated former subsection (4) as subsection (5).

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 242, added present subsections (5) and (6) and redesignated former subsection (5) as present subsection (7).

Effective Dates.

Section 3 of S.L. 2016, ch. 209 declared an emergency. Approved March 24, 2016.

§ 55-116. Statement of account — Disclosure of fees.

  1. A homeowner’s association or its agent shall provide a property owner and the owner’s agent, if any, a statement of the property owner’s account not more than five (5) business days after receipt of a request by the owner or the owner’s agent received by the homeowner’s association’s manager, president, board member, or other agent, or any combination thereof. The statement of account shall include, at a minimum, the amount of annual charges against the property, the date when said amounts are due, and any unpaid assessments or other charges due and owing from such owner at the time of the request. The homeowner’s association shall be bound by the amounts set forth within such statement of account.
  2. On or before January 1 of each year, a homeowner’s association or its agent shall provide property owners within the association a disclosure of fees that will be charged to a property owner in connection with any transfer of ownership of their property. Fees imposed by a homeowner’s association for the calendar year following the disclosure of fees shall not exceed the amount set forth on the annual disclosure, and no surcharge or additional fees shall be charged to any homeowner in connection with any transfer of ownership of their property. No fees may be charged for expeditiously providing a homeowner’s statement of account as set forth in this section.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-116, as added by 2018, ch. 205, § 1, p. 457.

Chapter 2 ESTATES IN REAL PROPERTY

Sec.

§ 55-201. Limitation of future estates.

A future estate may be limited by the act of the party to commence in possession at a future day, either without the intervention of a precedent estate, or on the termination, by lapse of time or otherwise, of a precedent estate created at the same time.

History.

R.S., § 2850; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3071; C.S., § 5339; I.C.A.,§ 54-201.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-202. Successive remainders in fee.

A contingent remainder in fee may be created on a prior remainder in fee, to take effect in the event that the persons to whom the first remainder is limited die under the age of twenty-one (21) years, or upon any other contingency by which the estate of such persons may be determined before they attain majority.

History.

R.S., § 2851; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3072; C.S., § 5340; I.C.A.,§ 54-202.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Rule in Shelley’s Case abrogated,§ 55-206.

Suspension of power of alienation,§ 55-111A.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Wilson v. Linder, 18 Idaho 438, 110 P. 274 (1910).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-203. Limitation of successive life estates.

Successive estates for life cannot be limited, except to persons in being at the creation thereof, and all life estates subsequent to those of persons in being are void; and upon the death of those persons the remainder, if valid in its creation, takes effect in the same manner as if no other life estate had been created.

History.

R.S., § 2852; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3073; C.S., § 5341; I.C.A.,§ 54-203.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

C.J.S.

§ 55-204. Remainders upon successive life estates.

No remainder can be created upon successive estates for life, provided for in the preceding section, unless such remainder is in fee; nor can a remainder be created upon such estate in a term for years, unless it is for the whole residue of such term.

History.

R.S., § 2853; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3074; C.S., § 5342; I.C.A.,§ 54-204.

§ 55-205. Contingent remainder.

A remainder may be limited on a contingency which, in case it should happen, will operate to abridge or determine the precedent estate; and every such remainder is to be deemed a conditional limitation.

History.

R.S., § 2854; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3075; C.S., § 5343; I.C.A.,§ 54-205.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Wilson v. Linder, 18 Idaho 438, 110 P. 274 (1910).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-206. Rule in Shelley’s case abolished.

When a remainder is limited to the heirs, or heirs of the body, of a person to whom a life estate in the same property is given, the persons who, on the termination of the life estate, are the successors or heirs of the body of the owner for life, are entitled to take by virtue of the remainder, so limited to them, and not as mere successors of the owner for life.

History.

R.S., § 2855; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3076; C.S., § 5344; I.C.A.,§ 54-206.

CASE NOTES

Heirs.

Under provisions of this section the common-law rule, generally known as the rule in Shelley’s case, has been abrogated, and term “heirs” has been changed from a word of limitation to one of purchase. Wilson v. Linder, 18 Idaho 438, 110 P. 274 (1910).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-207. Power of appointment.

A general or special power of appointment does not prevent the vesting of a future estate limited to take effect in case such power is not executed.

History.

R.S., § 2856; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3077; C.S., § 5345; I.C.A.,§ 54-207.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-208. Termination of tenancy at will.

A tenancy or other estate at will, however created, may be terminated:

  1. By the landlord’s giving notice in writing to the tenant, in the manner prescribed by the code of civil procedure, to remove from the premises within a period of not less than one (1) month, to be specified in the notice; or
  2. By the tenant giving notice in writing to the landlord that the tenant will be vacating the premises, on a date as specified in the notice, but not less than one (1) month from the date of notice.
History.

R.S., § 2857; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3078; C.S., § 5346; I.C.A.,§ 54-208; am. 2002, ch. 295, § 1, p. 848.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Service of notice on tenant,§ 6-304.

Compiler’s Notes.

The code of civil procedure, referred to in subsection (1), is a division of the Idaho Code, consisting of Titles 1 through 13.

CASE NOTES

Inapplicable to Orders to Vacate.

This section has no application to court orders directing a party to vacate premises; thus, court order directing tenants to vacate premises on less than one-month’s notice was not violative of this section. Hinkle v. Winey, 126 Idaho 993, 895 P.2d 594 (Ct. App. 1995).

Notice.

Where the first notice sent by a gas company informing a bulk plant operator of the company’s desire to terminate distributor and consignment agreements did not afford the operator the required one-month notice to vacate the bulk plant, but where a second written notice was served on the operator to vacate the plant on date more than one month following service of the note, the bulk plant operator had sufficient notice of termination of the tenancy at will. Texaco, Inc. v. Johnson, 96 Idaho 935, 539 P.2d 288 (1975).

Where original lessee assigned lease to second party without approval of lessor as required by lease but lessor did not treat such party as a trespasser after the expiration of the original lease and did not at that time demand that he vacate the property, nor did they bring an unlawful detainer action against him but continued to accept rent from him a new tenancy, implied from conduct, arose by operation of law; thus such party was entitled to a minimum of one month’s notice, under the provisions of this section, before the tenancy could be terminated and it is clear that until the tenancy was legally terminated such party had the right to remove improvements. Lewiston Pre-Mix Concrete, Inc. v. Rohde, 110 Idaho 640, 718 P.2d 551 (Ct. App. 1985).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-209. Termination of tenancy at will — Rights of landlord.

After such notice has been served, and the period specified by such notice has expired, but not before, the landlord may reenter, or proceed according to law to recover possession.

History.

R.S., § 2858; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3079; C.S., § 5347; I.C.A.,§ 54-209.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-210. Right of reentry.

Whenever the right of reentry is given to a grantor or a lessor in any grant or lease, or otherwise, such reentry may be made at any time after the right has accrued, upon three (3) days’ notice, as provided in the Code of Civil Procedure.

History.

R.S., § 2859; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3080; C.S., § 5348; I.C.A.,§ 54-210.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Service of notice in unlawful detainer,§ 6-304.

Compiler’s Notes.

The Code of Civil Procedure, referred to in this section, is a division of the Idaho Code, consisting of Titles 1 through 13.

CASE NOTES

Choice of Remedy.

A lessor’s contractual right to forfeiture must be clearly stipulated in order to be enforceable; however, even absent a contractual forfeiture remedy, such statutory remedy is still available in an unlawful detainer action. Consequently, absent a clear contractual right to declare forfeiture, a landlord may not, without the express consent of a tenant, repossess his property without resorting to remedies provided in the unlawful detainer statutes. Riverside Dev. Co. v. Ritchie, 103 Idaho 515, 650 P.2d 657 (1982).

Where a lease agreement contained a very definitive contractual right to terminate the lease upon default of the lessee, the lessor had a choice of pursuing either its contractual or statutory remedy. Riverside Dev. Co. v. Ritchie, 103 Idaho 515, 650 P.2d 657 (1982).

Damages Resulting from Entry.

Where landlord entered to harvest and pack apples to which he was entitled as rent, the only question involved is the damages resulting to tenant from entry. Muegerl v. Hawley, 49 Idaho 790, 292 P. 242 (1930).

Forfeiture.
Notice.

The remedy of forfeiture permitted under the unlawful detainer statutes is merely cumulative to any contractual right of reentry provided for in the lease agreement. Riverside Dev. Co. v. Ritchie, 103 Idaho 515, 650 P.2d 657 (1982). Notice.

A notice not complying with the requirements of this section was ineffective as a cancellation of the lease. Adair v. Freeman, 92 Idaho 773, 451 P.2d 519 (1969).

Where a lessor of business property had the right to enter the premises because the lease had expired, three days’ notice was not required, since the notice requirement set forth in this section applies only where a lessor enters premises under a right of reentry. Ringer v. Rice, 97 Idaho 105, 540 P.2d 290 (1975).

Where the lessor gave the lessee notice of default on May 20, 1977, for his failure to pay the May, 1977 minimum rent and, on June 22, 1977, the lessee had still not cured the default, and the lessor sent a notice of termination, the lessee thus had more than the 30 days permitted in the lease to cure the default; and since no reentry was attempted by the lessor within three days of the termination notice the notice requirement of this section was met. Riverside Dev. Co. v. Ritchie, 103 Idaho 515, 650 P.2d 657 (1982).

Cited

Maynard v. Nguyen, 152 Idaho 724, 274 P.3d 589 (2011).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-211. Summary proceedings — Where provided for.

Summary proceedings for obtaining possession of real property forcibly entered, or forcibly and unlawfully detained, are provided for in the Code of Civil Procedure.

History.

R.S., § 2860; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3081; C.S., § 5349; I.C.A.,§ 54-211.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The Code of Civil Procedure, referred to in this section, is a division of the Idaho Code, consisting of Titles 1 through 13.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-212. Action for real property — Notice unnecessary.

An action for the possession of real property, leased or granted, with a right of reentry, may be maintained at any time, in the district court, after the right to reenter has accrued, without notice.

History.

R.S., § 2861; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3082; C.S., § 5350; I.C.A.,§ 54-212.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-301. Rights of grantees against grantor’s tenants.

A person to whom any real property is transferred or devised, upon which rent has been reserved or to whom such rent is transferred, is entitled to the same remedies for recovery of rent, for nonperformance of any of the terms of the lease, or for any waste or cause of forfeiture, as his grantor or devisor might have had.

History.

R.S., § 2875; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3083; C.S., § 5351; I.C.A.,§ 54-301.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-302. Remedies of lessor against lessee’s assignee.

Whatever remedies the lessor of any real property has against his immediate lessee for the breach of any agreement in the lease, or for recovery of the possession, he has against the assignees of the lessee, for any cause of action accruing while they are such assignees, except where the assignment is made by way of security for a loan, and is not accompanied by possession of the premises.

History.

R.S., § 2876; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3084; C.S., § 5352; I.C.A.,§ 54-302.

CASE NOTES

Assignee Bound by Lien.

Under allegations that assignee had actual notice of provisions of lease and was successor in interest of original lessee, he is bound by provisions of lease and equitable lien is good against him. Neilson v. Peterson, 37 Idaho 171, 215 P. 836 (1923).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

C.J.S.

§ 55-303. Remedies of lessee against lessor’s assignee.

Whatever remedies the lessee of any real property may have against his immediate lessor, for the breach of any agreement in the lease, he may have against the assigns of the lessor, and the assigns of the lessee may have against the lessor and his assigns, except upon covenants against encumbrances or relating to the title or possession of the premises.

History.

R.S., § 2877; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3085; C.S., § 5353; I.C.A.,§ 54-303.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-304. Recovery of rent on lease for life.

Rent due upon a lease for life may be recovered in the same manner as upon a lease for years.

History.

R.S., § 2878; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3086; C.S., § 5354; I.C.A.,§ 54-304.

§ 55-305. Rent on lease for life — Recovery after death.

Rent dependent on the life of a person may be recovered after as well as before his death.

History.

R.S., § 2879; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3087; C.S., § 5355; I.C.A.,§ 54-305.

§ 55-306. Action by reversioners.

A person having an estate in fee, in remainder or reversion, may maintain an action for any injury done to the inheritance, notwithstanding an intervening estate for life or years, and although, after its commission, his estate is transferred, and he has no interest in the property at the commencement of the action.

History.

R.S., § 2880; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3088; C.S., § 5356; I.C.A.,§ 54-306.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

Right of contingent remainderman to maintain action for damages for waste. 56 A.L.R.3d 677.

§ 55-307. Change in terms of lease — Notice.

  1. In all leases of lands or tenements, or of any interest therein from month to month, the landlord may, upon giving notice in writing at least fifteen (15) days before the expiration of the month, change the terms of the lease to take effect at the expiration of the month. The notice, when served upon the tenant, shall of itself operate and be effectual to create and establish, as a part of the lease, the terms, rent and conditions specified in the notice if the tenant shall continue to hold the premises after the expiration of the month.
  2. A local governmental unit shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential property. This provision does not impair the right of any local governmental unit to manage and control residential property in which the local governmental unit has a property interest.
  3. Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, in all leases of residential property, or of any interest therein, the landlord shall provide the tenant written notice of any increase in the amount of rent charged or of the landlord’s intention of nonrenewal of the lease at least thirty (30) days before:
    1. Such nonrenewal of the lease; or
    2. Such increase in the amount of rent charged is intended to take effect.
History.

R.S., § 2881; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3089; C.S., § 5357; I.C.A.,§ 54-307; am. 1990, ch. 185, § 1, p. 413; am. 2020, ch. 254, § 1, p. 740.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 254, added subsection (3).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-308. Removal of fixtures by tenant.

A tenant may remove from the demised premises, any time during the continuance of his term, anything affixed thereto for the purposes of trade, manufacture, ornament or domestic use, if the removal can be effected without injury to the premises, unless the thing has, by the manner in which it is affixed, become an integral part of the premises.

History.

R.S., § 2882; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3090; C.S., § 5358; I.C.A.,§ 54-308.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Removal of improvements made by occupying claimant,§ 6-414.

CASE NOTES

Fixtures.

Property consisting of a front and back bar, ice chest, etc., placed in a saloon building by tenant and fastened to the wall and floor, constitutes trade fixtures and may be removed by tenant during the continuance of his term. Bush v. Havird, 12 Idaho 352, 86 P. 529 (1964).

Accepting trial court’s determination that they were fixtures, a metal canopy or hood, soda fountain with compressor, stainless steel sink, air conditioner and special acid-resistant sink, installed by tenant operator of drug store, could be removed by tenant during operation of lease, not having become integral parts of the building, since removal involved no more than unscrewing attaching supports and removal of lines for electricity, water and drainage used for their service. Pearson v. Harper, 87 Idaho 245, 392 P.2d 687 (1964).

In determining whether a particular article has become a trade fixture, three general tests are applied: 1. annexation to the realty, either actual or constructive; 2. adaptation or application to the use or purpose to which that part of the realty to which it is connected is appropriated; and, 3. intention to make the article a permanent accession to the freehold. Pearson v. Harper, 87 Idaho 245, 392 P.2d 687 (1964); Steel Farms, Inc. v. Croft & Reed, 154 Idaho 259, 297 P.3d 222 (2012).

Provision in lease requiring payment of $10.00 per day during the time possession is withheld, following default and 30-day notice, is indicative of tenant’s intent upon holding over; therefore, even though terms of the lease had expired, his possession was not more than a continuance of the original term, and tenant was entitled to remove trade fixtures which had not become an integral part of the premises and that could be removed without injury to the premises. Pearson v. Harper, 87 Idaho 245, 392 P.2d 687 (1964). Trial court found a dividing partition was so affixed that it became an integral part of leased building and that shelving, although not an integral part of building, could not be removed without injury to the building; therefore, tenant was not authorized to remove either partition or shelving. Pearson v. Harper, 87 Idaho 245, 392 P.2d 687 (1964).

Where pivot irrigation system was annexed to the land, either constructively or actually, in that it was bolted to cement slabs buried in the ground, and attached to pipes and electrical wires which were buried three to four feet underground and removal of the system necessitated digging up these buried wires and pipes, which could only result in some damage to the realty itself and such system was clearly adapted to the land since the purpose and use of the land in question was that of farming and irrigation is peculiarly necessary to a farming operation conducted in Idaho and where the gravity system in place before such system was installed was destroyed, indicating that it was no longer necessary to have the gravity system because of the permanent installation of another irrigation system, such system was a fixture. Rayl v. Shull Enters., Inc., 108 Idaho 524, 700 P.2d 567 (1985).

An irrigation system as a whole is not necessarily a fixture, but may be personal property. The court must assess objective intent, annexation, and adaptation to determine intent. Steel Farms, Inc. v. Croft & Reed, Inc., 154 Idaho 259, 297 P.3d 222 (2012).

Tenant waived its right to remove an electrical transformer it had installed on leased premises, when it failed to remove the transformer before surrendering the premises. Caldwell Land and Cattle, LLC v. Johnson Thermal Sys., — Idaho —, 452 P.3d 809 (2019).

Question for Jury.

Where the evidence presented at trial established that the equipment was very heavy and bolted to the mill and there was contradictory testimony as to whether the equipment could be removed from the mill without damage, but the jury could find that the equipment could be removed without harm to the structure, it was a question of fact for the jury to determine whether the equipment was removable under this section. P.N. Cedar, Inc. v. D & G Shake Co., 110 Idaho 561, 716 P.2d 1333 (Ct. App. 1986).

Time for Removal.

Trade fixtures must be removed by tenant during continuance of his term; right to remove them is lost after a surrender of possession by tenant, or eviction by landlord by summary proceedings. Bush v. Havird, 12 Idaho 352, 86 P. 529 (1964).

As long as a tenant remains in possession of premises and holds over term provided by the lease, which also provides for payment of a fixed sum for each day of holding over, he is still within the purview of the statute allowing him to remove his property “any time during the continuance of his term.” Pearson v. Harper, 87 Idaho 245, 392 P.2d 687 (1964).

Title.

Where original lessee assigned lease to second party without approval of lessor as required by lease but lessor did not treat such party as a trespasser after the expiration of the original lease and did not, at that time, demand that he vacate the property, nor did he bring an unlawful detainer action against the assignee but continued to accept rent from him, a new tenancy, implied from conduct, arose by operation of law; thus such party was entitled to a minimum of one month’s notice, under the provisions of§ 55-208, before the tenancy could be terminated and it is clear that, until the tenancy was legally terminated, such party had the right to remove improvements. Lewiston Pre-Mix Concrete, Inc. v. Rohde, 110 Idaho 640, 718 P.2d 551 (Ct. App. 1985). Title.

If lease does not give tenant right to remove trade fixtures, failure of tenant to remove trade fixtures prior to expiration of lease vests title to trade fixtures in landlord. Fidelity Trust Co. v. State, 72 Idaho 137, 237 P.2d 1058 (1951).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-309. Ownership of street by abutter.

An owner of land bounded by a road or street is presumed to own to the center of the way, but the contrary may be shown.

History.

R.S., § 2883; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3091; C.S., § 5359; I.C.A.,§ 54-309.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Ponderosa Homesite Lot Owners v. Garfield Bay Resort, Inc., 143 Idaho 407, 146 P.3d 673 (2006).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-310. Right to lateral and subjacent support.

Each coterminous owner is entitled to the lateral and subjacent support which his land receives from the adjacent land, subject to the right of the owner of the adjoining land to make proper and usual excavations on the same for purposes of construction, on using ordinary care and skill, and taking reasonable precautions to sustain the land of the other, and giving previous reasonable notice to the other of his intention to make such excavation.

History.

R.S., § 2884; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3092; C.S., § 5360; I.C.A.,§ 54-310.

CASE NOTES

Want of Care.

Excavation by owner on his own land, causing damage to a building on adjoining owner’s land, without the knowledge of, or previous notice to, such adjoining owner, is evidence of want of care in doing the work. Zilka v. Graham, 26 Idaho 163, 141 P. 639 (1914).

Cited

Nampa & Meridian Irrigation Dist. v. Mussell, 139 Idaho 28, 72 P.3d 868 (2003).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-311. Duties of tenant for life.

The owner of a life estate must keep the buildings and fences in repair from ordinary waste, and must pay the taxes and other annual charges, and a just proportion of extraordinary assessments benefiting the whole inheritance.

History.

R.S., § 2885; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3093; C.S., § 5361; I.C.A.,§ 54-311.

CASE NOTES

Category of Waste.

Although this section does not expressly address waste of a lawn, trees and shrubs located on a life estate, the reference to “real property” in§ 6-201 includes waste of the lawn, trees, and shrubs located on the life estate. Kimbrough v. Reed, 130 Idaho 512, 943 P.2d 1232 (1997).

Paving Assessments.

Where life estate was left husband by wife and paving assessments were levied after death of wife, such assessment should be borne proportionately by husband and remainderman. Felton v. Anderton, 67 Idaho 160, 174 P.2d 212 (1946).

Taxes.

Taxes paid by surviving husband cannot be charged against deceased wife’s estate, since it was incumbent on the husband as owner of the life estate to pay them. Felton v. Anderton, 67 Idaho 160, 174 P.2d 212 (1946).

Cited

Tobias v. State Tax Comm’n, 85 Idaho 250, 378 P.2d 628 (1963).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

§ 55-312. Monuments and fences.

Coterminous owners are mutually bound equally to maintain:

  1. The boundaries and monuments between them.
  2. The fences between them, unless one of them chooses to let his land lie without fencing, in which case, if he afterward incloses it, he must refund to the other the just proportion of the value, at that time, of any division fence made by the latter.
History.

R.S., § 2886; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3094; C.S., § 5362; I.C.A.,§ 54-312.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Erection, maintenance, and repair of partition fences,§ 35-101 et seq.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-313. Relocation of access.

Where, for motor vehicle travel, any access which is less than a public dedication, has heretofore been or may hereafter be, constructed across private lands, the person or persons owning or controlling the private lands shall have the right at their own expense to change such access to any other part of the private lands, but such change must be made in such a manner as not to obstruct motor vehicle travel, or to otherwise injure any person or persons using or interested in such access.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-313, as added by 1985, ch. 252, § 1, p. 586.

CASE NOTES

This section unambiguously permitted the relocation of an access road, and did not require the consent of the neighboring dominant estate holders; the relocation did not constitute a taking and there was no genuine issue of material fact as to whether the estate holders sustained an injury. Statewide Constr., Inc. v. Pietri, 150 Idaho 423, 247 P.3d 650, overruled on other grounds, Verska v. St. Alphonsus Med. Ctr., 151 Idaho 889, 265 P.3d 502 (2011).

Relocation Improper.

Where substantial and competent evidence was presented at trial that the slope of a relocated easement was steep enough to cause injury to those using the easement, property owners may be enjoined from relocating the easement. Belstler v. Sheler, 151 Idaho 819, 264 P.3d 926 (2011).

This section does not permit the relocation, or change of dimensions, of an easement for a driveway, where the change would clearly obstruct motor vehicle travel and injure the owners of the easement, as they would require the construction of a new driveway across their front lawn. Manning v. Campbell, 152 Idaho 232, 268 P.3d 1184 (2012).

Chapter 4 PERSONAL PROPERTY

Sec.

§ 55-401. Conflict of laws.

If there is no law to the contrary in the place where personal property is situated, it is deemed to follow the person of its owner and is governed by the law of his domicil.

History.

R.S., § 2890; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3095; C.S., § 5363; I.C.A.,§ 54-401.

CASE NOTES

Devolution of Personal Property.

Shares of stock in corporation are personal property and descend according to the laws of the state which was the domicil of owner at time of his death, and certificates of shares of corporate stock, which constitute evidence of ownership, are transferred according to the laws of the state wherein corporation was organized. State ex rel. Peterson v. Dunlap, 28 Idaho 784, 156 P. 1141 (1916).

Laws of Succession Controlling.

French laws of succession controlled the distribution of bequests to residents of France of an Idaho testator who died intestate during the pendency of the administration of the testator’s estate, leaving French heirs at law. Barthel v. Johnston, 92 Idaho 94, 437 P.2d 366 (1968).

Marital Domicile.

Personal property acquired during coverture is governed and controlled by the law of the marital domicile. Ashe v. Hurt, 114 Idaho 70, 753 P.2d 281 (Ct. App. 1988), aff’d, 117 Idaho 266, 787 P.2d 252 (1990).

Where spouses held a brokerage account as joint tenants with right of survivorship while domiciled in California, and the husband terminated and then reestablished the account when the spouses were domiciled in Idaho, the property was subject to Idaho law. Ashe v. Hurt, 114 Idaho 70, 753 P.2d 281 (Ct. App. 1988), aff’d, 117 Idaho 266, 787 P.2d 252 (1990).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Idaho Law Review.

Idaho Law Review. — Choice of Law in Idaho: A Survey and Critique of Idaho Cases, Andrew S. Jorgensen. 49 Idaho L. Rev. 547 (2013).

§ 55-402. Transfer and devolution of things in action.

A thing in action arising out of the violation of a right of property, or out of an obligation, may be transferred by the owner. Upon the death of the owner it passes to his personal representatives, except where, in the cases provided in the Code of Civil Procedure, it passes to his devisees or successor in office.

History.

R.S., § 2891; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3096; C.S., § 5364; I.C.A.,§ 54-402.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The Code of Civil Procedure, referred to in this section, is a division of the Idaho Code consisting of Titles 1 through 13.

CASE NOTES

Contractual Obligation of Carrier.

The provisions and procedures contemplated by§ 11-507 are applicable to a cause of action belonging to judgment debtors against their insurance carriers based on wrongful refusal by carriers to settle claims against judgment debtors within policy limits, which cause arises from the contractual obligation of the carriers and is a thing in action arising out of violation of an obligation and, thus, assignable under§ 5-302 and this section. Whitehead v. Van Leuven, 347 F. Supp. 505 (D. Idaho 1972).

Damages to Mining Ground Assignable.

A cause of action for damages to mining ground from oil and grease nuisance is a thing in action, arising out of alleged violation of right of property, and assignable. Idaho Gold Dredging Corp. v. Boise Payette Lumber Co., 54 Idaho 765, 37 P.2d 407 (1934), cert. denied, 299 U.S. 577, 57 S. Ct. 40, 81 L. Ed. 425 (1936).

Fraud in Stock Sale.

Cause of action for fraud in sale of stock survives. MacLeod v. Stelle, 43 Idaho 64, 249 P. 254 (1926).

Legal Malpractice Claim.

While legal malpractice claims are generally not assignable, such a claim is transferrable if it is transferred to an assignee in a commercial transaction, along with other business assets and liabilities. St. Luke’s Magic Valley Reg’l Med. Ctr. v. Luciani (In re Order Certifying Question to Idaho Supreme Court), 154 Idaho 37, 293 P.3d 661 (2013).

Personal Injuries.

Injuries of personal nature which do not survive are such as injury to person, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, libel, slander and the like; but injury which lessens estate of injured party does survive and is, thus, assignable. MacLeod v. Stelle, 43 Idaho 64, 249 P. 254 (1926).

Cited

Bonanza Motors, Inc. v. Webb, 104 Idaho 234, 657 P.2d 1102 (Ct. App. 1983).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-403. Abandoned or unclaimed property in possession of sheriff or city police department — Sale at public auction.

  1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, any personal property which has come into the possession or custody of the sheriff of any county in this state or the city police department of any city in this state by reason of the same having been abandoned, impounded or otherwise left with the sheriff or city police department, or if originally taken into custody under legal process, such property has been lawfully released or discharged from the attachment or other process under which it was taken into custody and which remains unclaimed or unredeemed by the owner or one entitled to possession thereof for more than six (6) months from the date of such abandonment, impoundment, leaving, or release from attachment or other process under which the same was originally taken into custody, as the case may be, shall be subject to sale by the sheriff or city police department at public auction for cash on not less than five (5) or more than ten (10) days’ notice except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, the conduct and notice of which sale shall be given and had in conformity with sales on execution; provided, however, that prior to public auction, bicycles need only be unclaimed or unredeemed by the owner or one entitled to possession for more than ninety (90) days and that personal property with a fair market value of less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) need only be unclaimed or unredeemed by the owner or one entitled to possession for more than thirty (30) days.
  2. Whenever the sheriff or city police department has knowledge of the name and address of the owner or one entitled to possession of personal property, a copy of such notice of sale at public auction as provided in subsection (1) or of a bid for sale as provided in subsection (4) of this section, shall be mailed to such owner or one entitled to possession, with postage prepaid, at least fourteen (14) days prior to such sale.
  3. As many items of personal property may be noticed for sale and sold at the same sale as the sheriff or city police department may deem advisable, and said property may be sold singly or in lots or as a whole as the sheriff or city police department may determine. The sheriff or city police department shall give a bill of sale to the highest bidder upon payment of the amount bid upon payment of the bid price.
    1. Any firearm or ammunition that meets the established specifications for official law enforcement duty use and will be used for official law enforcement duty use and which has come into the possession or custody of the sheriff of any county in this state or the city police department of any city in this state by reason of the firearm or ammunition having been abandoned, impounded or otherwise acquired by the sheriff or city police department, or if originally released or discharged from the attachment or other process under which it was taken into custody and which remains unclaimed or unredeemed by the owner or person entitled to possession thereof for more than six (6) months from the date of such abandonment, impoundment, leaving or release from attachment or other process under which the firearm or ammunition was originally taken into custody, as the case may be, may be converted by the county sheriff or city police department in the county or city in which it was first acquired. A serial number record shall be maintained for all firearms thus converted, and such record shall include the description, acquisition and disposition for each firearm converted. (b) Any firearm or ammunition not converted for official law enforcement duty use as provided in subsection (4)(a) of this section, where such firearm or ammunition may be lawfully possessed by a licensed firearm dealer, shall be subject to sale to a licensed firearm dealer by sealed or opened bids after notification as provided in subsection (2) of this section. If no sale is completed for the firearm or ammunition pursuant to this paragraph (b), the firearm or ammunition may be converted to public agency ownership for official law enforcement purposes provided an actual or appraised value is determined for each firearm or any ammunition converted. If the firearm or ammunition is not converted, or if following conversion the firearm or ammunition is deemed unusable or unsafe, the firearm or ammunition may be scrapped by melting or other method of destruction. The public agency shall maintain procedures and records as to the acquisition, serial number, location, use and final disposition of the firearm. (4)(a) Any firearm or ammunition that meets the established specifications for official law enforcement duty use and will be used for official law enforcement duty use and which has come into the possession or custody of the sheriff of any county in this state or the city police department of any city in this state by reason of the firearm or ammunition having been abandoned, impounded or otherwise acquired by the sheriff or city police department, or if originally released or discharged from the attachment or other process under which it was taken into custody and which remains unclaimed or unredeemed by the owner or person entitled to possession thereof for more than six (6) months from the date of such abandonment, impoundment, leaving or release from attachment or other process under which the firearm or ammunition was originally taken into custody, as the case may be, may be converted by the county sheriff or city police department in the county or city in which it was first acquired. A serial number record shall be maintained for all firearms thus converted, and such record shall include the description, acquisition and disposition for each firearm converted. (b) Any firearm or ammunition not converted for official law enforcement duty use as provided in subsection (4)(a) of this section, where such firearm or ammunition may be lawfully possessed by a licensed firearm dealer, shall be subject to sale to a licensed firearm dealer by sealed or opened bids after notification as provided in subsection (2) of this section. If no sale is completed for the firearm or ammunition pursuant to this paragraph (b), the firearm or ammunition may be converted to public agency ownership for official law enforcement purposes provided an actual or appraised value is determined for each firearm or any ammunition converted. If the firearm or ammunition is not converted, or if following conversion the firearm or ammunition is deemed unusable or unsafe, the firearm or ammunition may be scrapped by melting or other method of destruction. The public agency shall maintain procedures and records as to the acquisition, serial number, location, use and final disposition of the firearm.
  4. Any public agency that confiscates a firearm shall maintain a serial number record, including a record of the acquisition and disposition, of such firearm and shall provide the firearm to the sheriff or city police department in the county or city in which the confiscation takes place. The firearm shall thereafter be handled in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a court shall direct the county sheriff or city police department to dispose of any firearm that has been used in the commission of a homicide in a manner the sheriff or city police department deems appropriate, provided however, this paragraph (c) shall not apply to a firearm confiscated or otherwise acquired pursuant to an action under section 18-4009, 18-4011 or 18-4012, Idaho Code.

History.

1957, ch. 131, § 1, p. 221; am. 1978, ch. 357, § 1, p. 940; am. 1986, ch. 136, § 1, p. 365; am. 2005, ch. 217, § 2, p. 690.

§ 55-403A. Disposal of firearms

Disposal of other items. [Repealed.]

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

This section, which comprised I.C.,§ 55-403A, as added by 1986, ch. 136, § 2, p. 365, was repealed by S.L. 2005, ch. 217, § 3.

§ 55-404. Proceeds of sale — Disbursement.

Except as provided in section 55-405, Idaho Code, the proceeds of said sale shall be applied first to all costs assessed or incurred against the personal property so sold including any storage charges as keepers’ fee and expenses of sale incurred by the sheriff or city police department, and the balance of such proceeds, if any, shall be kept by the sheriff or city police department in a separate fund for a period of one (1) year from the date of sale. Any person claiming title to, or ownership of, such proceeds by reason of ownership of such personal property at the time of sale by the sheriff or city police department shall make written application therefor to the sheriff or city police department. If satisfactory proof of such title or ownership is furnished within one (1) year of the receipt of such proceeds, then the said proceeds shall be delivered to the claimant. If no claim and proof is made before the expiration of one (1) year from the receipt of the proceeds, the same shall be paid by the sheriff to the county treasurer or by the city police department to the city clerk who shall credit the same to the general fund of the county or the city, as the case may be, and no claim therefor shall be thereafter considered.

History.

1957, ch. 131, § 2, p. 221; am. 1978, ch. 357, § 2, p. 940; am. 2002, ch. 131, § 1, p. 362.

§ 55-405. Found personal property.

  1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who finds money or goods valued at one hundred dollars ($100) or more, excepting firearms, explosives or other deadly weapons as identified in chapter 33, title 18, Idaho Code, shall, if the owner of the money or goods is unknown, give written notice of the finding within ten (10) days to the county clerk of the county in which the money or goods were found. Within twenty (20) days after the date of the finding, the person who finds such money or goods shall cause to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county a notice of the finding once each week for two (2) consecutive weeks. Each such notice shall state:
    1. A general description of the money or goods found;
    2. The address and telephone number of the county clerk’s office; and
    3. The final date by which such money or goods must be claimed.
  2. If no person establishes ownership of the money or goods prior to the expiration of three (3) months from the date of the notice to the county clerk, as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the person who found such money or goods shall be the rightful owner thereof.
    1. If any person who finds money or goods valued at one hundred dollars ($100) or more, excepting firearms, explosives or other deadly weapons as identified in chapter 33, title 18, Idaho Code, fails to comply with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, such person shall be liable to the county for the money or goods or for the value of such money or goods. (3)(a) If any person who finds money or goods valued at one hundred dollars ($100) or more, excepting firearms, explosives or other deadly weapons as identified in chapter 33, title 18, Idaho Code, fails to comply with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, such person shall be liable to the county for the money or goods or for the value of such money or goods.
    2. Upon forfeiture of the money or goods, or the value of such money or goods, as provided in this subsection, the county treasurer shall hold the money or goods or their value for the owner and shall publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the county a notice of the finding once each week for two (2) consecutive weeks. Each such notice shall state:
      1. A general description of the money or goods found;
      2. The address and telephone number of the county treasurer’s office; and
      3. The final date by which such money or goods must be claimed.
    3. If the owner does not reclaim the money or goods within three (3) months after the date of first publication of the notice by the county treasurer, the owner forfeits any rights to the money or goods or the value thereof and:
      1. If money, such money shall be placed in the general fund of the county for payment of the general operating expenses of the county; or
      2. If goods, such goods shall be delivered to the sheriff of the county and sold at public auction as provided in section 55-403, Idaho Code. The proceeds of the sale of such goods shall be applied first to the costs of the sale and the remainder shall be placed in the general fund of the county for the payment of the general operating expenses of the county.
  3. An owner of money or goods found by another person who establishes a claim to such money or goods within the time period specified in this section shall have restitution of such money or goods, or their value, upon payment to the finder or the county treasurer, as applicable, of all costs and charges incurred in the finding, giving of notice, and care and custody of such money or goods.
History.

(5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the provisions of chapter 5, title 14, Idaho Code. History.

I.C.,§ 55-405, as added by 2002, ch. 131, § 2, p. 362.

Chapter 5 TRANSFERS IN GENERAL

Sec.

§ 55-501. Transfer of possibilities.

A mere possibility not coupled with an interest cannot be transferred.

History.

R.S., § 2900; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3097; C.S., § 5365; I.C.A.,§ 54-501.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Possibility not a property interest,§ 55-110.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Hermann v. Brownell, 274 F.2d 842 (9th Cir. 1960); Mollandorf v. Derry, 95 Idaho 1, 501 P.2d 199 (1972).

§ 55-502. Right of reentry is transferable.

A right of reentry or of repossession for breach of condition subsequent can be transferred.

History.

R.S., § 2901; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3098; C.S., § 5366; I.C.A.,§ 54-502.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-503. Transfer by disseizee.

Any person claiming title to real property in the adverse possession of another may transfer it with the same effect as if in actual possession.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 33; R.S., § 2902; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3099; C.S., § 5367; I.C.A.,§ 54-503.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-504. Oral transfers.

A transfer may be made without writing, in every case in which a writing is not expressly required by statute.

History.

R.S., § 2903; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3100; C.S., § 5368; I.C.A.,§ 54-504.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Real estate transfers required to be in writing,§§ 9-503, 9-504.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-505. Transfer in writing — How designated.

A transfer in writing is called a grant, or conveyance, or bill of sale.

History.

R.S., § 2904; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3101; C.S., § 5369; I.C.A.,§ 54-505.

§ 55-506. Words of inheritance not required.

Words of inheritance or succession are not requisite to transfer a fee in real property.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 43; R.S., § 2905; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3102; C.S., § 5370; I.C.A.,§ 54-506.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-507. Grant effective on death without heirs.

Where a future interest is limited by a grant to take effect on the death of any person without heirs, or heirs of his body, or without issue, or in equivalent words, such words must be taken to mean successors, or issue living at the death of the person named as ancestor.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 44; R.S., § 2906; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3103; C.S., § 5371; I.C.A.,§ 54-507.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Hermann v. Brownell, 274 F.2d 842 (9th Cir. 1960); Mollandorf v. Derry, 95 Idaho 1, 501 P.2d 199 (1972).

§ 55-508. Cointerests deemed to be in common.

Every interest in real estate granted or devised to two (2) or more persons, other than executors or trustees, as such constitutes a tenancy in common, unless expressly declared in the grant or devise to be otherwise.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 42; R.S., § 2907; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3104; C.S., § 5372; I.C.A.,§ 54-508.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Interests in common,§ 55-104.

CASE NOTES

Abrogation of Joint Tenancy.

Under this section and§ 55-104, the common-law rule of joint tenancy has been abrogated, and every interest in real estate granted or devised to two or more persons, other than executors or trustees, constitutes a tenancy in common, unless expressly declared to the contrary. Powell v. Powell, 22 Idaho 531, 126 P. 1058 (1912).

Accounting Between Cotenants.

Where a cotenant leases or lets property for profit, he must account to his cotenant. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935).

Cotenants in Water.

As respects the right of irrigation district to recover damages from other districts for diversion of unused stored water in reservoir, districts which were not using water on their own land, but who were distributing appropriations to land owners and collecting rent therefor, were cotenants. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935).

Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship.

In an irrigation district’s action for damages for diversion of water from a reservoir by co-owner, co-owner could not profit by failure of the district to make final proof of completion of diversion work, or take from reservoir the district’s share of water and distribute it to its consumers, where co-owner made its proof of completion of diversion works for its share of water and same diversion works impounded water belonging to all parties. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935). Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship.

The mere fact that real property was purchased by the husband and wife with joint tenancy funds does not create a joint tenancy with right of survivorship in the realty. Greene v. Cooke, 96 Idaho 48, 524 P.2d 176 (1973).

Presumption from Possession.

The law presumes that possession of one cotenant is possession of all cotenants, and no presumption of abandonment arises. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935).

Use and Possession.

A tenant in common is entitled to the use, benefit and possession of common property, provided he does not exclude his cotenants from like use and benefit. Washington County Irrigation Dist. v. Talboy, 55 Idaho 382, 43 P.2d 943 (1935).

Cited

Twin Falls Canal Co. v. American Falls Reservoir Dist. No. 2, 49 F.2d 632 (D. Idaho 1931); Zimmerman v. Spickelmire (In re Spickelmire), 433 B.R. 792 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2010).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

Chapter 6 TRANSFER OF REAL PROPERTY

Sec.

§ 55-601. Conveyance — How made.

A conveyance of an estate in real property may be made by an instrument in writing, subscribed by the party disposing of the same, or by his agent thereunto authorized by writing. The name of the grantee and his complete mailing address must appear on such instrument.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 1; R.S., § 2920; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3105; C.S., § 5373; I.C.A.,§ 54-601; am. 1973, ch. 284, § 1, p. 600; am. 1989, ch. 105, § 1, p. 238.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Death of vendor prior to conveyance, executor or administrator to make conveyance,§ 15-3-715.

Partition of real estate, actions for,§ 6-501 et seq.

Statute of frauds,§§ 9-505, 28-2-201.

Transfers of real property must be in writing,§§ 9-503, 9-504.

CASE NOTES

Acknowledgment.

Since acknowledgment is not required except for purpose of recording, lack of acknowledgment before a notary did not by itself vitiate deed. Mollandorf v. Derry, 95 Idaho 1, 501 P.2d 199 (1972).

Address of Grantee.

The identification of the city in the agreement as a municipal corporation is sufficient to satisfy the requirement of this section relating to disclosure of the address of a grantee, when the grantee is a municipality. City of Kellogg v. Mission Mt. Interests Ltd., 135 Idaho 239, 16 P.3d 915 (2000). The district court ruled that a grantee’s mailing address on the deed was sufficient compliance with this section. KEB Enters., L.P. v. Smedley, 140 Idaho 746, 101 P.3d 690 (2004).

Warranty deed conveying a property to a corporation in an attempt to redeem after a foreclosure was not ineffective based on an address requirement under this section, since it only applied to grantees. Riley v. W. R. Holdings, LLC, 143 Idaho 116, 138 P.3d 316 (2006).

Mortgage which a business gave to a husband and wife to secure debts the business allegedly owed the husband and wife was not valid under§ 45-902 and this section, because the husband and wife did not include their complete mailing address on the instrument, or incorporate their address by reference to some other document. Hopkins v. Thomason Farms, Inc. (In re Thomason), Case No. 03-42400, 2009 Bankr. LEXIS 1769 (Bankr. D. Idaho June 24, 2009).

Boundary Agreements.

Where the location of a true boundary line between coterminous owners is known to either of the parties, or is not uncertain, and is not in dispute, an oral agreement between them purporting to establish another line as the boundary between their properties constitutes an attempt to convey real property in violation of the statute of frauds. Downing v. Boehringer, 82 Idaho 52, 349 P.2d 306 (1960).

Where the location of the true boundary line between coterminous owners is unknown, uncertain or in dispute, the coterminous owners may orally agree upon a boundary line, and the agreement, when possession is taken under it, will be binding upon the owners and those claiming under them and will not violate the statute of frauds for lack of a writing because it is not a conveyance of land, but merely the locating and establishing of the common boundary. Hyde v. Lawson, 94 Idaho 886, 499 P.2d 1242 (1972), overruled on other grounds, Trappett v. Davis, 102 Idaho 527, 633 P.2d 592 (1981).

Idaho case law, presently and historically, would permit application of the oral agreement doctrine where the location of the true line is unknown to both property owners, even though they may not entertain uncertain or disputatious feelings about it, because the doctrine of boundary by agreement promotes practical and stable boundaries, while concurrently preventing property owners from engaging in oral transactions to convey land. Norwood v. Stevens, 104 Idaho 44, 655 P.2d 938 (Ct. App. 1982).

In every case where a boundary by agreement is asserted, the underlying issue is whether such an agreement represents an oral conveyance of land in violation of the statute of frauds. The general rule of case law is that an agreement which arises from uncertainty or dispute over the location of a boundary is valid and does not constitute an oral conveyance of land. Norwood v. Stevens, 104 Idaho 44, 655 P.2d 938 (Ct. App. 1982).

Mediation agreement fell within the boundary agreement exception to statute of frauds, the elements of which are: (1) an uncertain or disputed boundary and (2) an express or implied agreement subsequently fixing that boundary. Goodman v. Lothrop, 143 Idaho 622, 151 P.3d 818 (2007).

Conveyance to spouse.
Creation of Easement.

Where husband, during marriage, executed a quitclaim deed to ranch property to his wife as her separate property and in accordance with the requirements of this section, husband’s testimony as to lack of consideration was inadmissible and his evidence insufficient to rebut the presumption of§ 32-906; therefore, finding that property was wife’s separate property was upheld. Bliss v. Bliss, 127 Idaho 170, 898 P.2d 1081 (1995). Creation of Easement.

Escrow agreement in which buyer promised to pay a certain sum to seller in return for two acres and various interests in the land including nonexclusive use of airport was a conveyance within the meaning of§ 55-813. When two recorded conveyances purport to convey conflicting interests in real property, the conveyance first recorded controls. Thus, where escrow agreement was recorded in 1989 and deed for sale of remainder of land owned by seller was recorded in 1991, the escrow agreement entitled buyer of the two acres to an easement of nonexclusive use of the airport even though the easement for nonexclusive use of the airport had been omitted from the deed for sale of the two acres. West v. Bowen, 127 Idaho 128, 898 P.2d 59 (1995).

Delivery of Deed.

Before a deed can operate as a valid transfer of title, there must be a delivery of the instrument and it must be effected during the life of the grantor. Crenshaw v. Crenshaw, 68 Idaho 470, 199 P.2d 264 (1948).

It is essential to the delivery of a deed that there is a giving of the deed by the grantor and a receiving of it by the grantee with a mutual intention to pass title from the one to the other. Crenshaw v. Crenshaw, 68 Idaho 470, 199 P.2d 264 (1948).

Record of survey constituted a properly recorded conveyance; where it purported to transfer the disputed property, it created, alienated, mortgaged or encumbered the title of both lots, it was in writing, it contained a sufficient description of the property, it contained the name of the grantee, and it clearly indicated the legal description of the subject property and the lots. Adams v. Anderson, 142 Idaho 208, 127 P.3d 111 (2005).

Equitable Relief.

Failure to comply with this section does not deprive a taxpayer of the right to equitable relief. Giacobbi v. Hall, 109 Idaho 293, 707 P.2d 404 (1985).

Mining Privileges.

Grant of mining privileges entered into by manager of company without authority expressed by company will be held a binding lease when it has been ratified by acceptance of royalties. Page v. Savage, 42 Idaho 458, 246 P. 304 (1926).

Necessity of Description.

Where two resolutions by a county board of commissioners contained no description of the property purported to be conveyed, they were insufficient to pass title. Worley Hwy. Dist. v. Kootenai County, 98 Idaho 925, 576 P.2d 206 (1978).

Prior Recorded Conveyance.
Cited

The bona fide purchaser doctrine does not protect a subsequent purchaser from prior recorded conveyances. Rather, it merely allows a subsequent good faith purchaser to void a prior unrecorded conveyance by recording first. West v. Bowen, 127 Idaho 128, 898 P.2d 59 (1995). Cited First Nat’l Bank v. Williams, 2 Idaho 670, 23 P. 552 (1890); Federal Land Bank v. Union Cent. Life Ins. Co., 54 Idaho 161, 29 P.2d 1009 (1934); Old Stone Capital Corp. v. John Hoene Implement Corp., 647 F. Supp. 916 (D. Idaho 1986); Chavez v. Barrus, 146 Idaho 212, 192 P.3d 1036 (2008); Bagley v. Thomason, 149 Idaho 799, 241 P.3d 972 (2010); McGimpsey v. D&L Ventures, Inc., — Idaho —, 443 P.3d 219 (2019); Papin v. Papin, — Idaho —, 454 P.3d 1092 (2019).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-602. Conveyance by attorney in fact.

When an attorney in fact executes an instrument transferring an estate in real property, he must subscribe the name of his principal to it, and his own name as attorney in fact.

History.

R.S., § 2925; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3110; C.S., § 5374; I.C.A.,§ 54-602.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Andersen v. Burns, 96 Idaho 336, 528 P.2d 680 (1974).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-603. Easements pass with property.

A transfer of real property passes all easements attached thereto, and creates in favor thereof an easement to use other real property of the person whose estate is transferred, in the same manner and to the same extent as such property was obviously and permanently used by the person whose estate is transferred, for the benefit thereof, at the time when the transfer was agreed upon or completed.

History.

R.S., § 2926; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3111; C.S., § 5375; I.C.A.,§ 54-603.

CASE NOTES

Hereditaments.

Real property includes that which is appurtenant to the land. It includes all easements attached to the land; and it includes hereditaments, whether corporeal or incorporeal, such as easements, and every interest in land. Hughes v. State, 80 Idaho 286, 328 P.2d 397 (1958).

Mortgage.

Mortgage was held to have passed all easements and appurtenances at time belonging to lands. Union Cent. Life Ins. Co. v. Albrethsen, 50 Idaho 196, 294 P. 842 (1930).

Notice of Easement.

Where, pursuant to an oral agreement, part of a tract of city property was conveyed to grantee and building was constructed on entire tract, and the upper floors of the portion of the building which was located on the grantee’s property continuously after the erection of the building were used for hotel purpose, and were reached by sole means of access through lobby and stairs located on part of tract retained by grantor, the successors in interest of grantor were charged with notice of existence of easement which was apparent from a mere examination of the premises. Eagle Rock Corp. v. Idamont Hotel Co., 59 Idaho 413, 85 P.2d 242 (1938).

Water Rights.

By transfer of tract of land on which waters obtained by water right have been used by person whose estate is transferred, purchaser acquires right to continue use and enjoyment of such water right as the same had been previously used and enjoyed by owner. Russell v. Irish, 20 Idaho 194, 118 P. 501 (1911).

Cited

General clause conveying “appurtenances” is sufficient to transfer appurtenant water right not specifically described in deed. Johnson v. Gustafson, 49 Idaho 376, 288 P. 427 (1930). Cited Bothwell v. Keefer, 53 Idaho 658, 27 P.2d 65 (1933); Cordwell v. Smith, 105 Idaho 71, 665 P.2d 1081 (Ct. App. 1983); Davis v. Gage, 106 Idaho 735, 682 P.2d 1282 (Ct. App. 1984).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-604. Fee presumed to pass.

A fee simple title is presumed to be intended to pass by a grant of real property unless it appears from the grant that a lesser estate was intended.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 43; R.S., § 2927; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3112; C.S., § 5376; I.C.A.,§ 54-604.

CASE NOTES

Easements.

In a dedication of streets and alleys to use of the public, it will not be presumed that owner granted a greater estate than that which the public requires; it will not be presumed that he intended to convey to the city, in fee, title to the streets. Shaw v. Johnston, 17 Idaho 676, 107 P. 399 (1910).

Equitable Title.

Grantors’ quitclaim deed passed to grantees their equitable title in land in which they held only desert entry rights. Scogings v. Andreason, 91 Idaho 176, 418 P.2d 273 (1966).

Evidence.

Evidence that after decedent grantor executed and delivered deed to plaintiff-grantee requesting that grantee have it recorded, decedent continued to live on one lot and collect rents from another was not enough to uphold trial court’s fact finding that decedent did not intend that a fee simple title should pass immediately. Hartley v. Stibor, 96 Idaho 157, 525 P.2d 352 (1974).

Where the deeds clearly and unambiguously conveyed fee simple title to the railroad, the mere presence of the term “right of way” on the deeds’ cover sheets does not, by itself, create an ambiguity in what are otherwise clearly worded conveyances. C & G, Inc. v. Rule, 135 Idaho 763, 25 P.3d 76 (2001).

Mineral Reservation.

Deed’s reservation of “all the oil, gas, and minerals, in, on, or under the surface” of the land was ambiguous and, therefore, was construed against the grantor. The reservation to the grantor therefore did not include geothermal resources on the property; rather, these passed with the deed to the grantee. Ida-Therm, LLC v. Bedrock Geothermal, LLC, 154 Idaho 6, 293 P.3d 630 (2012).

Mortgage.

A warranty deed along with an agreement to reconvey the property in the future was an outright conveyance rather than a mortgage, where the transaction did not secure any debt. Defendants’ predecessors could reacquire the property by paying certain sums to plaintiffs’ predecessors, but they were not obligated to make those payments, and amount paid by plaintiffs’ predecessors was the fair market value of the real property at the time of the transaction. Hogg v. Wolske, 142 Idaho 549, 130 P.3d 1087 (2006).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

C.J.S.

§ 55-605. Acquisition of subsequent title by grantor.

Where a person purports by proper instrument to convey or grant real property in fee simple, and subsequently acquires any title or claim of title thereto, the same passes by operation of law to the grantee or his successors.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 32; R.S., § 2928; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3113; C.S., § 5377; I.C.A.,§ 54-605.

CASE NOTES

Grantee’s Mortgage for Purchase Money.

Grantors’ quitclaim deed passed to grantees their equitable title in land in which they held only desert entry rights and grantees’ mortgage to grantors for purchase money was valid as between the parties even though the legal title was acquired after the land was mortgaged. Scogings v. Andreason, 91 Idaho 176, 418 P.2d 273 (1966).

No Title.

This section only requires that the person purport to convey the property, not that the person actually have title to the property when giving the deed, and the doctrine of after-acquired title presupposes that the person giving the deed did not have title when purporting to convey the property; because the record indicated that the mortgage company did not have title to the real property when it filed this lawsuit, it was error to grant the company’s motion for summary judgment. PHH Mortg. Servs. Corp. v. Perreira, 146 Idaho 631, 200 P.3d 1180 (2009).

Cited

Brooks v. Jensen, 75 Idaho 201, 270 P.2d 425 (1954); Gardner v. Fliegel, 92 Idaho 767, 450 P.2d 990 (1969); State ex rel. Moore v. Scroggie, 109 Idaho 32, 704 P.2d 364 (Ct. App. 1985).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-606. Conclusiveness of conveyance — Bona fide purchasers.

Every grant or conveyance of an estate in real property is conclusive against the grantor, also against every one subsequently claiming under him, except a purchaser or encumbrancer, who in good faith, and for a valuable consideration, acquires a title or lien by an instrument or valid judgment lien that is first duly recorded.

History.

R.S., § 2929; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3114; C.S., § 5378; I.C.A.,§ 54-606; am. 1989, ch. 107, § 1, p. 247.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Recordation,§ 55-801 et seq.

Effective Dates.

Section 2 of S.L. 1989, ch. 107 declared an emergency. Approved March 27, 1989.

CASE NOTES

Actual Knowledge.

When a subsequent encumbrancer or purchaser has actual knowledge of a prior interest, it makes no difference whether the prior interest was properly acknowledged and recorded. Farm Bureau Fin. Co. v. Carney, 100 Idaho 745, 605 P.2d 509 (1980).

According to Idaho’s recording statutes, a mortgage recorded first in time had priority against all other subsequent mortgagees where the title company executed and recorded its mortgage first (twelve days before the landowners) and the owners were not good faith purchasers because they knew of the company’s mortgage, such that because the owners did not record first and had at least constructive notice of the company’s mortgage, the company’s mortgage took priority. Estate of Skvorak v. Sec. Union Title Ins. Co., 140 Idaho 16, 89 P.3d 856 (2004). An unrecorded easement for a billboard was unenforceable, where the purchaser’s conversation with the seller, along with a signed lease, a warranty deed free of restrictions, and a title policy indicating that the property was free of encumbrances, showed that the purchaser did not have knowledge of the easement and had conducted a reasonable investigation. Tiller White, LLC v. Canyon Outdoor Media, LLC, 160 Idaho 417, 374 P.3d 580 (2016).

Constructive Notice.

A deed notarized by husband of grantee does not give constructive notice to anyone though recorded, but is valid as between the parties. Johnson v. Casper, 75 Idaho 256, 270 P.2d 1012 (1954).

Evidence.

The fact that after decedent executed and delivered deed to plaintiff-grantee requesting that grantee have it recorded, decedent continued to live on one lot and collect rents from another was not enough to uphold trial court’s fact finding that decedent did not intend that a fee simple title should pass immediately. Hartley v. Stibor, 96 Idaho 157, 525 P.2d 352 (1974).

Instrument.

Unrecorded deed prevailed even though a creditor’s judgment was recorded first, because the judgment was not an “instrument” under this section. While the deed was an “invalid” deed — one not acknowledged and not recorded — it was, however, still valid as between the parties and took priority over the judgment. Siegel Mobile Home Group, Inc. v. Bowen, 114 Idaho 531, 757 P.2d 1250 (Ct. App. 1988).

Knowledge of Prior Option Agreement.

Owner of easement across 42-foot strip of land could not claim to be a bona fide purchaser based on vendors’ agreement to devise the strip to easement owner upon the death of surviving spouse, where, prior to parting with consideration for vendors’ promise to convey the strip in the future, easement owner had acquired actual knowledge of an earlier unrecorded contract wherein vendors granted defendants the preemptive right of first refusal if the strip was offered for sale. Garmo v. Clanton, 97 Idaho 696, 551 P.2d 1332 (1976).

Knowledge of Transfer.

Judgment creditor, who at time of execution knew that property formerly in name of debtor had been transferred to a third party was not entitled to sell property under levy. Johnson v. Casper, 75 Idaho 256, 270 P.2d 1012 (1954).

Shelter Rule.

The “Shelter Rule” provides that one who is not a bona fide purchaser, but who takes an interest in property from a bona fide purchaser, may be sheltered in the latter’s protective status; therefore, a bona fide purchaser can transfer good title to a person who has notice of a prior adverse equity or right. Sun Valley Land & Minerals, Inc. v. Burt, 123 Idaho 862, 853 P.2d 607 (Ct. App. 1993). There are two exceptions to the “Shelter Rule”: (1) where the interest held by a bona fide purchaser was obtained from a grantor with notice of an outstanding interest in the property, and the property is reconveyed to the grantor; and (2) when the property is reconveyed from a bona fide purchaser to a person guilty of a violation of a trust or duty with respect to the property. Sun Valley Land & Minerals, Inc. v. Burt, 123 Idaho 862, 853 P.2d 607 (Ct. App. 1993).

Unenforceable.

A quitclaim deed was unenforceable as a matter of law, where it did not contain an adequate description of the property, the grantee had submitted inconsistent determinations of the boundaries and acreage of the property, the grantors did not have authority to convey the subject property when the grantee attempted to record the deed, and extrinsic evidence could not be used to determine the sufficiency of the description. David & Marvel Benton v. McCarty, 161 Idaho 145, 384 P.3d 392 (2016).

Unrecorded Deed.

Prior unrecorded deed prevails over subsequent judgment. Johnson v. Casper, 75 Idaho 256, 270 P.2d 1012 (1954).

Unrecorded Mortgage.

Lien of unrecorded mortgages was held not superior to lien of mechanic furnishing labor without knowledge of mortgages. Poynter v. Fargo, 48 Idaho 271, 281 P. 1111 (1929).

When Record Effective.

A duly recorded interest is effective against prior unrecorded interests only where the recorded interest is taken for a valuable consideration and without knowledge, either actual or constructive, that unrecorded interests exist. Farm Bureau Fin. Co. v. Carney, 100 Idaho 745, 605 P.2d 509 (1980).

Cited

Surety Life Ins. Co. v. Rose Chapel Mortuary, Inc., 95 Idaho 599, 514 P.2d 594 (1973); Lind v. Perkins, 107 Idaho 901, 693 P.2d 1103 (Ct. App. 1984); Hall v. Hall, 112 Idaho 641, 734 P.2d 666 (Ct. App. 1987).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-607. Unauthorized grant by life tenant.

A grant made by the owner of an estate for life or years, purporting to transfer a greater estate than he could lawfully transfer, does not work a forfeiture of his estate, but passes to the grantee all the estate which the grantor could lawfully transfer.

History.

R.S., § 2930; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3115; C.S., § 5379; I.C.A.,§ 54-607.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

C.J.S.

§ 55-608. Defeat of grant on condition subsequent.

Where a grant is made upon condition subsequent, and is subsequently defeated by the nonperformance of the condition, the person otherwise entitled to hold under the grant must reconvey the property to the grantor or his successors, by grant duly acknowledged for record.

History.

R.S., § 2931; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3116; C.S., § 5380; I.C.A.,§ 54-608.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

C.J.S.

§ 55-609. Grant on condition precedent.

An instrument purporting to be a grant of real property, to take effect upon condition precedent, does not pass the estate upon the performance of the condition. Such instrument is an executory contract for the conveyance of the property. Upon compliance with the condition, the grantee is entitled to a grant or conveyance, from the grantor or his successors, for the property, duly acknowledged for record.

History.

R.S., § 2932; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3117; C.S., § 5381; I.C.A.,§ 54-609.

CASE NOTES

Escrows.

This section relates to contract of sale and has no application to deed deposited in escrow. Gardiner v. Gardiner, 36 Idaho 664, 214 P. 219 (1923).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

C.J.S.

§ 55-610. Grant of rents, reversions, or remainders.

Grants of rents or of reversions or of remainders are good and effectual without attornments of the tenants; but no tenant who, before notice of the grant, has paid rent to the grantor, must suffer any damage thereby.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 47; R.S., § 2933; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3118; C.S., § 5382; I.C.A.,§ 54-610.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-611. Grant of land bounded by highway.

A transfer of land, bounded by a highway, passes the title of the person whose estate is transferred to the soil of the highway in front, to the center thereof, unless a different intent appears from the grant.

History.

R.S., § 2934; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3119; C.S., § 5383; I.C.A.,§ 54-611.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Ownership of street by abutter,§ 55-309.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-612. Covenants implied from grant.

From the use of the word “grant” in any conveyance by which an estate of inheritance, possessory right, or fee simple is to be passed, the following covenants, and none other, on the part of the grantor, for himself and his heirs, to the grantee, his heirs and assigns, are implied, unless restrained by express terms contained in such conveyance:

  1. That previous to the time of the execution of such conveyance, the grantor has not conveyed the same estate, or any right, title or interest therein, to any person other than the grantee.
  2. That such estate is at the time of the execution of such conveyance free from encumbrances done, made or suffered by the grantor, or any person claiming under him. Such covenants may be sued upon in the same manner as if they had been expressly inserted in the conveyance.
History.

1863, p. 528, § 50; R.S., § 2935; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3120; C.S., § 5384; I.C.A.,§ 54-612.

CASE NOTES

Encumbrances.

Encumbrance is not contemplated by this section, unless grantor was under personal obligation to pay it. Polak v. Mattson, 22 Idaho 727, 128 P. 89 (1912).

Unless grantee agrees to pay taxes levied prior to his acquisition of title, same are not encumbrances herein. Polak v. Mattson, 22 Idaho 727, 128 P. 89 (1912).

This section implies that, when the word “grant” is used in a deed, the estate conveyed is free from encumbrances of the grantor or any one claiming under him. Where the claimant of a mechanic’s lien on the premises for services and materials furnished under a contract conveyed, by a grant deed, such premises to the party against whom the lien was asserted, the claim of lien for services and materials rendered prior to the delivery of the deed was “merged” in the deed which rendered the claim unenforceable in the absence of a reservation of the title. Finlayson v. Waller, 64 Idaho 618, 134 P.2d 1069 (1943).

The definition of “encumbrance” does not include an alleged restriction on the use of the property. Middlekauff v. Lake Cascade, Inc., 103 Idaho 832, 654 P.2d 1385 (1982).

Grant.

The word “grant” in a conveyance is a covenant that the estate so conveyed is, at the time of the execution thereof, free from encumbrances done, made or suffered by grantor or any person claiming under him, but is not a warranty of title or a covenant of quiet enjoyment against encumbrances. Warren v. Stoddart, 6 Idaho 692, 59 P. 540 (1899); Moore v. Pooley, 17 Idaho 57, 104 P. 898 (1909).

Covenant of seizin is not implied from use of word “grant” in deed. Bliss Townsite Co. v. Morris-Roberts Co., 33 Idaho 110, 190 P. 1028 (1920).

Implied warranty against encumbrances from use of word “grant” is a covenant running with the land. Brinton v. Johnson, 35 Idaho 656, 208 P. 1028 (1922); Carssow v. Brinton, 35 Idaho 667, 208 P. 1031 (1922).

Word “grant” in a deed of conveyance implies a covenant against an encumbrance of a tax lien “done, made, or suffered” by grantor which runs with the land. Brinton v. Johnson, 35 Idaho 656, 208 P. 1028 (1922); Carssow v. Brinton, 35 Idaho 667, 208 P. 1031 (1922).

Implied and Express Covenants.

Implied and express covenants should be construed together, unless it clearly appears that the express covenant was intended to restrict the implied. Polak v. Mattson, 22 Idaho 727, 128 P. 89 (1912).

Not Encumbrances.

Since the alleged promise of seller that certain property adjoining that of purchasers would be reserved for common use was not a lien or encumbrance, order of bankruptcy court authorizing sale of part of such property “free and clear of all liens and encumbrances” did not put the purchasers on notice of fraud and did not start the statute of limitations running on purchasers’ action to enforce the promise. Middlekauff v. Lake Cascade, Inc., 103 Idaho 832, 654 P.2d 1385 (1982).

Notice of Encumbrance.

Grantor was not liable on warranties of title, where grantee knew of the existing liens which were charges against the land, but not against grantor personally. Urich v. McPherson, 27 Idaho 319, 149 P. 295 (1915).

Evidence required finding that mortgagee of ranch and water right, originally appurtenant thereto, acquired right in good faith, without actual or constructive notice of claim of another mortgagee under prior mortgage, given by mortgagor on different ranch. Federal Land Bank v. Union Cent. Life Ins. Co., 54 Idaho 161, 29 P.2d 1009 (1934).

Suffered.

“Suffered,” as used in this section, implies reasonable control and it cannot be held to apply to an encumbrance not caused by the act of the party nor within his power to prevent. Polak v. Mattson, 22 Idaho 727, 128 P. 89 (1912).

Cited

Blaine County Nat’l Bank v. Jones, 45 Idaho 358, 262 P. 509 (1927); Bannock Title Co. v. Lindsey, 86 Idaho 583, 388 P.2d 1011 (1963); Middlekauff v. Lake Cascade, Inc., 110 Idaho 909, 719 P.2d 1169 (1986).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-613. Encumbrances defined.

The term “encumbrances” includes taxes, assessments, and all liens upon real property.

History.

R.S., § 2936; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3121; C.S., § 5385; I.C.A.,§ 54-613.

CASE NOTES

Encumbrances.

Private roadway. Newmyer v. Roush, 21 Idaho 106, 120 P. 464 (1912).

Mechanics’ liens. Urich v. McPherson, 27 Idaho 319, 149 P. 295 (1915).

Tax lien attaching while party is owner of property. Brinton v. Johnson, 35 Idaho 656, 208 P. 1028 (1922); Carssow v. Brinton, 35 Idaho 667, 208 P. 1031 (1922).

Not Encumbrances.

Canal rights of way. Schurger v. Moorman, 20 Idaho 97, 117 P. 122 (1911).

Public highway. Newmyer v. Roush, 21 Idaho 106, 120 P. 464 (1912).

Taxes prior to ownership. Polak v. Mattson, 22 Idaho 727, 128 P. 89 (1912).

Lien for local improvement is not considered an encumbrance from which title conveyed by tax deed is free, when it attaches subsequent to the assessment for taxes on account of which the property was sold. Hunt v. City of St. Maries, 44 Idaho 700, 260 P. 155 (1927).

Water contract appurtenant to all lots in block, and under which canal company need not deliver water to any lots unless maintenance charges against all were paid, is not an encumbrance relieving purchasers of some lots from obligation on contract of purchase. Hunt v. Bremer, 47 Idaho 490, 276 P. 964 (1929).

Encumbrance that did not fit within the categories of the statute had to be a right, interest, or hostile title relating to the land; the court did not extend the traditional scope of a general warranty against encumbrances in such a manner as to include zoning matters. Hoffer v. Callister, 137 Idaho 291, 47 P.3d 1261 (2002).

Cited

Bannock Title Co. v. Lindsey, 86 Idaho 583, 388 P.2d 1011 (1963).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-614. Lineal and collateral warranties abolished.

Lineal and collateral warranties, with all their incidents, are abolished; but the heirs and devisees of every person who has made any covenant or agreement in reference to the title of, in, or to any real property, are answerable upon such covenant or agreement to the extent of the land descended or devised to them, in the cases and in the manner prescribed by law.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 49; R.S., § 2937; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3122; C.S., § 5386; I.C.A., 54-614.

§ 55-615. Solar easements.

  1. An easement, as defined in section 50-1301, Idaho Code, may be obtained for the purpose of exposure of a solar energy device to sunlight. Such easement shall be known as a solar easement, shall be created in writing, and shall be subject to the same conveyancing and instrument recording requirements as other easements.
  2. Any instrument creating a solar easement shall include, but the contents shall not be limited to:
    1. The vertical and horizontal angles, expressed in degrees, at which the solar easement extends over the real property subject to the solar easement;
    2. Any terms or conditions or both under which the solar easement is granted or will be terminated;
    3. Any provisions for compensation of the owner of the property benefiting from the solar easement in the event of interference with the enjoyment of the solar easement or compensation of the owner of the property subject to the solar easement for maintaining the solar easement.
  3. A solar easement shall be presumed to be attached to the real property on which it was first created, and shall be deemed to pass with the property when title is transferred to another owner as prescribed in section 55-603, Idaho Code.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-615, as added by 1978, ch. 294, § 1, p. 741.

STATUTORY NOTES

Effective Dates.

Section 2 of S.L. 1978, ch. 294 declared an emergency. Approved March 29, 1978.

Chapter 7 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Sec.

§ 55-701. By whom taken

Any place within state. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-110.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 4; R.S., § 2950; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3123; C.S., § 5387; am. 1929, ch. 64, § 1, p. 94; I.C.A.,§ 54-701; am. 1943, ch. 74, § 2, p. 156.

§ 55-702. By whom taken

Within limited territory. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-110.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 4; R.S., § 2951; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3124; C.S., § 5388; am. 1929, ch. 64, § 2, p. 94; I.C.A.,§ 54-702; am. 2012, ch. 20, § 23, p. 66.

§ 55-703. By whom taken

Outside of state. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-111.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 4; R.S., § 2952; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3125; C.S., § 5389; I.C.A.,§ 54-703.

§ 55-704. By whom taken

Outside United States. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-114.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 4; R.S., § 2953; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3126; C.S., § 5390; I.C.A.,§ 54-704.

§ 55-705. By whom taken

Members of the armed forces. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-113.

History.

I.C.A.,§ 54-704A, as added by 1943, ch. 80, § 1, p. 164; am. 1959, ch. 190, § 1, p. 420; am. 1967, ch. 13, § 1, p. 21.

§ 55-706. Acknowledgment before deputies. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116A.

History.

R.S., § 2954; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3127; C.S., § 5391; I.C.A.,§ 54-705.

§ 55-707. Requisites of acknowledgment. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-105.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 6; R.S., § 2955; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3128; C.S., § 5392; am. 1923, ch. 144, § 1, p. 209; am. 1929, ch. 183, § 1, p. 94; I.C.A.,§ 54-706; am. 1937, ch. 176, § 1, p. 291; am. 1982, ch. 225, § 1, p. 600; am. 1999, ch. 213, § 1, p. 568.

§ 55-707A. Acknowledgment by entity on behalf of another entity. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116A.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-707A, as added by 1999, ch. 213, § 2, p. 568.

§ 55-708. Acknowledgment by married woman. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

1907, p. 5, § 1; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3129; C.S., § 5393; I.C.A.,§ 54-707.

§ 55-709. Certificate of acknowledgment. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-115.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 5; R.S., § 2957; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3130; C.S., § 5394; I.C.A.,§ 54-708.

§ 55-710. Form of certificate. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 8; R.S., § 2958; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3131; C.S., § 5395; I.C.A.,§ 54-709; am. 1982, ch. 225, § 2, p. 600.

§ 55-711. Form of certificate

Acknowledgment by corporation. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116A.

History.

R.S., § 2959; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3132; C.S., § 5396; am. 1923, ch. 144, § 2, p. 209; I.C.A.,§ 54-710; am. 1937, ch. 176, § 2, p. 292; am. 1982, ch. 225, § 3, p. 600.

§ 55-711A. Form of certificate

Acknowledgment by limited liability company. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116A.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-711A, as added by 1999, ch. 213, § 3, p. 568.

§ 55-712. Form of certificate

Acknowledgment by attorney. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116A.

History.

R.S., § 2961; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3133; C.S., § 5397; I.C.A.,§ 54-711; am. 1982, ch. 225, § 4, p. 600.

§ 55-712A. Form of certificate

Acknowledgment by person signing by mark. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-712A, as added by 2007, ch. 312, § 3, p. 880.

§ 55-712B. Form of certificate

Acknowledgment by person physically unable to sign or sign by mark. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-109.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-712B, as added by 2007, ch. 312, § 4, p. 880.

§ 55-713. Form of certificate

Acknowledgment by official or fiduciary. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116A.

History.

C.S., § 5397(A), as added by 1929, ch. 183, § 2, p. 324; I.C.A.,§ 54-712; am. 1982, ch. 225, § 5, p. 600.

§ 55-714. Form of certificate

Acknowledgment by partnership. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116.

History.

C.S., § 5397(B), as added by 1929, ch. 183, § 3, p. 94; I.C.A.,§ 54-713; am. 1982, ch. 225, § 6, p. 600.

§ 55-715. Form of certificate

Acknowledgment by state or political subdivision. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116.

History.

C.S., § 5397(C), as added by 1929, ch. 183, § 4, p. 324; I.C.A.,§ 54-714; am. 1982, ch. 225, § 7, p. 600.

§ 55-716. Authentication of certificate. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 5; R.S., § 2962; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3134; C.S., § 5398; I.C.A.,§ 54-715.

§ 55-717. Certificate of justice

Authentication. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2012, ch. 20, § 24, effective July 1, 2012.

History.

R.S., § 2963; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3135; C.S., § 5399; I.C.A.,§ 54-716.

§ 55-718. Proof of execution. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§ 51-116.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 10; R.S., § 2964; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3136; C.S., § 5400; I.C.A.,§ 54-717.

§ 55-719. Identity of witness must be known or proved. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017. For present comparable provisions, see§§ 51-106 and 51-107.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 11; R.S., § 2965; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3137; C.S., § 5401; I.C.A.,§ 54-718.

§ 55-720. Proof of identity of grantor. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 12; R.S., § 2966; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3138; C.S., § 5402; I.C.A.,§ 54-719.

§ 55-721. Proof of instrument by handwriting. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 14; R.S., § 2967; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3139; C.S., § 5403; I.C.A.,§ 54-720.

§ 55-722. Proof of instrument by handwriting

What evidence must prove. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 15; R.S., § 2968; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3140; C.S., § 5404; I.C.A.,§ 54-721.

§ 55-723. Certificate of proof. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

R.S., § 2969; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3141; C.S., § 5405; I.C.A.,§ 54-722.

§ 55-724. Authority of officers taking proof. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

1863, p. 528, §§ 16, 17; R.S., § 2970; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3142; C.S., § 5406; I.C.A.,§ 54-723.

§ 55-725. Correction of defective certificate. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

R.S., § 2971; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3143; C.S., § 5407; I.C.A.,§ 54-724.

§ 55-726. Action to prove instrument. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

R.S., § 2972; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3144; C.S., § 5408; I.C.A.,§ 54-725.

§ 55-727. Judgment entitles instrument to record. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

R.S., § 2973; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3145; C.S., § 5409; I.C.A.,§ 54-726.

§ 55-728. Prior instruments not affected. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 41; R.S., § 2974; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3146; C.S., § 5410; I.C.A.,§ 54-727.

§ 55-729. Record of prior instruments. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 40; R.S., § 2975; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3147; C.S., § 5411; I.C.A.,§ 54-728.

§ 55-730. Record of prior instruments as notice. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2017, ch. 192, § 2, effective July 1, 2017.

History.

R.S., § 2976; am. 1907, p. 28, § 1; am. R.C., § 3148; compiled and reen. C.L., § 3148; C.S., § 5412; I.C.A.,§ 54-729; am. 1935, ch. 33, § 1, p. 57; am. 1947, ch. 134, § 1, p. 329.

Chapter 8 RECORDING TRANSFERS

Sec.

§ 55-801. What may be recorded.

Any instrument or judgment affecting the title to or possession of real property may be recorded under this chapter.

History.

R.S., § 2990; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3149; C.S., § 5413; I.C.A.,§ 54-801.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Books of record, manner of recording, and indexes,§ 31-2401 et seq.

Certified copy of record of conveyance admissible in evidence,§ 9-410.

Deeds, grants and transfers of real estate to be recorded by county recorder,§ 31-2402; index,§ 31-2404.

Foreclosure judgments conclusive against unrecorded conveyances or liens,§ 6-101.

CASE NOTES

Extent of Protection.

Protection afforded by the recording acts not to be extended beyond their reasonable import. Ewald v. Hufton, 31 Idaho 373, 173 P. 247 (1918).

Notice contemplated by the recording statutes is not a publication to the world, but only notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. Maxwell v. Twin Falls Canal Co., 49 Idaho 806, 292 P. 232 (1930).

Word “instrument” does not include notice of claim made by stranger to title. Maxwell v. Twin Falls Canal Co., 49 Idaho 806, 292 P. 232 (1930).

Claim of equitable lien for drilling wells was held not entitled to be recorded. Maxwell v. Twin Falls Canal Co., 49 Idaho 806, 292 P. 232 (1930).

Purpose of Recording.

The primary purpose of the recording statute is to give notice to others that an interest is claimed in real property and, thus, to give protection against bona fide third parties who may be dealing in the same property. Matheson v. Harris, 98 Idaho 758, 572 P.2d 861 (1977).

If minor errors or omissions are made in the recording of an interest in real property, the minor errors could be overlooked if the recorded instrument gives enough notice to subsequent purchasers. Hymas v. Am. Gen. Fin., Inc. (In re Blair), 2000 Bankr. LEXIS 2115 (Bankr. D. Idaho May 18, 2000).

Requirement of Acknowledgment.

Laborers and materialmen have the right to assert and obtain a lien which need not include an acknowledgment for it to be properly recorded against the property upon which they have performed labor or for which they have furnished materials. A-J Corp. v. GVR Ltd., 107 Idaho 1101, 695 P.2d 1240 (1985).

Cited

Smith v. Kessler, 22 Idaho 589, 127 P. 172 (1912); Panhandle Growers Union v. Scott, 58 Idaho 70, 70 P.2d 372 (1937); Johnson v. Casper, 75 Idaho 256, 270 P.2d 1012 (1954).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-802. Recording judgments.

Judgments affecting the title to or possession of real property, authenticated by the certificate of the clerk of the court in which such judgments were rendered, may be recorded without acknowledgment or further proof.

History.

R.S., § 2991; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3150; C.S., § 5414; I.C.A.,§ 54-802.

CASE NOTES

Assignment of Judgment.

There is no provision for recording assignment of judgment. Houtz v. Daniels, 36 Idaho 544, 211 P. 1088 (1922).

Effect of Unrecorded Judgment.

Judgment entered in a court of competent jurisdiction has the same actual and constructive notice to the parties and privies to the suit and serves the same purpose as is provided by the recording statute. Smith v. Kessler, 22 Idaho 589, 127 P. 172 (1912).

Cited

A-J Corp. v. GVR Ltd., 107 Idaho 1101, 695 P.2d 1240 (1985).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-803. United States patents.

Letters patent and all other instruments that evidence or affect title to real property, geothermal resources, or minerals including, but not limited to, oil and gas, in this state issued by the United States, executed pursuant to existing law, may be recorded without further proof.

History.

R.S., § 2992; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3151; C.S., § 5415; I.C.A.,§ 54-803; am. 1981, ch. 59, § 1, p. 88.

STATUTORY NOTES

Effective Dates.

Section 2 of S.L. 1981, ch. 59, declared an emergency. Approved March 19, 1981.

§ 55-804. Notices of location.

Certificates and notices of location authorized by law, with the affidavits attached, may be recorded without acknowledgment or further proof.

History.

R.S., § 2993; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3152; C.S., § 5416; I.C.A.,§ 54-804.

§ 55-805. Acknowledgment necessary to authorize recording.

Before an instrument may be recorded, unless it is otherwise expressly provided, its execution must be acknowledged by the person executing it, or if executed by a corporation, by its president or vice president, or secretary or assistant secretary, or other person executing the same on behalf of the corporation, or if executed in the name of the state of Idaho or any county, political subdivision, municipal, quasi-municipal, or public corporation, by one (1) or more of the officers of such state, county, political subdivision, municipal, quasi-municipal, or public corporation executing the same, or if executed in a partnership name, by one (1) or more of the partners who subscribed the partnership name thereto, or if executed by a limited liability company, by the manager, member or other person executing the same on behalf of the limited liability company, or the execution must be proved and the acknowledgment or proof, certified in substantially the manner prescribed by chapter 1, title 51, Idaho Code; provided, that if such instrument shall have been executed and acknowledged in any other state or territory of the United States, or in any foreign country, according to the laws of the state, territory or country wherein such acknowledgment was taken, the same shall be entitled to record, and a certificate of acknowledgment indorsed upon or attached to any such instrument purporting to have been made in any such state, territory or foreign country, shall be prima facie sufficient to entitle the same to such record.

History.

R.S., § 2994; am. 1907, p. 6, § 1; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3153; C.S., § 5417; am. 1923, ch. 144, § 3, p. 209; am. 1929, ch. 183, § 6, p. 94; I.C.A.,§ 54-805; am. 1937, ch. 176, § 3, p. 291; am. 1999, ch. 213, § 4, p. 568; am. 2017, ch. 192, § 13, p. 440.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2017 amendment, by ch. 192, substituted “chapter 1, title 51” for “chapter 7, title 55” near the middle of the section.

CASE NOTES

Construction of certificate. Failure to acknowledge.

Acknowledgment Regular on Its Face.

A certificate of acknowledgment complete and regular on its face raises a presumption in favor of the truth of every fact recited therein, which the uncorroborated testimony of the party acknowledging the instrument is insufficient to overcome, and the additional affidavit of the notary that he could not recall any of the circumstances surrounding the execution and acknowledgment of an instrument, although it had sometimes been his practice to take an acknowledgment in the absence of the signing party, was insufficient to impeach the validity of the acknowledgment. Credit Bureau v. Sleight, 92 Idaho 210, 440 P.2d 143 (1968).

Construction.

Technical deficiencies in the certificate of acknowledgment will not render the certificate defective if the alleged deficiency can be cured by reference to the instrument itself. Farm Bureau Fin. Co. v. Carney, 100 Idaho 745, 605 P.2d 509 (1980).

Construction of Certificate.

The omission of the acknowledger’s name in the blank in the certificate will not render the certificate ineffective if his name can be ascertained from other sources, as from the face of the instrument itself or from other parts of the certificate. Farm Bureau Fin. Co. v. Carney, 100 Idaho 745, 605 P.2d 509 (1980).

Failure to Acknowledge.

The fact that the assignment of an existing lease agreement was not acknowledged did not render it ineffective as between the parties themselves; the lack of an acknowledgment does not affect a document’s validity as between the parties. Hunt v. Hunt, 110 Idaho 649, 718 P.2d 560 (Ct. App. 1985).

Laborers and Materialmen’s Lien.

Laborers and materialmen have the right to assert and obtain a lien which need not include an acknowledgment for it to be properly recorded against the property upon which they have performed labor or for which they have furnished materials. A-J Corp. v. GVR Ltd., 107 Idaho 1101, 695 P.2d 1240 (1985).

Legislative Intent.
Mechanics’ and Materialmen’s Liens.

The manifest intent of the legislature in requiring a notary public to execute a certificate of acknowledgment is to provide protection against the recording of false instruments; the sine qua non of this statutory requirement is the involvement of the notary, a public officer, in a position of public trust. Farm Bureau Fin. Co. v. Carney, 100 Idaho 745, 605 P.2d 509 (1980). Mechanics’ and Materialmen’s Liens.

Claims of mechanics’ and materialmen’s liens filed under Title 45, Chapter 5 of the Idaho Code must be acknowledged in accord with this section before they are entitled to be recorded, and the “verification” required under§ 45-507 does not serve the same purpose or function of an “acknowledgment” and cannot be a substitute therefor; accordingly, liens that were not acknowledged, or acknowledged but where the certificate of acknowledgment did not substantially comply with Title 55, Chapter 7 of the Idaho Code, were not enforceable against the bankruptcy trustee. Kloos v. Jacobson, 30 Bankr. 965 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1983).

Missing or Defective Acknowledgment.

The primary purpose of recording is to give notice to others that an interest is claimed in real property; an instrument recorded without an acknowledgment or with a defective acknowledgment is not entitled to be recorded and cannot impart constructive notice. Anderson Land Co. v. Small Bus. Admin., 718 F.2d 968 (9th Cir. 1983).

District court erred in finding that a memorandum of sale was properly acknowledged and recorded, because the notary’s endorsement of the memorandum was not a certificate used for acknowledgments, but was the endorsement used for oaths and affirmations. The deficiency could not be cured by reference to the instrument. Salladay v. Bowen, 161 Idaho 563, 388 P.3d 577 (2017).

If a deed of trust is not acknowledged, or if the acknowledgment is not valid, the deed should not be recorded and it is avoidable by a bankruptcy trustee. Hillen v. Preston Roth IRA, LLC (In re Shiloh Mgmt. Servs.), 2018 Bankr. LEXIS 1774 (Bankr. D. Idaho June 15, 2018).

Deeds of trust were properly recorded and were not subject to avoidance by a bankruptcy trustee, because each of acknowledgments at issue substantially complied with the corporate acknowledgment form specified by§ 55-711, and the four corners of deeds of trust being acknowledged supplied the information missing from the acknowledgments. Hillen v. Preston Roth IRA, LLC (In re Shiloh Mgmt. Servs.), 2018 Bankr. LEXIS 1774 (Bankr. D. Idaho June 15, 2018).

Notarizing Blank Certificate.

A notary betrays the public trust when he signs a certificate of acknowledgment with knowledge that the blanks will be filled in later or when he signs a completed certificate of acknowledgment but without requiring the personal appearance of the acknowledgers. Farm Bureau Fin. Co. v. Carney, 100 Idaho 745, 605 P.2d 509 (1980).

Sheriff’s Sale Certificate.

Where a certificate of sale at sheriff’s sale was assigned and the assignment was properly acknowledged, the assignee was entitled to have it recorded. Panhandle Growers Union v. Scott, 58 Idaho 70, 70 P.2d 372 (1937).

Void Acknowledgment Bar to Filing.
Cited

The acknowledgment on chattel mortgages does not even pretend to comply with the corporate acknowledgment of§ 55-711 and is, therefore, void because it fails to disclose that party making it was a corporate officer of corporation and with the authority to execute it. This being a void acknowledgment, the instrument could not be filed for record under the mandatory provision of this section. Under the circumstances, mortgages had no preference and the mortgagee was the same as the general creditors. Jordan v. Securities Credit Corp., 79 Idaho 284, 314 P.2d 967 (1957). Cited Bell v. Shields, 18 Idaho 649, 111 P. 1076 (1910); Harris v. Reed, 21 Idaho 364, 121 P. 780 (1912); Keane v. Kibble, 28 Idaho 274, 154 P. 972 (1915); Pacific Coast Joint Stock Land Bank v. Security Prods. Co., 56 Idaho 436, 55 P.2d 716 (1936); Treasure Valley Plumbing & Heating, Inc. v. Earth Resources Co., 106 Idaho 920, 684 P.2d 322 (Ct. App. 1984).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-806. Power must be recorded before conveyance by attorney.

An instrument executed by an attorney in fact must not be recorded until the power of attorney authorizing the execution of the instrument is filed for record in the same office.

History.

R.S., § 2995; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3154; C.S., § 5418; I.C.A.,§ 54-806.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Powers of attorney to convey real estate to be recorded by county recorder,§ 31-2402; index,§ 31-2404.

CASE NOTES

Applicability.

Recording rule in this section does not apply where an instrument, signed by an attorney in fact, merely names a new trustee under the trust deed. All that appointment does is change the identity of a previously established trustee. No interest in real property is altered in any way, as the trust deed already established the trustee’s rights and duties. Gordon v. United States Bank Nat’l Ass’n, — Idaho —, 455 P.3d 374 (2019).

Deed by Attorney in Fact.

While the filing and recording of a deed executed by grantor’s attorney in fact, before the filing and recording of power of attorney, does not necessarily render the deed void, as between the parties, in the absence of intervening rights, it does not constitute constructive notice to subsequent purchasers of the land conveyed. Hunt v. McDonald, 65 Idaho 610, 149 P.2d 792 (1944).

Purpose of Recording.

In property owner’s action challenging a non-judicial foreclosure action taken on the deed of trust securing a note on the subject property, the failure to record a power of attorney under this section did not invalidate a change in trustees of the note. The purpose of the recording statutes is to provide notice to subsequent purchasers: the property owner was not a subsequent purchaser, and he was on notice of the change in the power of attorney status by other instruments that were recorded. Purdy v. Bank of Am., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 140935 (D. Idaho Sept. 26, 2012).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-807. Recorder’s fee to be endorsed on instrument and record.

The recorder must in all cases indorse the amount of his fee on the instrument recorded, and on the record thereof.

History.

R.S., § 2996; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3155; C.S., § 5419; I.C.A.,§ 54-807.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Fees of county recorder,§ 31-3205.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-808. Place of record.

Instruments entitled to be recorded must be recorded by the county recorder of the county in which the real property affected thereby is situated.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 23; R.S., § 2997; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3156; C.S., § 5420; I.C.A.,§ 54-808.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-809. When deemed recorded.

An instrument is deemed to be recorded when, being duly acknowledged, or proved and certified, it is deposited in the recorder’s office with the proper officer for record.

History.

R.S., § 2998; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3157; C.S., § 5421; I.C.A.,§ 54-809.

CASE NOTES

Improperly Recorded Instruments.

If a party submits an instrument governing real property to be recorded but the recording official fails to properly record it, subsequent purchasers of that real property are still on notice of the instrument. Miller v. Simonson, 140 Idaho 287, 92 P.3d 537 (Ct. App. 2004).

Subsequent purchaser must bear the risk of improperly recorded instruments when the recording party has fully satisfied the requirements of the Idaho recording statute. Miller v. Simonson, 140 Idaho 287, 92 P.3d 537 (Ct. App. 2004).

Neglect of Officers.

Paper is recorded when deposited with proper custodian and fee tendered. Failure of officer to place thereon proper filing marks does not destroy filing. O’Connor v. Board of County Comm’rs, 17 Idaho 346, 105 P. 560 (1909).

Duties of a recording officer do not impose any further recording requirements; therefore, a purchaser of land had constructive notice of covenants, conditions, and restrictions imposed upon subdivided land, despite the fact that a recording official improperly recorded the document under the incorrect name. Miller v. Simonson, 140 Idaho 287, 92 P.3d 537 (2004).

Cited

Adams v. Anderson, 142 Idaho 208, 127 P.3d 111 (2005).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

C.J.S.

§ 55-810. Books of record.

Grants and conveyances absolute in terms, are to be recorded in one set of books and mortgages in another or in an approved electronic storage system containing segregated searchable and retrieval files.

History.

R.S., § 2999; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3158; C.S., § 5422; I.C.A.,§ 54-810; am. 2005, ch. 243, § 9, p. 756.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-811. Record as notice.

Every conveyance of real property acknowledged or proved, and certified, and recorded as prescribed by law, from the time it is filed with the recorder for record, is constructive notice of the contents thereof to subsequent purchasers and mortgages [mortgagees].

Every conveyance of real property acknowledged or proved, and certified, and recorded as prescribed by law, and which is executed by one who thereafter acquires an interest in said real property by a conveyance which is constructive notice as aforesaid, is, from the time such latter conveyance is filed with the recorder for record, constructive notice of the contents thereof to subsequent purchasers and mortgagees.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 24; R.S., § 3000; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3159; C.S., § 5423; I.C.A.,§ 54-811; am. 1941, ch. 119, § 1, p. 240.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Record as notice,§ 55-730.

Compiler’s Notes.

The bracketed insertion at the end of the first paragraph was added by the compiler to supply the probable intended word.

Effective Dates.

Section 2 of S.L. 1941, ch. 119 declared an emergency. Approved March 10, 1941. The title of said act did not provide for an emergency.

CASE NOTES

Conveyance by Strangers.

Conveyance of real property which this section provides shall constitute constructive notice to “subsequent purchasers and mortgagees,” is a conveyance made by the person from whom such “subsequent purchaser or mortgagee” is compelled to deraign his title and has no reference to, and does not include, conveyances made by strangers to the record title. Harris v. Reed, 21 Idaho 364, 121 P. 780 (1912). If a mortgage was executed by one who was at the time a stranger to the title, recording of such mortgage does not constitute constructive notice to an intending purchaser of a prior unrecorded deed to mortgagor. Jackson v. Lee, 47 Idaho 589, 277 P. 548 (1929).

Conveyance Not Acknowledged.

Under provisions of this section, a recorded conveyance of real property which has not been acknowledged or proved and certified, as required by law, does not impart constructive notice of its contents to subsequent purchasers and mortgagees. Harris v. Reed, 21 Idaho 364, 121 P. 780 (1912).

Misrepresentation.

This section does not preclude an action by a purchaser of real property against a seller and realtors for misrepresentation concerning the availability of the property for commercial purposes. Large v. Cafferty Realty, Inc., 123 Idaho 676, 851 P.2d 972 (1993).

Notice.
— Recording.

Notice is imparted by proper recording of an instrument affecting the title to real property, and a lien existing on property before a mechanic’s lien attaches has priority over such lien and§ 45-506, relating to priority of a mechanic’s lien over liens unrecorded at the time work was done or materials were commenced to be furnished has no application. Finlayson v. Waller, 64 Idaho 618, 134 P.2d 1069 (1943).

In a suit by landowners to recover damages for flooding of land by power company, an easement executed by former owners in favor of power company releasing power company for all claims of damage both present and future for overflowing of land caused by fluctuation of the flow of the river, and granting the power company the right to continue the manipulation and fluctuation of the flow of the river so long as the future fluctuation did not exceed that heretofore occurring, and which was duly recorded, operated as an estoppel of record of plaintiff’s suit for damages. Griffeth v. Utah Power & Light Co., 226 F.2d 661 (9th Cir. 1955).

This section provides that a recorded instrument conveying an interest in real property gives notice “to subsequent purchasers and mortgagees.” However, it does not give constructive notice to prior parties in the chain of title; thus, recordation of an assignment by a buyer of an interest in land to a third party did not give the seller of the land constructive notice of such assignment. Lockhart Co. v. B.F.K., Ltd., 107 Idaho 633, 691 P.2d 1248 (Ct. App. 1984).

Duties of a recording officer do not impose any further recording requirements; therefore, a purchaser of land had constructive notice of covenants, conditions, and restrictions imposed upon subdivided land, despite the fact that a recording official improperly recorded the document under the incorrect name. Miller v. Simonson, 140 Idaho 287, 92 P.3d 537 (2004).

— Sufficiency.

Where an earnest money agreement was signed by all parties but not acknowledged by the sellers and was recorded with an acknowledged cover sheet captioned “Notice,” the extent of the interest claimed was clear for all to see and the attachment of the cover sheet had no additional effect. Matheson v. Harris, 98 Idaho 758, 572 P.2d 861 (1977).

Plats and the master plan for planned unit development, which were on file in the proper office and were properly acknowledged and certified, imparted notice of their contents to defendant, the subsequent purchaser. Therefore, defendant was, by law, on notice the recorded third replat contained a note which identified the master plan on file in the planning office of the county, and thus, this recorded instrument gave defendant notice that he could only build an additional eighteen (18) units in a block of the development. Haugh v. Smelick, 126 Idaho 481, 887 P.2d 26 (1993). According to Idaho’s recording statutes, a mortgage recorded first in time had priority against all other subsequent mortgagees where the title company executed and recorded its mortgage first (twelve days before the landowners) and the owners were not good faith purchasers because they knew of the company’s mortgage, such that because the owners did not record first and had at least constructive notice of the company’s mortgage, the company’s mortgage took priority. Estate of Skvorak v. Sec. Union Title Ins. Co., 140 Idaho 16, 89 P.3d 856 (2004).

Cited

Aitken v. Gill, 108 Idaho 900, 702 P.2d 1360 (Ct. App. 1985); Adams v. Anderson, 142 Idaho 208, 127 P.3d 111 (2005); United States v. Real Prop. Located at 5294 Bandy Rd., 2014 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 156146 (D. Idaho Oct. 31, 2014); McKay v. Walker, 160 Idaho 148, 369 P.3d 926 (2016).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-812. Unrecorded conveyance void against subsequent purchasers.

Every conveyance of real property other than a lease for a term not exceeding one (1) year, is void as against any subsequent purchaser or mortgagee of the same property, or any part thereof, in good faith and for a valuable consideration, whose conveyance is first duly recorded.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 25; R.S., § 3001; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3160; C.S., § 5424; I.C.A.,§ 54-812.

CASE NOTES

Actual Knowledge.

When a subsequent encumbrancer or purchaser has actual knowledge of a prior interest, it makes no difference whether the prior interest was properly acknowledged and recorded. Farm Bureau Fin. Co. v. Carney, 100 Idaho 745, 605 P.2d 509 (1980).

An unrecorded easement for a billboard was unenforceable, where the purchaser’s conversation with the seller, along with a signed lease, a warranty deed free of restrictions, and a title policy indicating that the property was free of encumbrances, showed that the purchaser did not have knowledge of the easement and had conducted a reasonable investigation. Tiller White, LLC v. Canyon Outdoor Media, LLC, 160 Idaho 417, 374 P.3d 580 (2016).

Bona Fide Purchaser.

One who has notice or knowledge of a previous sale of real property, or who has notice or knowledge of such facts and circumstances as would lead a reasonably prudent man to discover that a previous sale had been made, is not a purchaser in good faith within the meaning of this section; but one who purchases vacant property and procures an abstract of title which fails to show a previous conveyance, because the same was not recorded, and pays the purchase-price without any knowledge of such previous conveyance, is a purchaser in good faith and is entitled to the property as against holder of the prior unrecorded deed. Froman v. Madden, 13 Idaho 138, 88 P. 894 (1907). Defense of good faith cannot be used to create a title, where not even a defective title exists. Ewald v. Hufton, 31 Idaho 373, 173 P. 247 (1918).

Distinction is made by legislature between encumbrancers and purchasers in good faith and purchasers for value. Millick v. Stevens, 44 Idaho 347, 257 P. 30 (1927).

Assignee of junior mortgage duly recorded takes it free from lien of prior mortgage which was unrecorded, unless he had notice thereof or has failed to record his assignment, notwithstanding his assignor’s knowledge of prior mortgage. Adams v. Satterberg, 46 Idaho 271, 267 P. 445 (1928).

Subsequent mortgagee not making proper inquiry with respect to unreleased prior mortgage is not entitled to protection of statute. Merchants Trust Co. v. Davis, 49 Idaho 494, 290 P. 383 (1930).

Owner of easement across 42-foot strip of land could not claim to be a bona fide purchaser based on vendors’ agreement to devise the strip to easement owner upon the death of surviving spouse, where prior to parting with consideration for vendors’ promise to convey the strip in the future easement owner had acquired actual knowledge of an earlier unrecorded contract wherein vendors granted defendants the preemptive right of first refusal if the strip was offered for sale. Garmo v. Clanton, 97 Idaho 696, 551 P.2d 1332 (1976).

Where a purchaser of real estate is in possession of the property, there can be no bona fide purchaser from the vendor. Fitzgerald v. Thornley (In re Lewis), 19 Bankr. 548 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1982).

It has long been established in Idaho that a purchaser under an unrecorded real estate contract who is in physical possession of the property purchased will prevail over a subsequent purchaser of the property from the original seller. Fitzgerald v. Thornley (In re Lewis), 19 Bankr. 548 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1982).

Even if purchaser of land had prior notice of water association’s use of a well on the purchased land, that prior notice did not create any real property right in the association; thus, there was no basis for association’s assertion that purchaser was not a bona fide purchaser in good faith. Bear Island Water Ass’n v. Brown, 125 Idaho 717, 874 P.2d 528 (1994).

Constructive Notice.

Where subsequent purchaser knew that the prior purchaser was occupying the lot in question and was conducting a commercial business on it, subsequent purchaser had constructive notice such as to require an inquiry of prior purchaser’s claim and the result of his failure to do so was that the unrecorded deed of prior purchaser prevailed over subsequent purchaser’s recorded deed. Fajen v. Powlus, 96 Idaho 625, 533 P.2d 746 (1975).

Purchaser could not use this section to defeat a prior unrecorded interest in a water well if purchaser had prior actual or constructive notice of that interest. Bear Island Water Ass’n v. Brown, 125 Idaho 717, 874 P.2d 528 (1994).

Defective Deed.
Deeds.

Trustee, in the place of a bona fide purchaser, could avoid a transfer of property allegedly made to a creditor to the extent that the deed of trust that was recorded with the mortgage improperly described the property that was to be encumbered by the loan agreement. Hymas v. Am. Gen. Fin., Inc. (In re Blair), 2000 Bankr. LEXIS 2115 (Bankr. D. Idaho May 18, 2000). Deeds.

Unrecorded deed of ditch was held invalid against purchaser. Swank v. Sweetwater Irrigation & Power Co., 15 Idaho 353, 98 P. 297 (1908).

Whether quitclaim deed from mortgagee to mortgagor is effective as a release and satisfaction of mortgage lien depends on the intent of the parties. Merchants Trust Co. v. Davis, 49 Idaho 494, 290 P. 383 (1930).

First Recorded.

The instrument first recorded takes precedence where the recording party is a holder for valuable consideration and in good faith. Sun Valley Land & Minerals, Inc. v. Burt, 123 Idaho 862, 853 P.2d 607 (Ct. App. 1993).

Under this section, the first good faith purchaser to record evidence of title will prevail. Young v. Washington Fed. Sav. & Loan Ass’n, 156 Bankr. 282 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1993).

Good Faith.

The act of recording a conveyance does not cut off rights not created by a writing without regard to whether or not the recording party is a good faith purchaser without notice of the rights. Langroise v. Becker, 96 Idaho 218, 526 P.2d 178 (1974).

One who purchases or encumbers property with notice of conflicting claims, or who fails to investigate an obvious conflicting claim does not take in “good faith” and will not prevail over a prior purchaser. Langroise v. Becker, 96 Idaho 218, 526 P.2d 178 (1974).

The words “good faith” in this section mean actual or constructive knowledge of a prior interest or defect in title. Benz v. D. L. Evans Bank, 152 Idaho 215, 268 P.3d 1167 (2012).

Judgments.

Judgment entered in a court of competent jurisdiction has the same actual and constructive notice to the parties and privies to the suit and serves the same purpose as is provided by the recording statutes. Smith v. Kessler, 22 Idaho 589, 127 P. 172 (1912).

Mortgages.

Mortgage was upheld as against prior deed; fraud also involved. Blucher v. Shaw, 26 Idaho 497, 144 P. 342 (1914).

Mortgage was upheld as lien even upon unrecorded contract making water appurtenant to land. Ireton v. Idaho Irrigation Co., 30 Idaho 310, 164 P. 687 (1917).

By term “mortgagee” legislature intended to include any person occupying, either as original mortgagee or as assignee of mortgage, position of mortgagee. Adams v. Satterberg, 46 Idaho 271, 267 P. 445 (1928).

Where record shows a release of a mortgage by mortgagee, subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers in good faith and for value are protected against any claim of an assignee under an unrecorded assignment. Millick v. O’Malley, 47 Idaho 106, 273 P. 947 (1928).

Where lien claimant had no notice of mortgage at time labor and material were furnished, and where such mortgage was unrecorded, it will not be allowed superiority over lien. Poynter v. Fargo, 48 Idaho 271, 281 P. 1111 (1929).

Mortgagee of a ranch and water right is not chargeable with notice of limitation on water right by the fact that mortgagor’s applications for loan, which it rejected, showed lesser water right than that shown by record, and stated that land did not require surface irrigation. Federal Land Bank v. Union Cent. Life Ins. Co., 54 Idaho 161, 29 P.2d 1009 (1934). One taking mortgage on ranch and water right had right, as against prior mortgagee of mortgagor’s other ranch, to rely on record which showed water right taken was appurtenant to first ranch and which failed to show previous mortgage of water right. Federal Land Bank v. Union Cent. Life Ins. Co., 54 Idaho 161, 29 P.2d 1009 (1934).

Evidence required finding that mortgagee of ranch and water right originally appurtenant thereto acquired right in good faith, without actual or constructive notice of claim of another mortgagee under prior mortgage, given by mortgagor on different ranch. Federal Land Bank v. Union Cent. Life Ins. Co., 54 Idaho 161, 29 P.2d 1009 (1934).

According to Idaho’s recording statutes, a mortgage recorded first in time had priority against all other subsequent mortgagees where the title company executed and recorded its mortgage first (twelve days before the landowners) and the owners were not good faith purchasers because they knew of the company’s mortgage, such that because the owners did not record first and had at least constructive notice of the company’s mortgage, the company’s mortgage took priority. Estate of Skvorak v. Sec. Union Title Ins. Co., 140 Idaho 16, 89 P.3d 856 (2004).

In setting priority for competing deeds of trust, this section only voids a prior conveyance if (1) the subsequent conveyance was made in good faith and for valuable consideration; and (2) the subsequent conveyance is the first duly recorded. The validity of a conveyance does not depend upon when it is recorded. Insight LLC v. Gunter, 154 Idaho 779, 302 P.3d 1052 (2013).

Physical Possession.

Where the purchasers of real estate from a debtor were in physical possession of the property for a period of approximately six years following the purchase, the rights of the purchasers prevailed over the trustee in his attempt to avoid the transfer of the debtor’s interests in the real property, even though the purchasers had not recorded the real estate contract. Fitzgerald v. Thornley (In re Lewis), 19 Bankr. 548 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1982).

Priority.

The first recorded conveyances of real property, taken in good faith and for valuable consideration, except leases not exceeding one year, have priority over subsequent recorded purchasers or mortgagees of the same property. Valiant Idaho, LLC v. VP Inc., 164 Idaho 314, 429 P.3d 855 (2018).

Valuable Consideration.

While natural love and affection is good consideration, it is not valuable consideration within meaning of this section. Gardiner v. Gardiner, 36 Idaho 664, 214 P. 219 (1923).

Nothing passes under deed without valuable consideration if grantor has theretofore executed and delivered deed of premises to another. Gardiner v. Gardiner, 36 Idaho 664, 214 P. 219 (1923).

Where subsequent deed is supported by good, as distinguished from valuable, consideration it cannot prevail. Hiddleson v. Cahoon, 37 Idaho 142, 214 P. 1042 (1923).

When Record Effective.

This section, in effect, provides that unrecorded deed is void as against subsequent conveyance which is duly recorded, when, and only when, subsequent conveyance is in good faith and for valuable consideration. Hiddleson v. Cahoon, 37 Idaho 142, 214 P. 1042 (1923). When Record Effective.

A duly recorded interest is effective against prior unrecorded interests only where the recorded interest is taken for a valuable consideration and without knowledge, either actual or constructive, that unrecorded interests exist. Farm Bureau Fin. Co. v. Carney, 100 Idaho 745, 605 P.2d 509 (1980).

Cited

Griffeth v. Utah Power & Light Co., 226 F.2d 661 (9th Cir. 1955); Peacock v. Fairbairn, 45 Idaho 628, 264 P. 231 (1928); Pacific Coast Joint Stock Land Bank v. Security Prods. Co., 56 Idaho 436, 55 P.2d 716 (1936); Johnson v. Casper, 75 Idaho 256, 270 P.2d 1012 (1954); Kloos v. Jacobson, 30 Bankr. 965 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1983); Lind v. Perkins, 107 Idaho 901, 693 P.2d 1103 (Ct. App. 1984); Wood v. Simonson, 108 Idaho 699, 701 P.2d 319 (Ct. App. 1985); New Phase Invs., LLC v. Jarvis, 153 Idaho 207, 280 P.3d 710 (2012).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-813. Conveyance defined.

The term “conveyance” as used in this chapter, embraces every instrument in writing by which any estate or interest in real property is created, alienated, mortgaged or encumbered, or by which the title to any real property may be affected, except wills.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 35; R.S., § 3002; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3161; C.S., § 5425; I.C.A.,§ 54-813.

CASE NOTES

Effect of Recording Laws.

It is possible for a subsequent purchaser to acquire a paramount title through the medium of the recording laws, relegating prior purchaser to an action for damages against vendor. Madden v. Caldwell Land Co., 16 Idaho 59, 100 P. 358 (1909).

Protection afforded by the recording acts is purely statutory and is not to be extended beyond their reasonable import. They do not apply where a title vests by virtue of law and not through a conveyance. Ewald v. Hufton, 31 Idaho 373, 173 P. 247 (1918).

Escrow agreement in which buyer promised to pay a certain sum to seller in return for two acres and various interests in the land including nonexclusive use of airport was a conveyance within the meaning of this section, and when two recorded conveyances purport to convey conflicting interests in real property, the conveyance first recorded controls. Thus, where escrow agreement was recorded in 1989 and deed for sale of remainder of land owned by seller was recorded in 1991, the escrow agreement entitled buyer of the two acres to an easement of nonexclusive use of the airport even though the easement for nonexclusive use of the airport had been omitted from the deed for sale of the two acres. West v. Bowen, 127 Idaho 128, 898 P.2d 59 (1995).

Extent of Application.

Definition herein contained is limited in its application to chapter of statutes relating to recording of instruments. Fargo v. Bennett, 35 Idaho 359, 206 P. 692 (1922).

Leases.
Mortgages.

A lease for more than one year or a mortgage is such a conveyance or encumbrance that it falls within the prohibition that a husband acting as agent for the community cannot execute same unless his wife joins with him in executing the instrument. Morgan v. Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., 68 Idaho 506, 201 P.2d 976 (1948). Mortgages.

A “mortgage” is a “conveyance,” within the meaning of statutory definition of term “conveyance,” and is included within the scope of statute invalidating conveyances of realty to foreign corporations failing to comply with statutory requirements for doing business within state, notwithstanding a mortgage does not pass title to mortgaged property. John Hancock Mut. Life Ins. Co. v. Girard, 57 Idaho 198, 64 P.2d 254 (1936).

In setting priority for competing deeds of trust,§ 55-812 only voids a prior conveyance if (1) the subsequent conveyance was made in good faith and for valuable consideration; and (2) the subsequent conveyance is the first duly recorded. The validity of a conveyance does not depend upon when it is recorded. Insight LLC v. Gunter, 154 Idaho 779, 302 P.3d 1052 (2013).

Record as Notice.

Plats and the Master Plan, which were on file in the proper office and were properly acknowledged and certified, imparted notice of their contents to defendant, the subsequent purchaser. Therefore defendant was, by law, on notice the recorded third replat contained Note 6 which identified the Master Plan on file in the planning office of the county, and thus, this recorded instrument gave defendant notice that he could only build an additional eighteen (18) units in Block 3 in a cluster configuration as located on the third replat. Haugh v. Smelick, 126 Idaho 481, 887 P.2d 26 (1993).

Record of survey constituted a properly recorded conveyance; where it purported to transfer the disputed property, it created, alienated, mortgaged or encumbered the title of both lots, it was in writing, it contained a sufficient description of the property, it contained the name of the grantee, and it clearly indicated the legal description of the subject property and the lots. Adams v. Anderson, 142 Idaho 208, 127 P.3d 111 (2005).

A notice of default recorded by the trustee is not a “conveyance” under this section; therefore, the alleged failure to record the power of attorney held by trustee for bank defendant does not invalidate the non-judicial foreclosure process by the bank defendants. It is the recording of the original deed of trust that provided notice of conveyance and a mortgage interest in debtor’s property to all subsequent purchasers and mortgagees. Purdy v. Bank of Am., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 140935 (D. Idaho Sept. 26, 2012).

Cited

Federal Land Bank v. Union Cent. Life Ins. Co., 54 Idaho 161, 29 P.2d 1009 (1934); Abbl v. Morrison, 64 Idaho 489, 134 P.2d 94 (1942); Langroise v. Becker, 96 Idaho 218, 526 P.2d 178 (1974); City of Kellogg v. Mission Mt. Interests Ltd., 135 Idaho 239, 16 P.3d 915 (2000); West Wood Invs. v. Acord, 141 Idaho 75, 106 P.3d 401 (2005); McKay v. Walker, 160 Idaho 148, 369 P.3d 926 (2016).

§ 55-814. Revocation of power to be recorded.

No instrument containing a power to convey or execute instruments affecting real property, which has been recorded, is revoked by any act of the party by whom it was executed, unless the instrument containing such revocation is also acknowledged or proved, certified and recorded in the same office in which the instrument containing the power was recorded.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 27; R.S., § 3003; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3162; C.S., § 5426; I.C.A.,§ 54-814.

§ 55-815. Unrecorded instruments valid between parties.

An unrecorded instrument is valid as between the parties thereto and those who have notice thereof.

History.

1863, p. 528, § 23; R.S., § 3004; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3163; C.S., § 5427; I.C.A.,§ 54-815.

CASE NOTES

Unrecorded Conveyances.

Unrecorded conveyance made more than four months before petition in bankruptcy is valid as between parties thereto. Peacock v. Fairbairn, 45 Idaho 628, 264 P. 231 (1928).

In property owner’s action challenging a non-judicial foreclosure action taken on the deed of trust securing a note on the subject property, the failure to record a power of attorney under§ 55-806 did not invalidate a change in trustees of the note. The purpose of the recording statutes is to provide notice to subsequent purchasers: the property owner was not a subsequent purchaser, and he was on notice of the change in the power of attorney status by other instruments that were recorded. Purdy v. Bank of Am., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 140935 (D. Idaho Sept. 26, 2012).

Cited

Keane v. Kibble, 28 Idaho 274, 154 P. 972 (1915); Goodman v. Lothrop, 143 Idaho 622, 151 P.3d 818 (2007).

§ 55-816. Affidavits.

Any affidavit setting forth facts showing or explaining marital status, identity of persons, possession of real property when the title thereof is deraigned through tax deed, delivery of deed by grantor during grantor’s lifetime, occupation of real property as a homestead, date of birth, date of death, date of marriage, or place of residence, with respect to any person mentioned in any recorded instrument affecting title to real property, and also any affidavit as to the identification of plats or descriptions of real property signed by the grantor and grantee named in the document of transfer which contains the descriptions being corrected or, if the grantor is not available, then the affidavit must be signed by the grantee and indexed under the name of both the grantor and grantee, may be recorded in the office of the county recorder of the county wherein the real property is situate; and any such recorded affidavit or the record or certified copy thereof whether heretofore or hereafter recorded shall constitute a part of the record of title to the real property to which it relates and may be received in evidence in any cause affecting the title to such real property, by all courts and all boards, and before all officers, in the state of Idaho as part of such record of title.

History.

1945, ch. 84, § 1, p. 130; am. 2000, ch. 377, § 1, p. 1237.

§ 55-817. Duration of notice.

No public record of any mortgage or other lien on real property, given prior to July 1, 1945, shall constitute notice of the existence or contents of such mortgage or lien, to subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers of the property affected thereby, for a longer period than ten (10) years from the date of maturity of such obligation or indebtedness, as changed by extension, if any, of the time of payment, filed for record before the expiration of said period of ten (10) years, except as provided in section 2 hereof. If the public records do not disclose the date of maturity, then the date of the execution of such mortgage or lien shall be deemed the date of maturity of such obligation or indebtedness.

History.

1935, ch. 107, § 1, p. 256; am. 1951, ch. 127, § 1, p. 295.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

Section 2 of S.L. 1951, ch. 127, read: “If the said period of ten years has expired, or will expire before September 1, 1951, the holder or owner of the obligation or indebtedness secured by such mortgage or lien shall have until September 1, 1951, within which to file for record, in the county or counties where said mortgage or lien is recorded, an agreement or affidavit showing the date of payment of such obligation or indebtedness as extended. Such agreement or affidavit shall describe the property embraced in such mortgage or lien and give the book and page where such mortgage or lien appears of record. The county recorder shall note on the record of such mortgage or other lien the due date thereof as shown by such affidavit, and shall also note on such record the book and page where such agreement or affidavit is recorded.”

S.L. 1935, ch. 107, § 2, referred to at the end of the first sentence, read as follows: “If the said period of ten years has expired, or will expire before September 1, 1935, the holder or owner of the obligation or indebtedness secured by such mortgage or lien shall have until September 1, 1935 within which to file for record, in the county or counties where said mortgage or lien is recorded, an agreement or affidavit showing the date of payment of such obligation or indebtedness as extended. Such agreement or affidavit shall describe the property embraced in such mortgage or lien and give the book and page where such mortgage or lien appears of record. The county recorder shall note on the record of such mortgage or other lien the due date thereof as shown by such affidavit, and shall also note on such record the book and page where such agreement or affidavit is recorded.”

CASE NOTES

Record Notice.

Record notice of existence and nonpayment of mortgage does not entitle purchaser of mortgaged land to quiet title as against mortgage though debt is barred by limitation period, if purchaser is in privity with original mortgagor and knows that mortgage in fact has not been paid. Trusty v. Ray, 73 Idaho 232, 249 P.2d 814 (1952).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

§ 55-818. Recording of summary of instrument — Effect.

A summary of any instrument creating an interest in, or affecting the title to or possession of real property, may be recorded under this chapter or the laws of this state if the requirements of this section are substantially met. A summary of the instrument shall be signed and acknowledged by all parties to the original instrument. The summary of the instrument shall clearly state: the names of the parties to the original instrument, the complete mailing address of the grantee, the title and date of the instrument, a description of the interest or interests in real property created by the instrument, and the legal description of the property. Other elements of transaction may be stated in the summary. If the requirements of this section are met, the summary of the instrument may be recorded under the provisions of this chapter and, as to the contents of the summary only, it shall have the same force and effect as if the original instrument had been recorded, and constructive notice shall be deemed to be given concerning the contents of the summary and the existence of the instrument to any subsequent purchasers, mortgagees or other persons or entities that acquire an interest in the real property.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-818, as added by 1987, ch. 353, § 1, p. 785; am. 1989, ch. 105, § 2, p. 238.

CASE NOTES

Mandatory Requirement.

Memorandum of sale was not entitled to be recorded as a summary of an instrument, because it was only signed by a personal representative of the buyer. Even though the first sentence uses the phrase “substantially met,” when referring to the requirements of the section, the use of “shall” in the requirement that both parties shall sign the instrument indicates that that particular requirement is mandatory. Salladay v. Bowen, 161 Idaho 563, 388 P.3d 577 (2017).

§ 55-819. Requirements regarding a request for notice of transfer or encumbrance — Rulemaking.

  1. If the department of health and welfare has recorded a request for notice of transfer or encumbrance pursuant to section 56-225, Idaho Code:
    1. When a title insurance company or agent discovers the presence of a request for notice of transfer or encumbrance recorded in the real property records in the county in which the property described in such notice is located while performing a title search on such property and any individual identified in such notice is the record owner of such property, the title insurance company or agent shall disclose the presence of the request for notice of transfer or encumbrance in any commitment to offer to issue a title insurance product to insure title to such real property; and
    2. If, after the date of the recording the request for notice of transfer or encumbrance described in subsection (1)(a) of this section, the individual identified in such request for notice transfers or encumbers real property described in such filing, such individual, his agent or family member shall provide the department of health and welfare with a notice of transfer or encumbrance within ten (10) days after the date of the transfer or encumbrance. For the purposes of this subsection (1)(b), a title insurance company or agent shall not be deemed or appointed an agent of the individual identified in the request for notice of transfer or encumbrance. The department of health and welfare shall adopt by rule a model form for notice of transfer or encumbrance to be used by said individual when notifying the department.
  2. If the department of health and welfare has caused to be recorded a termination of request for notice of transfer or encumbrance in the grants and conveyances records pursuant to section 56-225, Idaho Code, or if no individual identified in the request for notice of transfer or encumbrance is the record owner of the real property described therein, the title insurance company or agent is not required to disclose the notice of transfer or encumbrance as required by subsection (1)(a) of this section, and an individual transferring or encumbering the real property after the date of such recording is not required to provide the notice of transfer or encumbrance required by subsection (1)(b) of this section.
  3. The notice of transfer or encumbrance described in subsection (1)(a) of this section is personal to the individual named therein and shall not constitute a lien or encumbrance on, or prevent the transfer or encumbrance of, the property described therein. A title insurance company or agent shall have no liability to the department of health and welfare or any person or entity for failing to discover, or for disclosing, the request for notice of transfer or encumbrance as required by subsection (1)(a) of this section.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-819, as added by 2010, ch. 90, § 1, p. 174.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Department of health and welfare,§ 56-1001 et seq.

Chapter 9 UNLAWFUL TRANSFERS

Sec.

§ 55-901. Fraudulent conveyances of land.

Every instrument, other than a will, affecting an estate in real property, including every charge upon real property, or upon its rents or profits, made with intent to defraud prior or subsequent purchasers thereof, or encumbrancers thereon, is void as against every purchaser or encumbrancer, for value, of the same property, or the rents or profits thereof.

History.

1863, p. 540, § 1; R.S., § 3015; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3164; C.S., § 5428; I.C.A.,§ 54-901.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Decedents’ estates, actions to set aside fraudulent conveyances,§ 15-3-710.

Fraudulent practices,§ 55-1812.

CASE NOTES

Actual Fraud.

Execution and delivery of trust deed by father, who was experiencing business difficulties, to daughter, creating first mortgage lien on father’s property in favor of daughter, was not a fraudulent conveyance where the deed was given for adequate consideration, consisting of prior advances and expenditures by daughter, and where evidence presented by judgment creditor of father failed to establish actual fraud or “badges of fraud” from which an inference of actual fraud might be warranted. Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972).

Conflict of Laws.

Where a title to an Idaho mining claim was conveyed to an Arizona corporation, the law of Arizona would control the rights and liabilities of the corporation, as respects avoidance of the conveyance for fraud in representing that the stock would be fully paid and nonassessable, unless the Arizona law was contrary to the public policy of Idaho. Bruun v. Hanson, 103 F.2d 685 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 308 U.S. 571, 60 S. Ct. 86, 84 L. Ed. 479 (1939).

Intent.

A conveyance of Idaho mining claims to an Arizona corporation was not subject to attack for fraud in procurement on the ground that the representation that the stock in the Arizona corporation would be fully paid and nonassessable was contrary to law and incapable of performance in the absence of a showing of the Arizona statute or a decision invalidating such a promise, since, under the rule prevailing in Idaho, such a contract would be upheld. Bruun v. Hanson, 103 F.2d 685 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 308 U.S. 571, 60 S. Ct. 86, 84 L. Ed. 479 (1939). Intent.

If debtor transfers assets with the intent to defraud creditors, transfer is void as against judgment creditor, even though debtor is not insolvent. Hilliard v. Sisil, 192 F.2d 800 (9th Cir. 1951).

Question of Fact and Intent.

Where different minds might reach different conclusions on the evidence, meager evidence, if it is of a substantial nature and character, is sufficient to sustain the findings of the trier of facts. Lingenfelter v. Eby, 68 Idaho 134, 190 P.2d 130 (1948).

Cited

Rakozy v. Murphy (In re Ace Mfg. & Supply), 1995 Bankr. LEXIS 2240 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 21, 1995).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

Rule denying recovery of property to one who conveyed to defraud creditors as applicable where the claim which motivated the conveyance was never established. 6 A.L.R.4th 862.

Creditor’s right to prevent debtor’s renunciation of benefit under will or debtor’s election to take under will. 39 A.L.R.4th 634.

§ 55-902. Grantee must be privy to fraud.

No instrument is to be avoided under the last section, in favor of a subsequent purchaser or encumbrancer having notice thereof at the time his purchase was made, or his lien acquired, unless the person in whose favor the instrument was made was privy to the fraud intended.

History.

1863, p. 540, § 2; R.S., § 3016; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3165; C.S., § 5429; I.C.A.,§ 54-902.

CASE NOTES

Close Relationship.

Although the existence of a close relationship between debtor and transferee invites close scrutiny, it is not a “badge of fraud” per se and must be supplemented by other proof of bad faith to establish a prima facie case of fraud. Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972).

Inadequate Consideration.

Knowledge and participation of grantees is not required to render transfer void, where there is gross inadequacy of consideration for transfer. Buhl State Bank v. Glander, 56 Idaho 543, 56 P.2d 757 (1936).

Inference of Actual Fraud.

Although actual fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, an inference of actual fraud may be warranted where certain badges of fraud attend the conveyance and are not adequately explained. Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972).

Inference of actual fraud in connection with transfer from father to daughter was not warranted by informality of the transaction, time gap between execution and recording of trust deed and financial difficulty of father where informality naturally resulted from close relationship, the deed was recorded promptly on delivery to daughter and the deed was supported by adequate consideration. Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972).

Intent to Defraud.

Although a conveyance is supported by fair and valuable consideration, it may be set aside with respect to creditors if it is the product of a fraudulent attempt by the debtor and transferee to obstruct access to the debtor’s property for satisfaction of legitimate claims and is marked by an actual intent of both the debtor and transferee to defraud the creditors. Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-903. Power of revocation — When deemed executed.

Where a power to revoke or modify an instrument affecting the title to, or the enjoyment of, an estate in real property, is reserved to the grantor, or given to any other person, a subsequent grant of, or charge upon, the estate, by the person having the power of revocation, in favor of a purchaser or encumbrancer for value, operates as a revocation of the original instrument, to the extent of the power, in favor of such purchaser or encumbrancer.

History.

1863, p. 540, § 4; R.S., § 3017; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3166; C.S., § 5430; I.C.A.,§ 54-903.

§ 55-904. Power of revocation not subject to exercise before grant — When deemed executed.

Where a person having the power of revocation within the provisions of the last section is not entitled to execute it until after the time at which he makes such a grant or charge as is described in that section, the power is deemed to be executed as soon as he is entitled to execute it.

History.

1863, p. 540, § 5; R.S., § 3018; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3167; C.S., § 5431; I.C.A.,§ 54-904.

§ 55-905. Fraudulent transfers of personalty.

All deeds of gift, all conveyances, and all transfers or assignments, oral or written, of goods, chattels, or things in action, made in trust for the use of the person making the same, are void as against the creditors, existing or subsequent, of such person. However, a settlor’s retained right to receive distributions from a trust in an amount equal to or less than the federal and state income tax liability incurred by such settlor as a result of such trust being characterized as a grantor trust pursuant to the rules of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, sections 671 through 679, inclusive, shall not be considered a deed of gift, conveyance, transfer or assignment that is made in trust for the use of the person making the same.

History.

1863, p. 540, § 11; R.S., § 3019; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3168; C.S., § 5432; I.C.A.,§ 54-905; am. 2007, ch. 68, § 5, p. 174.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2007 amendment, by ch. 68, substituted “oral” for “verbal” and added the last sentence.

Federal References.

Sections 671 through 679 of the Internal Revenue Code, are codified as 26 U.S.C.S. §§ 671 through 679.

CASE NOTES

Extent of Application.

This section relates to personal property only. Capital Lumber Co. v. Saunders, 26 Idaho 408, 143 P. 1178 (1914).

Valid Transfers.

Taking by mortgagee of property under mortgage executed more than four months prior to filing of petition in bankruptcy is not a transfer in fraud of creditors. In re Simpson, 31 F.2d 317 (D. Idaho), aff’d, 35 F.2d 840 (9th Cir. 1929). Conveyance made by decedent to his daughter, without intent to defraud and not in trust, does not come under provisions of this section. Brown v. Perrault, 5 Idaho 729, 51 P. 752 (1898).

Void Transfers.

Assignment in trust to secure certain creditor by permitting him to keep sufficient proceeds to pay his debts, accompanied by a contemporaneous parol agreement that any excess of such proceeds above the amount sufficient to pay creditor shall belong to grantor, is void as against creditors of grantor. Johnson v. Sage, 4 Idaho 758, 44 P. 641 (1896).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
ALR.

§ 55-906. Transfers in fraud of creditors.

Every transfer of property, or charge thereon made, every obligation incurred, and every judicial proceeding taken, with intent to delay or defraud any creditor or other person of his demands, is void against all creditors of the debtor and their successors in interest, and against any person upon whom the estate of the debtor devolves in trust for the benefit of others than the debtor.

History.

1863, p. 540, § 18; R.S., § 3020; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3169; C.S., § 5433; I.C.A.,§ 54-906.

CASE NOTES

Assignment to Trustee.

Provision in assignment which exempts trustee from ordinary legal degree of liability renders assignment void. Rogers v. Boise Ass’n. of Credit Men, 33 Idaho 513, 196 P. 213 (1921).

Cases in which trustee may be authorized to carry on business are those in which such business is merely ancillary to winding up affairs and with view of more effectually promoting interest of creditors. Rogers v. Boise Ass’n. of Credit Men, 33 Idaho 513, 196 P. 213 (1921). Where authority to continue business is given chiefly for benefit of debtor or is intended to hinder and delay creditors for unreasonable period, transfer is fraudulent and void. Rogers v. Boise Ass’n. of Credit Men, 33 Idaho 513, 196 P. 213 (1921).

Attorneys Fees.

Every party found to have committed fraud is not automatically required to pay the opposing party’s attorney fees for having unsuccessfully defended against the claim of fraud. It is possible for defendants to raise a reasonable, yet unsuccessful, defense against a claim of fraud. Haney v. Molko, 123 Idaho 132, 844 P.2d 1382 (Ct. App. 1992).

Close Relationship with Transferee.

Transfers from father and mother to sons are subject to the court’s scrutiny. Buhl State Bank v. Glander, 56 Idaho 543, 56 P.2d 757 (1936).

Transfers between members of a debtor’s household are not prima facie fraudulent, but only slight additional evidence is required for a prima facie case. Louk v. Patten, 58 Idaho 334, 73 P.2d 949 (1937).

Although the existence of a close relationship between debtor and transferee invites close scrutiny, it is not a “badge of fraud” per se and must be supplemented by other proof of bad faith to establish a prima facie case of fraud. Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972).

Common-Law Rule.

This section substantially puts into effect the long established rule of the common law upon the same subject. Capital Lumber Co. v. Saunders, 26 Idaho 408, 143 P. 1178 (1914).

Contingent Liability.

A contingent liability is protected against fraudulent, voluntary conveyances, and whoever has a claim arising out of a preexisting contract, although it may be contingent, is a “creditor” whose rights are affected by such conveyances, and, as such, can avoid them when the contingency happens upon which the claim depends. Louk v. Patten, 58 Idaho 334, 73 P.2d 949 (1937).

Deeds of Correction.

Deed given to correct former deed based on valuable consideration is not fraud on creditors who have come into existence since original conveyance, even though grantor is insolvent when second deed is given. Feltham v. Blunck, 34 Idaho 1, 198 P. 763 (1921).

Estoppel.

That a bankrupt national bank stockholder, who conveyed his property to his wife long prior to the closing of the bank, thereafter paid taxes, collected rents and directed operation of said property, does not estop the wife from resisting an attempt of the trustee in bankruptcy of the husband to set aside the conveyances as in fraud of creditors. Kester v. Helmer, 16 F. Supp. 260 (D. Idaho 1935), aff’d, 85 F.2d 646 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 299 U.S. 608, 57 S. Ct. 234, 81 L. Ed. 448 (1936). A wife who at all times knew that property, for purchase of which she had contributed separate funds stood in the name of her husband, but failed to object, although the husband borrowed money from the bank on security thereof, is estopped to assert claim of interest in property to defeat claim of bank, in an action to set aside fraudulent conveyances of said property. Buhl State Bank v. Glander, 56 Idaho 543, 56 P.2d 757 (1936).

Evidence and Proof.

Neither a gift from a man to his wife, nor a conveyance to another without consideration, is prima facie fraudulent. Kester v. Helmer, 16 F. Supp. 260 (D. Idaho 1935), aff’d, 85 F.2d 646 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 299 U.S. 608, 57 S. Ct. 234, 81 L. Ed. 448 (1936).

Under this section great latitude of inquiry on the issue of fraud is permissible, and any facts which tend to prove an intent to delay or defraud any creditor are pertinent and proper. Harkness v. Smith, 3 Idaho 221, 28 P. 423 (1891).

Burden is on attacking party to show intent to defraud, and mere fact that preference results is not proof of fraud. Rogers v. Boise Ass’n. of Credit Men, 33 Idaho 513, 196 P. 213 (1921).

Court must determine bona fides of transfer from all facts and circumstances in evidence. Snell v. Prescott, 48 Idaho 783, 285 P. 483 (1930).

Proof that a husband and wife considered the wife’s participation in, or contribution to, the purchase of land resulted in debt to be repaid by husband or wife from community is insufficient to sustain burden of proof that subsequent conveyance of property to the son was not fraudulent. Buhl State Bank v. Glander, 56 Idaho 543, 56 P.2d 757 (1936).

In an action to set aside fraudulent conveyances, evidence that execution on plaintiff’s judgment was returned unsatisfied was admissible to show the financial condition of grantors at the time of the conveyance, in the absence of evidence of material change therein between the time of the conveyance and the time of the return of the execution, other than asserted fraudulent transfers and disposition of limited amount of personal property. Buhl State Bank v. Glander, 56 Idaho 543, 56 P.2d 757 (1936).

In an action to set aside fraudulent conveyances, evidence of conversation with grantor, subsequent to the conveyances, as to his purpose and intent in making transfers, was admissible to negative validity of transfers, where the evidence supported a finding that the grantees participated in fraud. Buhl State Bank v. Glander, 56 Idaho 543, 56 P.2d 757 (1936).

Conveyance from parent to child for a consideration which is grossly inadequate and attended by other circumstances indicative of fraud may be set aside. Buhl State Bank v. Glander, 56 Idaho 543, 56 P.2d 757 (1936).

Where the evidence showed that the owner of land, allegedly to secure payment of debts, conveyed it to a purported creditor, who immediately reconveyed it without consideration to a corporation of which the original grantor and his wife were the principal stockholders, that this purported creditor later mortgaged the land to the corporation and payments on the mortgage were transferred by the corporation to a bank in payment of personal debts of the original grantor, and the land was again conveyed by the purported creditor to the corporation in consideration of the satisfaction of said mortgage and a prior mortgage by the purported creditor to an insurance company, such transactions constituted “badges of fraud” from which the trial court could find that the final conveyance to the corporation was in fraud of the creditors of the original grantor. Chester B. Brown Co. v. Goff, 89 Idaho 170, 403 P.2d 855 (1965).

Future Creditors.

Where a bankrupt’s possible future liability on his national bank stock constituted the sole basis of a claim that the bankrupt had existing creditors at the time of the alleged fraudulent conveyances, such conveyances could not be set aside as fraudulent, where there was no evidence that at the time of the conveyances, the bank was insolvent, or that the bankrupt knew of such insolvency. Kester v. Helmer, 16 F. Supp. 260 (D. Idaho 1935), aff’d, 85 F.2d 646 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 299 U.S. 608, 57 S. Ct. 234, 81 L. Ed. 448 (1936).

The possible future liability of a bankrupt national bank stockholder does not make either the bank or the bank’s creditors creditors of the bankrupt at the time of the execution of the alleged fraudulent conveyances several years prior to the closing of the bank, so as to justify setting such conveyances aside, where the bankrupt had no other creditors at the time of the conveyance, since liability on the bank stock did not arise until the comptroller made an assessment. Kester v. Helmer, 16 F. Supp. 260 (D. Idaho 1935), aff’d, 85 F.2d 646 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 299 U.S. 608, 57 S. Ct. 234, 81 L. Ed. 448 (1936).

Where actual fraud is established, a conveyance may be void as to subsequent creditors, as well as to prior creditors. Louk v. Patten, 58 Idaho 334, 73 P.2d 949 (1937).

The words “other person” embrace those who have become creditors after the conveyance and who have been defrauded thereby. Louk v. Patten, 58 Idaho 334, 73 P.2d 949 (1937).

Inference of Actual Fraud.

Although actual fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, an inference of actual fraud may be warranted where certain badges of fraud attend the conveyance and are not adequately explained. Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972).

Inference of actual fraud in connection with transfer from father to daughter was not warranted by informality of the transaction, time gap between execution and recording of trust deed and financial difficulty of father where informality naturally resulted from close relationship, the deed was recorded promptly on delivery to daughter and the deed was supported by adequate consideration. Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972).

Necessity for Existing Creditors.

On the question of whether the conveyance of property was fraudulent or not, it must appear that there were existing creditors at the time of the alleged fraudulent transfer, and that the transfer was made with intent to delay or defraud such creditors. Hendrickson v. Helmer, 7 F. Supp. 627 (D. Idaho 1934).

Non-creditors.

Limited liability company and estate of one of its two manager/members had no cause of action against the other manager/member for transferring property to defraud creditors since neither plaintiff was a creditor of the limited liability company. Estate of E.A. Collins v. Geist, 143 Idaho 821, 153 P.3d 1167 (2007).

Parties.
Pleading and Practice.

A judgment creditor, who has assigned a judgment to her counsel as security for attorneys’ fees and money loaned to her by counsel with the understanding that, when the indebtedness was paid, the balance would go to the judgment creditor, could maintain an action to set aside fraudulent conveyances by the judgment debtor. Louk v. Patten, 58 Idaho 334, 73 P.2d 949 (1937). Pleading and Practice.

A complaint seeking to set aside a deed executed by a bankrupt to his wife four years prior to the closing of a national bank, in which he was a stockholder, which alleged that the bankrupt was the owner of property in community and that he was in control and management of the property conveyed by deed, was not demurrable. Hendrickson v. Helmer, 7 F. Supp. 627 (D. Idaho 1934).

In a suit to cancel a deed, as being made in fraud of creditors, the complaint is not sufficient if it alleges fraud and notice, in respect to the transaction, only as conclusions of law. Kerns v. Washington Water Power Co., 24 Idaho 525, 135 P. 70 (1913).

After decree of foreclosure of mortgage, personal judgment must be entered before action can be maintained to set aside conveyance as fraudulent. Perkins v. Bundy, 42 Idaho 560, 247 P. 751 (1926).

Creditor must reduce claim to judgment before he can maintain action to set aside conveyance as fraudulent. Perkins v. Bundy, 42 Idaho 560, 247 P. 751 (1926); Petty v. Petty, 66 Idaho 717, 168 P.2d 818 (1946).

Purpose of Section.

This section is intended to protect creditors against debtor conveying his property away to any person, including his wife. Bank of Orofino v. Wellman, 26 Idaho 425, 143 P. 1169 (1914).

Statutory Claims.

The claim of minor child against father for support before being reduced to judgment, being statutory, comes within the provisions of this section. Petty v. Petty, 66 Idaho 717, 168 P.2d 818 (1946).

Valid Transfers.

While assignment with preferences is illegal, the statutes of Idaho do not prohibit preferences between nonresident debtors and creditors through assignment which is valid by laws of debtor’s domicile. Barnett v. Kinney, 147 U.S. 476, 13 S. Ct. 403, 37 L. Ed. 247 (1893).

Taking by mortgagee of property under mortgage executed more than four months prior to filing of petition in bankruptcy is not a transfer in fraud of creditors. In re Simpson, 31 F.2d 317 (D. Idaho), aff’d, 35 F.2d 840 (9th Cir. 1929).

If transfer of property by a husband to his wife is made in good faith and not to defraud existing creditors, the consideration for love and affection and for the purpose of making her a gift is valid, and the validity thereof, as against creditors, does not depend upon subsequent events. Hendrickson v. Helmer, 7 F. Supp. 627 (D. Idaho 1934).

A trustee in bankruptcy is not entitled to have set aside alleged fraudulent conveyances by a bankrupt, where there was no evidence showing that the bankrupt did not have remaining sufficient property to meet his then obligations, and possible future assessments on national bank stock owned by him. Kester v. Helmer, 16 F. Supp. 260 (D. Idaho 1935), aff’d, 85 F.2d 646 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 299 U.S. 608, 57 S. Ct. 234, 81 L. Ed. 448 (1936).

Preference is valid in absence of actual intent to defraud. Rogers v. Boise Ass’n. of Credit Men, 33 Idaho 513, 196 P. 213 (1921). A gift deed, conveying realty to a daughter of grantor who had heart trouble and expected to die suddenly, as he later did, and who still had $2,500 cash on deposit in bank and bonds worth $10,000, was not invalid as intended to hinder, delay or defraud creditor. Eley v. Lyon, 60 Idaho 8, 88 P.2d 507 (1939).

Execution and delivery of trust deed by father, who was experiencing business difficulties, to daughter, creating first mortgage lien on father’s property in favor of daughter, was not a fraudulent conveyance where the deed was given for adequate consideration, consisting of prior advances and expenditures by daughter, and where evidence presented by judgment creditor of father failed to establish actual fraud or “badges of fraud” from which an inference of actual fraud might be warranted. Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972).

Voidable Transfers.
— Contingent Liability.

A conveyance to grantor’s daughter, executed subsequent to grantor’s repudiation of a promise to marry, was subject to being set aside as a “fraudulent conveyance” by virtue of the contingent liability existing in favor of promisee at the time of conveyance. Louk v. Patten, 58 Idaho 334, 73 P.2d 949 (1937).

— Deficiency Judgments.

In an action by the holder of deficiency judgment to set aside conveyances from judgment debtors to sons, judgment setting aside conveyances should provide that conveyances were set aside only as to holder of deficiency judgment and subject only to satisfaction of deficiency judgment against judgment debtors. Buhl State Bank v. Glander, 56 Idaho 543, 56 P.2d 757 (1936).

— Intent to Defraud.

Assignment of property made partly for the reason that assignor feels that his creditors may levy on the proceeds of the property is void as against creditors of assignor. Johnson v. Sage, 4 Idaho 758, 44 P. 641 (1896).

If a transfer is made with intent to evade payment of debts and such intent is known to transferee, such transfer is void. Sears v. Lydon, 5 Idaho 358, 49 P. 122 (1897).

If debtor transfers assets with the intent to defraud creditors, transfer is void as against judgment creditor, even though debtor is not insolvent. Hilliard v. Sisil, 192 F.2d 800 (9th Cir. 1951).

Although a conveyance is supported by fair and valuable consideration, it may be set aside with respect to creditors if it is the product of a fraudulent attempt by the debtor and transferee to obstruct access to the debtor’s property for satisfaction of legitimate claims and is marked by an actual intent of both the debtor and transferee to defraud the creditors. Blankenship v. Myers, 97 Idaho 356, 544 P.2d 314 (1975).

— Reliance by Creditor.
— Tax Sales.

Grantee, withholding her father’s gift deed from record until after a corporation extended credit to him in reliance on his financial statement listing realty conveyed as an asset, was not estopped to assert title thereto, as against such creditor, where grantor had much more than the amount of debt left in cash and bonds, and grantee did not know of such statement when deed was made. Eley v. Lyon, 60 Idaho 8, 88 P.2d 507 (1939). — Tax Sales.

One who purchased property at an execution or tax sale received legal title and could bring an action to remove a cloud on the title created by a fraudulent transfer. Therefore, the district court had the equitable power to clear tax sale purchaser’s title by setting aside the tax debtors’ deeds to the family trust, which deeds were void and unenforceable against the tax sale purchaser. Haney v. Molko, 123 Idaho 132, 844 P.2d 1382 (Ct. App. 1992).

Cited

Boise Ass’n. of Credit Men v. Ellis, 26 Idaho 438, 144 P. 6 (1914); United States v. Bertie, 529 F.2d 506 (9th Cir. 1976); Spokane Merchants’ Ass’n. v. Olmstead, 80 Idaho 166, 327 P.2d 385 (1958); Surety Life Ins. Co. v. Rose Chapel Mortuary, Inc., 95 Idaho 599, 514 P.2d 594 (1973); Zazzali v. Goldsmith (In re DBSI Inc.), 2018 Bankr. LEXIS 3213 (Bankr. D. Idaho Oct. 17, 2018).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-907. Transfers in fraud of creditors — Delivery and change of possession.

Every transfer of personal property other than a thing in action, and every lien thereon, other than [a] any transfer in connection with security interest created under the Uniform Commercial Code, is presumed, if made by a person having at the time the possession or control of the property, and not accompanied by an immediate delivery and followed by an actual and continued change of possession of the things transferred, to be fraudulent, and therefore void, against those who are his creditors while he remains in possession, and the successors in interests of such creditor, and against any persons on whom his estate devolves in trust for the benefit of others than himself, and against purchasers or encumbrancers in good faith subsequent to the transfer.

History.

1863, p. 540, § 15; R.S., § 3021; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3170; C.S., § 5434; I.C.A.,§ 54-907; am. 1967, ch. 272, § 27, p. 745.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Secured transactions under Uniform Commercial Code,§ 28-9-101 et seq.

Compiler’s Notes.

The letter “a” was enclosed in brackets by the compiler to indicate surplusage from the 1967 amendment.

Section 33 of S.L. 1967, ch. 272, read: “Transactions validly entered into before the effective date specified in section 32 and the rights, duties and interest flowing from them remain valid thereafter and may be terminated, completed, consummated or enforced as required or permitted by any statute amended by this act as though such amendment had not occurred.”

Effective Dates.

Section 32 of S.L. 1967, ch. 272 provided that this act should become effective at midnight on December 31, 1967, simultaneously with the Uniform Commercial Code.

CASE NOTES

Seizure under attachment. Sufficiency of delivery.

Possession Retained.

This section was held not to apply to sale of timber which had been cut into logs by purchaser but left on land of seller. In re McCartney, 218 F. 717 (D. Idaho 1914).

Title to goods sold passes to buyer when bill of sale is made, regardless of the fact that the time of the delivery is postponed. Walker v. Lightfoot, 124 F.2d 3 (9th Cir. 1941).

A bill of sale by a mining company was not insufficient to vest title to personalty sold to the lessor, because no delivery of the personalty was made at the time of the execution of the bill of sale in the absence of fraud in the sale, and the personalty transferred was to be covered by the lease, and the lessor took possession of the personalty upon forfeiture under the lease about five years after the bill of sale was made and before the lessee became bankrupt. Walker v. Lightfoot, 124 F.2d 3 (9th Cir. 1941).

Where property is not at time of the sale in the possession or under the control of vendor, this section has no application. Cornwall v. Mix, 3 Idaho 687, 34 P. 893 (1893).

Where assignor retains the property under the same control and management, the assignment is void as against creditors. Johnson v. Sage, 4 Idaho 758, 44 P. 641 (1896).

L sold a quantity of wheat to H and M; before delivery or change of possession thereof, and twenty days after the sale, the wheat was levied upon under an execution issued in an action against L. It was held that the sale to H and M was void as to creditors. Hallett v. Parrish, 5 Idaho 496, 51 P. 109 (1897).

Where tenant holds personal property on the demised premises for his landlord and the latter assigns the same to a third person, who leaves it on the demised premises for tenant to hold until a certain day, and property is seized upon an execution before that day, there is, at the time of the execution, no such delivery and change of possession as to vest title in the third person. Coombs v. Collins, 6 Idaho 536, 57 P. 310 (1899).

Where A purchases, at execution sale, stock belonging to B and leaves it in B’s possession, paying him to care for it, this section does not apply, and B’s judgment creditors obtain no right against A in respect to stock. Sweeten v. Ezell, 30 Idaho 154, 163 P. 612 (1917).

Alleged sale of personal property, not accompanied by an immediate delivery and not followed by an actual continued change of possession, is conclusively presumed to be fraudulent and void as against creditors of and purchasers from vendor. Ahlstrom v. Tage, 31 Idaho 459, 174 P. 605 (1918); Brown v. Herrick, 34 Idaho 171, 200 P. 117 (1921).

Alleged sale of automobile not accompanied by delivery and continued change of possession is fraudulent and void as against creditors of vendor. Sweetland v. Oakley State Bank, 40 Idaho 726, 236 P. 538 (1925).

Mortgagee of personal property under mortgage given to secure an antecedent debt has lien superior to purchaser of such property failing to remove it from owner’s premises. Millick v. Stevens, 44 Idaho 347, 257 P. 30 (1927).

Unrecorded bill of sale of cattle, not accompanied by change of possession, is void as to creditors of grantor and is not admissible in evidence in action for damages for alleged conversion. Servel v. Corbett, 49 Idaho 536, 290 P. 200 (1930).

Repossession.

Where property, without legal excuse, is replaced in the same apparent relation to vendor after delivery, and there is no manifest and continued change of possession, the transfer is void. Harkness v. Smith, 3 Idaho 221, 28 P. 423 (1891). Where there is an actual sale and delivery with change of possession, the subsequent act of prior owner in wrongfully taking possession of the property does not defeat purchaser’s title as against subsequent purchaser. Couch v. Montgomery, 6 Idaho 669, 59 P. 16 (1899).

Scope of Inquiry.

Sole inquiry in this case is whether there has been an immediate delivery followed by actual and continued change of possession. No question of intent, bona fides or notice is relevant. Harkness v. Smith, 3 Idaho 221, 28 P. 423 (1891).

Seizure under Attachment.

Officer sued for wrongfully seizing property under an invalid writ of attachment may protect himself from being mulcted in exemplary damages by showing that the goods seized under the writ were recently in the possession of defendant, and that there was no such change of possession as is required by this section. Sears v. Lydon, 5 Idaho 358, 49 P. 122 (1897).

Sufficiency of Delivery.

Statute does not refer to the place where goods are situated, but to actual and continual change of possession, and does not require goods sold to be removed in all cases from the place where situated when sold. Hazard v. Cole, 1 Idaho 276 (1869).

Where property is at time of sale in the custody of a third person and sale is made in good faith, notice to the third person is sufficient to constitute a delivery. Lufkins v. Collins, 2 Idaho 150, 7 P. 95 (1885).

Where horses pledged to secure a debt are at time of pledge in the possession of a third person who was to range the same for the winter, and pledgor tells such third person in the presence of all parties to hold them for pledgee, and such person takes the horses to the range and delivers them to pledgee in the spring, the latter paying for their care during the winter, there is a sufficient delivery and change of possession to satisfy the statute. Murphy v. Braase, 3 Idaho 544, 32 P. 208 (1893).

No fixed rule can be established as a test for determining what the “immediate delivery” or “actual possession” required by the statute means, but the questions are matters of fact to be determined by the jury from the evidence in each particular case. Simons v. Daly, 9 Idaho 87, 72 P. 507 (1903); Powelson v. Kinney, 40 Idaho 565, 234 P. 935 (1925).

A worked on the ranch for B and had a room in B’s house in town. B gave A a cream separator in settlement of a debt. A removed the separator from the ranch to his room in B’s house. It was held that there was sufficient delivery and change of possession. Rapple v. Hughes, 10 Idaho 338, 77 P. 722 (1904).

Where retail dealer sells a wagon to purchaser and receives the purchase-price and thereupon writes a card containing the words “Sold to C. H. Trousdale,” and places this notice on the wagon, and, thereupon, the wagon is left in the possession of retailer, and before it is taken away by purchaser a receiver takes charge of the property of retailer, there is sufficient change of possession to meet requirements of this section. Trousdale v. Winona Wagon Co., 25 Idaho 130, 137 P. 372 (1913).

Instruction enlarging upon terms of statute by stating “that this change must be an open, visible change, manifested by such outward signs as render evidence to persons dealing with the property that the possession of the former owner as such has ceased” does not constitute prejudicial error. Brown v. Feeler, 35 Idaho 57, 204 P. 659 (1922). When facts are undisputed it is for court to determine as matter of law whether there has been immediate delivery and continued change of possession. Sweetland v. Oakley State Bank, 40 Idaho 726, 236 P. 538 (1925).

In action of claim and delivery where evidence showed that, at time of transfer, certain cattle were on some lots owned by claimant, and that shortly after he arranged for their winter keep, there was such showing as to render statute inapplicable, and to leave question one of fact for jury. Webster v. McCullough, 45 Idaho 604, 264 P. 384 (1928).

Cited

In re Lane Lumber Co., 210 F. 82 (D. Idaho 1913); Brown v. Perrault, 5 Idaho 729, 51 P. 752 (1898); Packard v. O’Neil, 45 Idaho 427, 262 P. 881 (1927).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-908. Fraud is a question of fact.

In all cases arising under the provisions of chapters 5 to 9 inclusive, of this title, the question of fraudulent intent is one of fact, and not of law; nor can any transfer or charge be adjudged fraudulent solely on the ground that it was not made for a valuable consideration.

History.

1863, p. 540, § 20; R.S., § 3022; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3171; C.S., § 5435; I.C.A.,§ 54-908; am. 1967, ch. 272, § 28, p. 745.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

Section 33 of S.L. 1967, ch. 272, read: “Transactions validly entered into before the effective date specified in section 32 and the rights, duties and interest flowing from them remain valid thereafter and may be terminated, completed, consummated or enforced as required or permitted by any statute amended by this act as though such amendment had not occurred.”

Effective Dates.

Section 32 of S.L. 1967, ch. 272, provided that this act should become effective at midnight December 31, 1967, simultaneously with the Uniform Commercial Code,§ 28-1-101 et seq.

CASE NOTES

Intent.

Intent with which a transfer in fraud of creditors is made is not established so much by attempting to ascertain the actual intent in mind of debtor, but rather by the facts and circumstances under which transfer was made and from which the law imputes a fraudulent motive. California Consol. Mining Co. v. Manley, 10 Idaho 786, 81 P. 50 (1905), appeal dismissed, 203 U.S. 579, 27 S. Ct. 779, 51 L. Ed. 326 (1906).

Whether a conveyance is for the purpose of defrauding creditors is a question of intent. Lingenfelter v. Eby, 68 Idaho 134, 190 P.2d 130 (1948).

A fraudulent intent may be imputed by the conditions and circumstances of the transfer. Siegel Mobile Home Group, Inc. v. Bowen, 114 Idaho 531, 757 P.2d 1250 (Ct. App. 1988). The lack of an acknowledgment on the first deed to the wife, subsequent multiple conveyances of the property, and the coincidence of the timing of these transfers and the judgment of the pending case against the husband, did not create a showing from which conflicting inferences of the husband’s intent could be drawn, where the affidavits given by the husband and wife, as well as the records in the divorce action, established the stated purpose of the deed as a settlement of the property dispute arising from their earlier divorce. Siegel Mobile Home Group, Inc. v. Bowen, 114 Idaho 531, 757 P.2d 1250 (Ct. App. 1988).

Presumptions and Evidence.

Neither gift from husband to wife nor conveyance to another without consideration is prima facie fraudulent. McMillan v. McMillan, 42 Idaho 270, 245 P. 98 (1926).

In order to constitute fraudulent conveyance, there must be shown the fraud of vendor and injury to creditor. McMillan v. McMillan, 42 Idaho 270, 245 P. 98 (1926).

Transfer pending determination of contingent liability was held a fraud on creditors, as a matter of law. Associated Fruit Co. v. Idaho-Oregon Fruit Growers’ Ass’n, 44 Idaho 200, 256 P. 99 (1927).

When insolvent debtor conveys all his property without consideration, inevitable result is to hinder and delay creditors. He is held to intend natural consequences of his act and natural inference is intent to defraud, in absence of circumstances that rebut that inference. Snell v. Prescott, 48 Idaho 783, 285 P. 483 (1930).

Question of Fact.

Determination of what constitutes immediate change of possession and delivery is purely a question of fact to be determined by the jury, or the court in case a jury is waived, from all the evidence in the particular case. Rapple v. Hughes, 10 Idaho 338, 77 P. 722 (1904).

Absence of valuable consideration does not necessarily render deed invalid. Feltham v. Blunck, 34 Idaho 1, 198 P. 763 (1921); Snell v. Prescott, 48 Idaho 783, 285 P. 483 (1930).

It is duty of trial court to determine bona fides of transaction from all facts and circumstances in evidence. Snell v. Prescott, 48 Idaho 783, 285 P. 483 (1930).

Release of Mortgage.

Refusal of mortgagee to release six chattel mortgages could not be excused on the ground that there was no consideration for one of the mortgages, since a mortgage is not fraudulent merely because there is lack of consideration, and, furthermore, question of fraud can only be raised by the creditors in a proper proceeding. Head v. Crone, 76 Idaho 196, 279 P.2d 1064 (1955).

Voluntary Transfers.

Conveyance made for a mere nominal consideration, when attacked as fraudulent, will be subjected to the rules applicable to voluntary transfers. Feltham v. Blunck, 34 Idaho 1, 198 P. 763 (1921).

Transfer of property from husband to wife is not fraudulent, if husband had sufficient remaining property to pay his debts. McMillan v. McMillan, 42 Idaho 270, 245 P. 98 (1926); Snell v. Prescott, 48 Idaho 783, 285 P. 483 (1930).

Cited

Brown v. Perrault, 5 Idaho 729, 51 P. 752 (1898); Capital Lumber Co. v. Saunders, 26 Idaho 408, 143 P. 1178 (1914); United States v. Bertie, 529 F.2d 506 (9th Cir. 1976); Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972); Surety Life Ins. Co. v. Rose Chapel Mortuary, Inc., 95 Idaho 599, 514 P.2d 594 (1973).

§ 55-909. Title of purchaser not impaired.

The provisions of this chapter do not in any manner affect or impair the title of a purchaser for a valuable consideration, unless it appears that such purchaser had previous notice of the fraudulent intent of his immediate grantor, or of the fraud rendering void the title of such grantor.

History.

1863, p. 540, § 21; R.S., § 3023; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3172; C.S., § 5436; I.C.A.,§ 54-909.

CASE NOTES

Bona Fide Transfers.

Transfer of stock by a married woman, although procured by duress and coercion on the part of her husband, was good where transferee was bona fide holder for value, without notice or knowledge of such duress or coercion. Bryan v. Montandon, 6 Idaho 352, 55 P. 650 (1898).

Transfer of property for purpose of defrauding creditors is good as between the parties. Berryman v. Dore, 47 Idaho 582, 277 P. 565 (1929).

Construction with Other Law.

Limited liability company and estate of one of its two manager/members had no cause of action against the other manager/member for transferring property to defraud creditors since neither plaintiff was a creditor of the limited liability company. Estate of E.A. Collins v. Geist, 143 Idaho 821, 153 P.3d 1167 (2007).

Fraudulent Transfers.

Where a debtor conveyed land to a minor daughter after a suit against the debtor had been instituted, it made out a prima facie case of fraudulent transfer under this section, and the grantee’s daughter’s successor had burden of showing good faith and that consideration had been paid. Kantola v. Hendrickson, 52 Idaho 217, 12 P.2d 866 (1932).

Good Faith Purchaser.

Regardless of any rights existing under the UCC in farmers who sold grain to buyer who failed to pay, an action for conversion could not be sustained against subsequent good faith purchaser for value. Western Idaho Prod. Credit Ass’n v. Simplot Feed Lots, Inc., 106 Idaho 264, 678 P.2d 52 (1984).

Cited Mohar v. McLelland Lumber Co., 95 Idaho 38, 501 P.2d 722 (1972); Lind v. Perkins, 107 Idaho 901, 693 P.2d 1103 (Ct. App. 1984).

Cited
Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-910. Uniform voidable transactions act — Definitions.

As used in this act:

  1. “Affiliate” means:
    1. A person that directly or indirectly owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of the debtor, other than a person that holds the securities:
      1. as a fiduciary or agent without sole discretionary power to vote the securities; or
      2. solely to secure a debt, if the person has not in fact exercised the power to vote;
    2. A corporation twenty percent (20%) or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled, or held with power to vote, by the debtor or a person that directly or indirectly owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, twenty percent (20%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of the debtor, other than a person that holds the securities:
      1. as a fiduciary or agent without sole discretionary power to vote the securities; or
      2. solely to secure a debt, if the person has not in fact exercised the power to vote;
    3. A person whose business is operated by the debtor under a lease or other agreement, or a person substantially all of whose assets are controlled by the debtor; or
    4. A person that operates the debtor’s business under a lease or other agreement or controls substantially all of the debtor’s assets.
  2. “Asset” means property of a debtor, but the term does not include:
    1. Property to the extent it is encumbered by a valid lien;
    2. Property to the extent it is generally exempt under nonbankruptcy law.
  3. “Claim” means a right to payment, whether or not the right is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured, or unsecured.
  4. “Creditor” means a person that has a claim.
  5. “Debt” means liability on a claim.
  6. “Debtor” means a person that is liable on a claim.
  7. “Electronic” means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic or similar capabilities.
  8. “Insider” includes:
    1. If the debtor is an individual:
      1. a relative of the debtor or of a general partner of the debtor;
      2. a partnership in which the debtor is a general partner;
      3. a general partner in a partnership described in subsection (7)(a)2. of this section; or
      4. a corporation of which the debtor is a director, officer, or person in control;
    2. If the debtor is a corporation:
      1. a director of the debtor;
      2. an officer of the debtor;
      3. a person in control of the debtor;
      4. a partnership in which the debtor is a general partner;
      5. a general partner in a partnership described in subsection (7)(b)4. of this section; or
      6. a relative of a general partner, director, officer, or person in control of the debtor; (c) If the debtor is a partnership:
  9. “Lien” means a charge against or an interest in property to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation, and includes a security interest created by agreement, a judicial lien obtained by legal or equitable process or proceedings, a common-law lien, or a statutory lien.
  10. “Organization” means a person other than an individual.
  11. “Person” means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality, or any other legal entity.
  12. “Property” means anything that may be the subject of ownership.
  13. “Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
  14. “Relative” means an individual related by consanguinity within the third degree as determined by the common law, a spouse, or an individual related to a spouse within the third degree as so determined, and includes an individual in an adoptive relationship within the third degree.
  15. “Sign” means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record:
    1. To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or
    2. To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound or process.
  16. “Transfer” means every mode, direct or indirect, absolute or conditional, voluntary or involuntary, of disposing of or parting with an asset or an interest in an asset, and includes payment of money, release, lease, license and creation of a lien or other encumbrance.
  17. “Valid lien” means a lien that is effective against the holder of a judicial lien subsequently obtained by legal or equitable process or proceedings.

1. a general partner in the debtor;

2. a relative of a general partner in, or a general partner of, or a person in control of the debtor;

3. another partnership in which the debtor is a general partner;

4. a general partner in a partnership described in subsection (7)(c)3. of this section; or

5. a person in control of the debtor;

(d) An affiliate, or an insider of an affiliate as if the affiliate were the debtor; and

(e) A managing agent of the debtor.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-910, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. 2015, ch. 342, § 1, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§§ 55-910 to 55-922 which comprised 1969, ch. 463, §§ 1 to 13, p. 1300, were repealed by S.L. 1987, ch. 202, § 1.

Amendments.
Compiler’s Notes.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 342, substituted “voidable transactions” for “fraudulent transfer” in the section heading; added subsections (7), (10), (13), and (15) and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; inserted “in fact” in paragraph (1)(a)2.; inserted “discretionary” in paragraph (1)(b)1.; rewrote present subsection (11), which formerly read: “Person’ means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, or any other legal or commercial entity”; and inserted “license” near the end of present subsection (16). Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” in the introductory paragraph refers to S.L. 1987, ch. 202, which is compiled as§§ 55-910 to 55-918 and 55-920 to 55-922.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Dunham v. Dunham, 128 Idaho 55, 910 P.2d 169 (Ct. App. 1994); Post v. Idaho Farmway, Inc., 135 Idaho 475, 20 P.3d 11 (2001); Zazzali v. United States (In re DBSI, Inc.), 869 F.3d 1004 (9th Cir. 2017).

Official Comment
  1. The definition of “affiliate” is derived from Bankruptcy Code § 101(2) (1984).
  2. The definition of “asset” is substantially to the same effect as the definition of “assets” in § 1 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. The definition in this Act, unlike that in the earlier Act, does not, however, require a determination that the property is liable for the debts of the debtor. Thus, for example, an unliquidated claim for damages resulting from personal injury or a contingent claim of a surety for reimbursement, subrogation, restitution, contribution, or the like may be counted as an asset for the purpose of determining whether the holder of the claim is solvent as a debtor under § 2 of this Act, even if applicable law does not allow such an asset to be levied on and sold by a creditor. Cf. Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co. v. Goldman (In re Ollag Construction Equipment Corp.) , 578 F.2d 904, 907-09 (2d Cir. 1978).
  3. The definition of “claim” is derived from Bankruptcy Code § 101(4) (1984). Because the purpose of this Act is primarily to protect unsecured creditors against transfers and obligations injurious to their rights, the words “claim” and “debt” as used in the Act generally have reference to an unsecured claim and debt. As the context may indicate, however, usage of the terms is not so restricted. See, e.g. , §§ 1(1)(i)(B) and 1(9).
  4. The definition of “creditor” in combination with the definition of “claim” has substantially the same effect as the definition of “creditor” under § 1 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. As under that Act, the holder of an unliquidated tort claim or a contingent claim may be a creditor protected by this Act.
  5. The definition of “debt” is derived from Bankruptcy Code § 101(11) (1984).
  6. The definition of “debtor” had no analogue in the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act.
  7. The definition of “electronic” is the standard definition of that term used in acts prepared by the Uniform Law Commission as of 2014.
  8. The definition of “insider” is derived from Bankruptcy Code § 101(28) (1984). In this Act, as in the Bankruptcy Code, the definition states that the term “includes” certain listed persons; it does not state that the term “means” the listed persons. Hence the definition is not exclusive, and the statutory list is merely exemplary. See also Bankruptcy Code § 102(3) (1984). Accordingly, a person may be an “insider” of a debtor that is an individual, corporation or partnership even though the person is not designated as such by the statutory list. For example, a trust may be found to be an “insider” of a beneficiary. Similarly, a court may find a person living with an individual debtor for an extended time in the same household or as a permanent companion to have the kind of close relationship intended to be covered by the term “insider.” See also, e.g., Browning Interests v. Allison (In re Holloway) , 955 F.2d 1008 (5th Cir. 1992) (former spouse of debtor was an “insider” because of their close and continued personal relationship, even though they had long ago divorced and remarried others). Likewise, a person may be an “insider” of a debtor that is not an individual, corporation or partnership. See, e.g., In re Longview Aluminum, L.L.C. , 657 F.3d 507 (7th Cir. 2011) (holding, under the Bankruptcy Code definition, that an individual serving on the Board of Managers of, and having a 12% membership interest in, a limited liability company was an “insider” of the company; the company’s organic documents vested management authority “in the Board of Managers and the Members”).
  9. The definition of “lien” is derived from paragraphs (30), (31), (43), and (45) of Bankruptcy Code § 101 (1984), which define “judicial lien,” “lien,” “security interest,” and “statutory lien” respectively.
  10. The definition of “organization” is derived from Uniform Commercial Code§ 1-201(b)(25) (2014).
  11. The definition of “person” is the standard definition of that term used in acts prepared by the Uniform Law Commission as of 2014. Section 11 renders a “protected series” of a “series organization” a “person” for purposes of this Act, even though the “protected series” may not qualify as a “person” under paragraph (11) of this section.
  12. The definition of “property” is derived from Uniform Probate Code§ 1-201(33) (1969). Property includes both real and personal property, whether tangible or intangible, and any interest in property, whether legal or equitable.
  13. The definition of “record” is the standard definition of that term used in acts prepared by the Uniform Law Commission as of 2014.
  14. The definition of “relative” is derived from Bankruptcy Code § 101(37) (1984) but is explicit in its references to the spouse of a debtor in view of uncertainty as to whether the common law determines degrees of relationship by affinity.
  15. The definition of “sign” is the standard definition of that term used in acts prepared by the Uniform Law Commission as of 2014.
  16. The definition of “transfer” is derived principally from Bankruptcy Code § 101(48) (1984). The definition of “conveyance” in § 1 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act was similarly comprehensive, and the references in this Act to “payment of money, release, lease, and the creation of a lien or encumbrance” are derived from the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. While the definition in the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act did not explicitly refer to an involuntary transfer, the decisions under that Act were generally consistent with an interpretation that covered such a transfer. See, e.g., Hearn 45 St. Corp. v. Jano , 283 N.Y. 139, 27 N.E.2d 814, 128 A.L.R. 1285 (1940) (execution and foreclosure sales); Lefkowitz v. Finkelstein Trading Corp. , 14 F. Supp. 898, 899 (S.D.N.Y. 1936) (execution sale); Langan v. First Trust & Deposit Co. , 277 App. Div. 1090, 101 N.Y.S.2d 36 (4th Dept. 1950), aff’d , 302 N.Y. 932, 100 N.E.2d 189 (1951) (mortgage foreclosure); Catabene v. Wallner , 16 N.J. Super. 597, 602, 85 A.2d 300, 302 (1951) (mortgage foreclosure). The 2014 amendments add a reference to transfer by “license,” which is derived from the definition of “proceeds” in Uniform Commercial Code§ 9-102(a)(64)(A) (2014).
  17. The definition of “valid lien” had no analogue in the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. A valid lien includes an equitable lien that may not be defeated by a judicial lien creditor. See, e.g., Pearlman v. Reliance Insurance Co. , 371 U.S. 132, 136 (1962) (upholding a surety’s equitable lien in respect to a fund owing a bankrupt contractor).

Subparagraphs (i), (ii), and (iii) provide clarification by excluding from the term not only generally exempt property but also an interest in a tenancy by the entirety in many states and an interest that is generally beyond reach by unsecured creditors because subject to a valid lien. This Act, like the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act and the Statute of 13 Elizabeth, declares rights and provides remedies for unsecured creditors against transfers that impede them in the collection of their claims. The laws protecting valid liens against impairment by levying creditors, exemption statutes, and the rules restricting levyability of interest in entireties property are limitations on the rights and remedies of unsecured creditors, and it is therefore appropriate to exclude property interests that are beyond the reach of unsecured creditors from the definition of “asset” for the purposes of this Act.

A creditor of a joint tenant or tenant in common may ordinarily collect a judgment by process against the tenant’s interest, and in some states a creditor of a tenant by the entirety may likewise collect a judgment by process against the tenant’s interest. See 2 American Law of Property 10, 22, 28-32 (1952); Craig, An Analysis of Estates by the Entirety in Bankruptcy , 48 Am.Bankr.L.J. 255, 258-59 (1974). The levyable interest of such a tenant is included as an asset under this Act.

The definition of “assets” in the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act excluded property that is exempt from liability for debts. The definition did not, however, exclude all property that cannot be reached by a creditor through judicial proceedings to collect a debt. Thus, it included the interest of a tenant by the entirety although in nearly half the states such an interest cannot be subjected to liability for a debt unless it is an obligation owed jointly by the debtor with his or her cotenant by the entirety. See 2 American Law of Property 29 (1952); Craig, An Analysis of Estates by the Entirety in Bankruptcy , 48 Am.Bankr.L.J. 255, 258 (1974). The definition in this Act requires exclusion of interests in property held by tenants by the entirety that are not subject to collection process by a creditor without a right to proceed against both tenants by the entirety as joint debtors.

The reference to “generally exempt” property in § 1(2)(ii) recognizes that all exemptions are subject to exceptions. Creditors having special rights against generally exempt property typically include claimants for alimony, taxes, wages, the purchase price of the property, and labor or materials that improve the property. See Uniform Exemptions Act § 10 (1979) and the accompanying Comment. The fact that a particular creditor may reach generally exempt property by resorting to judicial process does not warrant its inclusion as an asset in determining whether the debtor is insolvent.

Because this Act is not an exclusive law on the subject of voidable transfers and obligations (see Comment 9 to § 4), it does not preclude the holder of a claim that may be collected by process against property generally exempt as to other creditors from obtaining relief from a transfer of such property that hinders, delays, or defrauds the holder of such a claim. Likewise the holder of an unsecured claim enforceable against tenants by the entirety is not precluded by the Act from pursuing a remedy against a transfer of property held by the entirety that hinders, delays, or defrauds the holder of such a claim.

Nonbankruptcy law is the law of a state or federal law that is not part of the Bankruptcy Code, Title 11 of the United States Code. The definition of an “asset” thus does not include property that would be subject to administration for the benefit of creditors under the Bankruptcy Code unless it is subject under other applicable law, state or federal, to process for the collection of a creditor’s claim against a single debtor.

The differences between the definition in this Act and that in the Bankruptcy Code are slight. In this Act, the definition has been restricted in clauses (i)(C), (ii)(E), and (iii)(D) to make clear that a partner is not an insider of an individual, corporation, or partnership if any of these latter three persons is only a limited partner. The definition of “insider” in the Bankruptcy Code does not purport to make a limited partner an insider of the partners or of the partnership with which the limited partner is associated, but it is susceptible of a contrary interpretation and one which would extend unduly the scope of the defined relationship when the limited partner is not a person in control of the partnership. The definition of “insider” in this Act also omits the reference in Bankruptcy Code § 101(28)(D) (1984) to an elected official or relative of such an official as an insider of a municipality.

PREFATORY NOTE (2014 AMENDMENTS)

In 2014 the Uniform Law Commission approved a set of amendments to the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act. The amendments changed the title of the Act to the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act. The amendment project was instituted to address a small number of narrowly-defined issues, and was not a comprehensive revision. The principal features of the amendments are listed below. Further explanation of provisions added or revised by the amendments may be found in the comments to those provisions.

Choice of Law. The amendments add a new § 10, which sets forth a choice of law rule applicable to claims for relief of the nature governed by the Act.

Evidentiary Matters. New §§ 4(c), 5(c), 8(g), and 8(h) add uniform rules allocating the burden of proof and defining the standard of proof with respect to claims for relief and defenses under the Act. Language in the former comments to § 2 relating to the presumption of insolvency created by § 2(b) has been moved to the text of that provision, the better to assure its uniform application.

Deletion of the Special Definition of “Insolvency” for Partnerships. Section 2(c) of the Act as originally written set forth a special definition of “insolvency” applicable to partnerships. The amendments delete original § 2(c), with the result that the general definition of “insolvency” in § 2(a) now applies to partnerships. One reason for this change is that original § 2(c) gave a partnership full credit for the net worth of each of its general partners. That makes sense only if each general partner is liable for all debts of the partnership, but such is not necessarily the case under modern partnership statutes. A more fundamental reason is that the general definition of “insolvency” in § 2(a) does not credit a non-partnership debtor with any part of the net worth of its guarantors. To the extent that a general partner is liable for the debts of the partnership, that liability is analogous to that of a guarantor. There is no good reason to define “insolvency” differently for a partnership debtor than for a non-partnership debtor whose debts are guaranteed by contract.

Defenses. The amendments refine in relatively minor respects several provisions relating to defenses available to a transferee or obligee, as follows:

  1. As originally written, § 8(a) created a complete defense to an action under § 4(a)(1) (which renders voidable a transfer made or obligation incurred with actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any creditor of the debtor) if the transferee or obligee takes in good faith and for a reasonably equivalent value. The amendments add to § 8(a) the further requirement that the reasonably equivalent value must be given the debtor. (2) Section 8(b), derived from Bankruptcy Code §§ 550(a), (b) (1984), creates a defense for a subsequent transferee (that is, a transferee other than the first transferee) that takes in good faith and for value, and for any subsequent good-faith transferee from such a person.

The amendments clarify the meaning of § 8(b) by rewording it to follow more closely the wording of Bankruptcy Code §§ 550(a), (b) (which is substantially unchanged as of 2014). Among other things, the amendments make clear that the defense applies to recovery of or from the transferred property or its proceeds, by levy or otherwise, as well as to an action for a money judgment.

(3) Section 8(e)(2) as originally written created a defense to an action under § 4(a)(2) or § 5 to avoid a transfer if the transfer results from enforcement of a security interest in compliance with Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The amendments exclude from that defense acceptance of collateral in full or partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures (a remedy sometimes referred to as “strict foreclosure”).

Series Organizations. A new § 11 provides that each “protected series” of a “series organization” is to be treated as a person for purposes of the Act, even if it is not treated as a person for other purposes. This change responds to the emergence of the “series organization” as a significant form of business organization.

Medium Neutrality. In order to accommodate modern technology, the references in the Act to a “writing” have been replaced with “record,” and related changes made.

Style. The amendments make a number of stylistic changes that are not intended to change the meaning of the Act. For example, the amended Act consistently uses the word “voidable” to denote a transfer or obligation for which the Act provides a remedy. As originally written the Act sometimes inconsistently used the word “fraudulent.” No change in meaning is intended. See § 15, Comment 4. Likewise, the retitling of the Act is not intended to change its meaning. See § 15, Comment 1.

Official Comments. Comments were added explaining provisions added or revised by the amendments, and the original comments were supplemented and otherwise refreshed.

§ 55-911. Insolvency defined.

  1. A debtor is insolvent if, at a fair valuation, the sum of the debtor’s debts is greater than the sum of the debtor’s assets.
  2. A debtor that is generally not paying the debtor’s debts as they become due other than as a result of a bona fide dispute is presumed to be insolvent. The presumption imposes on the transferee or debtor the burden of proving that it is probable that the debtor was solvent at the time of the transfer.
  3. Assets under this section do not include property that has been transferred, concealed, or removed with intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors or that has been transferred in a manner making the transfer voidable under this act.
  4. Debts under this section do not include an obligation to the extent it is secured by a valid lien on property of the debtor not included as an asset.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-911, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. 2015, ch. 342, § 2, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 342, in subsection (1), inserted “at a fair valuation,” substituted “the sum” for “all,” and deleted “at a fair valuation” from the end; in subsection (2), inserted “other than as a result of a bona fide dispute” in the first sentence and added the second sentence; deleted former subsection (3), which read: “A partnership is insolvent under subsection (1) of this section if the sum of the partnership’s debts is greater than the aggregate of all of the partnership’s assets, at a fair valuation, and the sum of the excess of the value of each general partner’s nonpartnership assets over the partner’s nonpartnership debts”; and redesignated former subsections (4) and (5) as present subsections (3) and (4).

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” in subsection (3) refers to S.L. 1987, ch. 202, which is compiled as§§ 55-910 to 55-918 and 55-920 to and 55-922.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Post v. Idaho Farmway, Inc., 135 Idaho 475, 20 P.3d 11 (2001).

Official Comment
  1. Subsection (a) is derived from the definition of “insolvent” in Bankruptcy Code § 101(29)(A) (1984). The definition in subsection (a) contemplates a fair valuation of the debts as well as the assets of the debtor. The 2014 amendments reword subsection (a) in order to eliminate the elegant variation in the original text between “the sum of” debts and “all of” assets, and to make clearer that “fair valuation” applies to debts as well as to assets. No change in meaning is intended. Financial accounting standards may permit or require fair value measurement of an asset or a debt. The fair value of an asset or a debt for financial accounting purposes may be based on standards that are not appropriate for use in subsection (a). For example, Fin. Accounting Standards Bd., Accounting Standards Codification /P¶ 820-10-35-17 to -18 (2014) (formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157: Fair Value Measurement ¶ 15 (2006)) requires for financial accounting purposes that the “fair value” of a liability reflect nonperformance risk ( i.e. , the risk that the debtor will not pay the liability as and when due). By contrast, proper application of subsection (a) excludes any adjustment to the face amount of a liability on account of nonperformance risk. Such an adjustment would be contrary to the purpose of subsection (a), which is to assess the risk that the debtor will not be able to satisfy its liabilities. Only in unusual circumstances would the “fair valuation” for the purpose of subsection (a) of a liquidated debt be other than its face amount. Examples of such circumstances include discounting the face amount of a contingent debt to reflect the probability that the contingency will not occur, and discounting the face amount of a non-interest-bearing debt that is due in the future in order to reduce the debt to its present value.
  2. Subsection (b) establishes a rebuttable presumption of insolvency from the fact of general nonpayment of debts as they become due. Such general nonpayment is a ground for the filing of an involuntary petition under Bankruptcy Code § 303(h)(1) (1978). See also U.C.C.§ 1-201(23) (1962) (defining a person to be “insolvent” who “has ceased to pay his debts in the ordinary course of business”). The 2014 amendments to this Act clarify that general nonpayment of debts does not count nonpayment as a result of a bona fide dispute. That was the intended meaning of the language before 2014, as stated in the official comments, and the cited provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the Uniform Commercial Code have been similarly clarified. See Bankruptcy Code § 303(h)(1) (2014); U.C.C.§ 1-203(b)(23) (2014) (defining “insolvent” to include “having generally ceased to pay debts in the ordinary course of business other than as a result of bona fide dispute”).
  3. Subsection (c) follows the approach of the definition of “insolvency” in Bankruptcy Code § 101(29) (1984) by excluding from the computation of the value of the debtor’s assets any value that can be realized only by avoiding a transfer of an interest formerly held by the debtor or by discovery or pursuit of property that has been concealed or removed with intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors.
  4. Subsection (d) has no analogue in Bankruptcy Code § 101(29) (1984). It makes clear that a person is not rendered insolvent under this section by counting as a debt an obligation secured by property of the debtor that is not counted as an asset. See also Comment 2 to § 1 and Comment 1 to § 2.

As under the definition of the term “insolvent” in § 2 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, exempt property is excluded from the computation of the value of the assets. See § 1(2). For similar reasons interests in valid spendthrift trusts and interests in tenancies by the entireties that are not subject to process by a creditor of only one tenant are not included. See Comment 2 to § 1. Because a valid lien also precludes an unsecured creditor from collecting the creditor’s claim from the encumbered interest in a debtor’s property, both the encumbered interest and the debt secured thereby are excluded from the computation of insolvency under this Act. See § 1(2) and subsection (d) of this section.

Subsection (b) defines the effect of the presumption to be (in paraphrase) that the burden of persuasion on the issue of insolvency shifts to the defendant. That conforms to the default definition of the effect of a presumption in civil cases set forth in Uniform Rules of Evidence (1974 Act), Rule 301(a) (later Rule 302(a) (1999 Act as amended 2005)). It also conforms to the Final Draft of Federal Rule 301 as submitted to the United States Supreme Court by the Advisory Committee on Federal Rules of Evidence in 1973. “The so-called ‘bursting bubble’ theory, under which a presumption vanishes upon the introduction of evidence which would support a finding of the nonexistence of the presumed fact, even though not believed, is rejected as according presumptions too ‘slight and evanescent’ an effect.” Advisory Committee’s Note to Rule 301, 56 F.R.D. 183, 208 (1973). See also 1 J. Weinstein & M. Berger, Evidence ¶ 301[01] (1982). It should be noted that the Federal Rule of Evidence as finally enacted gave by default a different effect to presumptions in civil cases, in effect adopting the “bursting bubble” definition. See Fed. R. Evid. 301 (1975) (carried forward in the 2011 revision). The statement of the effect of the presumption in subsection (b) was added by the 2014 amendments to this Act, but subsection (b) was intended to have the same meaning before 2014, as stated in the official comments. The presumption is established in recognition of the difficulties typically imposed on a creditor in proving insolvency in the bankruptcy sense, as provided in subsection (a). See generally Levit, The Archaic Concept of Balance-Sheet Insolvency , 47 Am.Bankr.L.J. 215 (1973). Not only is the relevant information in the possession of a debtor that is apt to be noncooperative, but the debtor’s records are apt to be incomplete and inaccurate. As a practical matter, insolvency is most cogently evidenced by a general cessation of payment of debts, as has long been recognized by the laws of other countries and is now reflected in the Bankruptcy Code. See Honsberger, Failure to Pay One’s Debts Generally as They Become Due: The Experience of France and Canada , 54 Am.Bankr.L.J. 153 (1980); J. MacLachlan, Bankruptcy 13, 63-64, 436 (1956). In determining whether a debtor is paying its debts generally as they become due, the court should look at more than the amount and due dates of the indebtedness. The court should also take into account such factors as the number of the debtor’s debts, the proportion of those debts not being paid, the duration of the nonpayment, and the existence of bona fide disputes or other special circumstances alleged to constitute an explanation for the stoppage of payments. The court’s determination may be affected by a consideration of the debtor’s payment practices prior to the period of alleged nonpayment and the payment practices of the trade or industry in which the debtor is engaged. The case law that has developed under Bankruptcy Code § 303(h)(1) (1984) has not required a showing that a debtor has failed or refused to pay a majority in number and amount of the debtor’s debts in order to prove general nonpayment of debts as they become due. See, e.g., Hill v. Cargill, Inc. (In re Hill) , 8 B.R. 779, 3 C.B.C.2d 920 (Bankr. D. Minn. 1981) (nonpayment of three largest debts held to constitute general nonpayment, although small debts were being paid); In re All Media Properties, Inc. , 5 B.R. 126, 6 B.C.D. 586, 2 C.B.C.2d 449 (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 1980) (missing significant number of payments or regularly missing payments significant in amount said to constitute general nonpayment; missing payments on more than 50% of aggregate of claims said not to be required to show general nonpayment; nonpayment for more than 30 days after billing held to establish nonpayment of a debt when it is due); In re Kreidler Import Corp. , 4 B.R. 256, 6 B.C.D. 608, 2 C.B.C.2d 159 (Bankr. D. Md. 1980) (nonpayment of one debt constituting 97% of debtor’s total indebtedness held to constitute general nonpayment).

§ 55-912. Value defined.

  1. Value is given for a transfer or an obligation if, in exchange for the transfer or obligation, property is transferred or an antecedent debt is secured or satisfied, but value does not include an unperformed promise made otherwise than in the ordinary course of the promissor’s [promisor’s] business to furnish support to the debtor or another person.
  2. For the purposes of sections 55-913(1)(b) and 55-914, Idaho Code, a person gives a reasonably equivalent value if the person acquires an interest of the debtor in an asset pursuant to a regularly conducted, noncollusive foreclosure sale or execution of a power of sale for the acquisition or disposition of the interest of the debtor upon default under a mortgage, deed of trust, or security agreement.
  3. A transfer is made for present value if the exchange between the debtor and the transferee is intended by them to be contemporaneous and is in fact substantially contemporaneous.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-912, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-912 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-910.

Compiler’s Notes.

The bracketed insertion in subsection (1) was added by the compiler to correct a misspelling.

CASE NOTES

Antecedent Debt.

A transfer that satisfies an antecedent debt is value as defined by this section, but the debt must actually be satisfied and the value must be reasonably equivalent. Post v. Idaho Farmway, Inc., 135 Idaho 475, 20 P.3d 11 (2001).

Official Comment
  1. This section defines when “value” is given for a transfer or an obligation. “Value” is used in that sense in various contexts in this Act, frequently with a qualifying adjective. Used in that sense the word appears in the following provisions:
  2. Section 3(a) is adapted from Bankruptcy Code § 548(d)(2)(A) (1984). See also § 3(a) of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. The definition in Section 3 is not exclusive. “Value” is to be determined in light of the purpose of the Act to protect a debtor’s estate from being depleted to the prejudice of the debtor’s unsecured creditors. Consideration having no utility from a creditor’s viewpoint does not satisfy the statutory definition. The definition does not specify all the kinds of consideration that do not constitute value for the purposes of this Act — e.g. , love and affection. See, e.g., United States v. West , 299 F. Supp. 661, 666 (D. Del. 1969).
  3. Section 3(a) does not indicate what is “reasonably equivalent value” for a transfer or obligation. Under this Act, as under Bankruptcy Code § 548(a)(2) (1984), a transfer for security is ordinarily for a reasonably equivalent value notwithstanding a discrepancy between the value of the asset transferred and the debt secured, because the amount of the debt is the measure of the value of the interest in the asset that is transferred. See, e.g., Peoples-Pittsburgh Trust Co. v. Holy Family Polish Nat’l Catholic Church, Carnegie, Pa. , 341 Pa. 390, 19 A.2d 360 (1941). If the debt is a voidable obligation under this Act, a transfer to secure it as well as the obligation would be vulnerable to attack as voidable. A transfer to satisfy or secure an antecedent debt owed an insider is also subject to avoidance under the conditions specified in Section 5(b).
  4. Section 3(a) of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act has been thought not to recognize that an unperformed promise could constitute fair consideration. See McLaughlin, Application of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act , 46 Harv. L. Rev. 404, 414 (1933). Courts construing these provisions of the prior law nevertheless have held unperformed promises to constitute value in a variety of circumstances. See, e.g., Harper v. Lloyd’s Factors, Inc. , 214 F.2d 662 (2d Cir. 1954) (transfer of money for promise of factor to discount transferor’s purchase-money notes given to fur dealer); Schlecht v. Schlecht , 168 Minn. 168, 176-77, 209 N.W. 883, 886-87 (1926) (transfer for promise to make repairs and improvements on transferor’s homestead); Farmer’s Exchange Bank v. Oneida Motor Truck Co. , 202 Wis. 266, 232 N.W. 536 (1930) (transfer in consideration of assumption of certain of transferor’s liabilities); see also Hummel v. Cernocky , 161 F.2d 685 (7th Cir. 1947) (transfer in consideration of cash, assumption of a mortgage, payment of certain debts, and agreement to pay other debts). Likewise a transfer in consideration of a negotiable note discountable at a commercial bank, or the purchase from an established, solvent institution of an insurance policy, annuity, or contract to provide care and accommodations clearly appears to be for value. On the other hand, an unperformed promise by an individual to support a parent or other transferor has generally been held not to constitute value. See, e.g., Springfield Ins. Co. v. Fry , 267 F. Supp. 693 (N.D. Okla. 1967); Sandler v. Parlapiano , 236 App. Div. 70, 258 N.Y. Supp. 88 (1st Dep’t 1932); Warwick Municipal Employees Credit Union v. Higham , 106 R.I. 363, 259 A.2d 852 (1969); Hulsether v. Sanders , 54 S.D. 412, 223 N.W. 335 (1929); Cooper v. Cooper , 22 Tenn. App. 473, 477, 124 S.W.2d 264, 267 (1939); Note, Rights of Creditors in Property Conveyed in Consideration of Future Support , 45 Iowa L. Rev. 546, 550-62 (1960). This Act adopts the view taken in the cases cited in determining whether an unperformed promise is value. 5. Subsection (b) rejects the rule of such cases as Durrett v. Washington Nat. Ins. Co. , 621 F.2d 201 (5th Cir. 1980) (nonjudicial foreclosure of a mortgage avoided as a voidable transfer when the property of an insolvent mortgagor was sold for less than 70% of its fair value); and Abramson v. Lakewood Bank & Trust Co. , 647 F.2d 547 (5th Cir. 1981), cert. denied, 454 U.S. 1164 (1982) (nonjudicial foreclosure held to be voidable transfer if made without fair consideration). Subsection (b) adopts the view taken in Lawyers Title Ins. Corp. v. Madrid (In re Madrid) , 21 B.R. 424 (B.A.P. 9th Cir. 1982), aff’d on another ground , 725 F.2d 1197 (9th Cir. 1984), that the price bid at a regularly conducted and noncollusive foreclosure sale determines the fair value of the property sold for purposes of voidable transfer law. See also BFP v. Resolution Trust Corp. , 511 U.S. 531, 537 n. 3 (1994) (similarly construing Bankruptcy Code § 548; opinion expressly limited to foreclosure of real estate mortgages).

4(a)(2) (“reasonably equivalent value”); 4(b)(8) (“value . . . reasonably equivalent”);

5(a) (“reasonably equivalent value”);

8(a) (“reasonably equivalent value”);

8(b)(1)(ii)(A) and (d) (“value”);

8(f)(1) (“new value”); and

8(f)(3) (“present value”).

“Value” is also used in other senses in this Act, to which this section is not relevant. See, e.g. , §§ 8(b)(1), 8(c) (“value” in the sense of the value of a transferred asset).

Subsection (b) prescribes the effect of a sale meeting its requirements, whether the asset sold is personal or real property. It applies only to a sale under a mortgage, deed of trust, or security agreement. Subsection (b) thus does not apply to a sale foreclosing a nonconsensual lien, such as a tax lien. However, the subsection does apply to a foreclosure by sale of the interest of a vendee under an installment land contract in accordance with applicable law that requires or permits the foreclosure to be effected by a sale in the same manner as the foreclosure of a mortgage. See G. Osborne, G. Nelson, & D. Whitman, Real Estate Finance Law 83-84, 95-97 (1979).

If a lien given an insider for a present consideration is not perfected as against a subsequent bona fide purchaser or is so perfected after a delay following an extension of credit secured by the lien, foreclosure of the lien may result in a transfer for an antecedent debt that is voidable under Section 5(b). Subsection (b) does not apply to an action under Section 4(a)(1) to avoid a transfer or obligation because made or incurred with actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any creditor.

6. Subsection (c) is an adaptation of Bankruptcy Code § 547(c)(1) (1984). A transfer to an insider for an antecedent debt may be voidable under § 5(b).

§ 55-913. Transfer or obligation voidable as to present or future creditor.

  1. A transfer made or obligation incurred by a debtor is voidable as to a creditor, whether the creditor’s claim arose before or after the transfer was made or the obligation was incurred, if the debtor made the transfer or incurred the obligation:
    1. With actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any creditor of the debtor; or
    2. Without receiving a reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the transfer or obligation, and the debtor:
      1. was engaged or was about to engage in a business or a transaction for which the remaining assets of the debtor were unreasonably small in relation to the business or transaction; or
      2. intended to incur, or believed or reasonably should have believed that the debtor would incur, debts beyond the debtor’s ability to pay as they became due.
  2. In determining actual intent under subsection (1)(a) of this section, consideration may be given, among other factors, as to whether:
    1. The transfer or obligation was to an insider;
    2. The debtor retained possession or control of the property transferred after the transfer;
    3. The transfer or obligation was disclosed or concealed;
    4. Before the transfer was made or obligation was incurred, the debtor had been sued or threatened with suit;
    5. The transfer was of substantially all the debtor’s assets;
    6. The debtor absconded;
    7. The debtor removed or concealed assets;
    8. The value of the consideration received by the debtor was reasonably equivalent to the value of the asset transferred or the amount of the obligation incurred;
    9. The debtor was insolvent or became insolvent shortly after the transfer was made or the obligation was incurred;
    10. The transfer occurred shortly before or shortly after a substantial debt was incurred; and
    11. The debtor transferred the essential assets of the business to a lienor who transferred the assets to an insider of the debtor.
  3. A creditor making a claim under subsection (1) of this section has the burden of proving the elements of the claim by a preponderance of the evidence.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-913, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. 2015, ch. 342, § 3, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.
Amendments.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 342, rewrote the section heading, which formerly read: “Transfer fraudulent as to present and future creditors”; in subsection (1), substituted “voidable” for “fraudulent” near the beginning of the introductory paragraph; and added subsection (3).

CASE NOTES

Applicability.

This section and§§ 55-914 and 55-918 apply under much the same circumstances as does 11 U.S.C.S. § 548(a)(2), except that they permit creditors to avoid transfers made as much as four years before the filing of a bankruptcy petition. In re Hodge, 220 Bankr. 386 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1998).

Because a debtor and his wife purchased a vehicle during their marriage, it was presumed to be community property under§ 32-906, and they did not rebut this presumption by testifying that the vehicle was purchased with funds from the wife’s separate bank account. A Chapter 7 trustee could avoid a transfer of the vehicle from debtor to his wife, as constructively fraudulent under 11 U.S.C.S. § 548(a)(1)(B),§ 55-914(1), and paragraph (1)(b) of this section, as the transfer occurred within the applicable reach back period, the debtor was insolvent at the time, and he transferred the vehicle for less than reasonably equivalent value. Rainsdon v. Kirtland (In re Kirtland), 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 3828 (Bankr. D. Idaho Sept. 30, 2011).

Where a debtor and his wife purchased a motorcycle prior to their marriage, it was not community property under§ 32-906; so when the debtor transferred his interest in the motorcycle to his wife after their marriage, it was her separate property from that time forward under§ 32-903. Because the motorcycle became her separate property at that time, the debtor did not transfer an interest in the motorcycle to his wife within the applicable reach back period in 11 U.S.C.S. § 548(a) or in the four-year period provided in§ 55-918, as applicable to the fraudulent transfer provisions in paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b) of this section and§ 55-914(a). Rainsdon v. Kirtland (In re Kirtland), 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 3828 (Bankr. D. Idaho Sept. 30, 2011).

Compelling Government Interest.

The application of avoidance statutes to debtors’ church tithing payments “substantially burdened” the free exercise of their religious beliefs and, although the avoidance statutes may be justified by a “compelling governmental interest,” they were not the “least restrictive means” of furthering that interest; the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (42 USCS § 2000bb et seq.) provided a defense to Chapter 7 trustee’s action to recover tithing payments as “fraudulent transfers.” In re Hodge, 220 Bankr. 386 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1998).

Intent.

Subdivision (2)(h) of this section contains but one of several factors which can be considered in determining whether a transfer was made or obligation was incurred with actual intent on the part of the debtor to hinder, delay, or defraud any creditor; such intent is a prerequisite for liability under this section. Alcan Bldg. Prods. v. Peoples, 124 Idaho 338, 859 P.2d 374 (Ct. App. 1993). Chapter 7 trustee failed to meet his burden of proving that transfers by a debtor to his wife within the two years prior to filing his petition were made with actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud his creditors. Thus, the transfers were not avoidable under 11 U.S.C.S. § § 548(a)(1)(A) and§ 55-913(1)(a), even though several badges of fraud were present, including the fact that they were married at the time of the transfers, he admitted that he was insolvent at the time each transfer was made, and he did not list any of the transfers on his statement of financial affairs. On balance, while there were some traditional badges of fraud present, the court found that the debtor transferred his interests in the property to his wife in preparation for the parties’ divorce. Rainsdon v. Kirtland (In re Kirtland), 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 3828 (Bankr. D. Idaho Sept. 30, 2011).

Non-creditors.

Limited liability company and estate of one of its two manager/members had no cause of action against the other manager/member for transferring property to defraud creditors since neither plaintiff was a creditor of the limited liability company. Estate of E.A. Collins v. Geist, 143 Idaho 821, 153 P.3d 1167 (2007).

Preemption.

Claim brought under this section or§ 55-914(1), concerning an alleged fraudulent transfer, was not preempted by federal bankruptcy law when bankruptcy trustee was time-barred from bringing the claim. Christian v. Mason, 148 Idaho 149, 219 P.3d 473 (2009).

Cited

Dunham v. Dunham, 128 Idaho 55, 910 P.2d 169 (Ct. App. 1994); Klein v. Capital One Fin. Corp., 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 83905 (D. Idaho July 29, 2011); In re Hall, 464 B.R. 896 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2012); Zazzali v. United States (In re DBSI, Inc.), 869 F.3d 1004 (9th Cir. 2017); Zazzali v. Goldsmith (In re DBSI Inc.), 2018 Bankr. LEXIS 3213 (Bankr. D. Idaho Oct. 17, 2018).

Official Comment
  1. Section 4(a)(1) is derived from § 7 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, which in turn was derived from the Statute of 13 Elizabeth, c. 5 (1571). Factors appropriate for consideration in determining actual intent under Section 4(a)(1) are specified in subsection (b).
  2. Section 4, unlike § 5, protects creditors of a debtor whose claims arise after as well as before the debtor made or incurred the challenged transfer or obligation. Similarly, there is no requirement in § 4(a)(1) that the intent referred to be directed at a creditor existing or identified at the time of transfer or incurrence. For example, promptly after the invention in Pennsylvania of the spendthrift trust, the assets and beneficial interest of which are immune from attachment by the beneficiary’s creditors, courts held that a debtor’s establishment of a spendthrift trust for the debtor’s own benefit is a voidable transfer under the Statute of 13 Elizabeth, without regard to whether the transaction is directed at an existing or identified creditor. Mackason’s Appeal , 42 Pa. 330, 338-39 (1862); see also, e.g., Ghormley v. Smith , 139 Pa. 584, 591-94 (1891); Patrick v. Smith , 2 Pa. Super. 113, 119 (1896). Cf. Restatement (Third) of Trusts § 58(2) (2003) (setting forth a substantially similar rule as a matter of trust law). Likewise, for centuries § 4(a)(1) and its predecessors have been employed to invalidate nonpossessory property interests that are thought to be potentially deceptive, without regard to whether the deception is directed at an existing or identified creditor. See, e.g., McGann v. Capital Sav. Bank & Trust Co., 89 A.2d 123, 183-84 (Vt. 1952) (seller’s retention of possession of goods after sale held voidable); Superior Partners v. Prof’l Educ. Network, Inc. , 485 N.E.2d 1218, 1221 (Ill. App. Ct. 1985) (similar); Clow v. Woods , 5 Serg. & Rawle 275 (Pa. 1819) (holding that a nonpossessory chattel mortgage is voidable, in the absence of a system for giving public notice of such interests such as is today supplied by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code).
  3. Section 4(a)(2) is derived from §§ 5 and 6 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act but substitutes “reasonably equivalent value” for “fair consideration.” The transferee’s good faith was an element of “fair consideration” as defined in § 3 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, and lack of fair consideration was one of the elements of a fraudulent transfer as defined in four sections of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. The transferee’s good faith is irrelevant to a determination of the adequacy of the consideration under this Act, but lack of good faith may be a basis for withholding protection of a transferee or obligee under § 8.
  4. Unlike the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, this Act does not prescribe different tests for voidability of a transfer that is made for the purpose of security and a transfer that is intended to be absolute. The premise of this Act is that when a transfer is for security only, the equity or value of the asset that exceeds the amount of the debt secured remains available to unsecured creditors and thus cannot be regarded as the subject of a voidable transfer merely because of the encumbrance resulting from an otherwise valid security transfer. Disproportion between the value of the asset securing the debt and the size of the debt secured does not, in the absence of circumstances indicating a purpose to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, constitute an impermissible hindrance to the enforcement of other creditors’ rights against the debtor-transferor. Cf. U.C.C.§ 9-401(b) (2014) (providing that a debtor’s interest in collateral subject to a security interest is transferable notwithstanding an agreement with the secured party prohibiting transfer).
  5. Subparagraph (i) of § 4(a)(2) is an adaptation of § 5 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act but substitutes “unreasonably small [assets] in relation to the business or transaction” for “unreasonably small capital.” The reference to “capital” in the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act might be interpreted, incorrectly, to refer to the par value of stock or to the consideration received for stock issued. The special meanings of “capital” in corporation law have no relevance in the law of voidable transfers. The subparagraph focuses attention on whether the amount of all the assets retained by the debtor was inadequate, i.e. , unreasonably small, in light of the needs of the business or transaction in which the debtor was engaged or about to engage. Subparagraph (ii) of § 4(a)(2) is an adaptation of § 6 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, which relates to a debtor that has or will have debts beyond the debtor’s ability to pay as they become due (a condition that is sometimes referred to as “insolvency in the equity sense”). Subparagraph (ii) carries forward the previous Act’s language capturing a debtor that “intends” or “believes” that the debtor is or will be unable to pay the debtor’s debts as they become due, and adds to that language capturing a debtor that “reasonably should have believed” the same. The added language makes clear that subparagraph (ii) also captures a debtor that, on the basis of objective assessment, has or will have debts beyond the debtor’s ability to pay as they become due, regardless of the debtor’s subjective belief.
  6. Subsection (b) is a nonexclusive catalogue of factors appropriate for consideration by the court in determining whether the debtor had an actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud one or more creditors. Proof of the existence of any one or more of the factors enumerated in subsection (b) may be relevant evidence as to the debtor’s actual intent but does not create a presumption that the debtor has made a voidable transfer or incurred a voidable obligation. The list of factors includes most of the so-called “badges of fraud” that have been recognized by the courts in construing and applying the Statute of 13 Elizabeth and § 7 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. Proof of the presence of certain badges in combination establishes voidability conclusively — i.e. , without regard to the actual intent of the debtor — when they concur as provided in § 4(a)(2) or in § 5. The fact that a transfer has been made to a relative or to an affiliated corporation has not been regarded as a badge of fraud sufficient to warrant avoidance when unaccompanied by any other evidence of intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors. The courts have uniformly recognized, however, that a transfer to a closely related person warrants close scrutiny of the other circumstances, including the nature and extent of the consideration exchanged. See 1 G. Glenn, Fraudulent Conveyances and Preferences § 307 (Rev. ed. 1940). The second, third, fourth, and fifth factors listed are all adapted from the classic catalogue of badges of fraud provided by Lord Coke in Twyne’s Case , 3 Coke 80b, 76 Eng.Rep. 809 (Star Chamber 1601). Lord Coke also included the use of a trust and the recitation in the instrument of transfer that it “was made honestly, truly, and bona fide,” but the use of the trust is voidable only when accompanied by indicia of intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, and recitals of “good faith” can no longer be regarded as significant evidence of intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors.
  7. In considering the factors listed in § 4(b) a court should evaluate all the relevant circumstances involving a challenged transfer or obligation. Thus the court may appropriately take into account all indicia negativing as well as those suggesting intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, as illustrated in the following reported cases:

Section 4(a)(1) has the meaning elaborated in the preceding paragraph, but it is of course possible that a jurisdiction in which this Act is in force might enact other legislation that modifies the results of the particular examples given to illustrate that meaning. For example, some states have enacted legislation authorizing the establishment and funding of self-settled spendthrift trusts, subject to specified conditions. In such a state, such legislation will supersede the historical interpretation referred to in the preceding paragraph, either expressly or by necessary implication, with respect to allowed transfers to such a statutorily-validated trust. See, e.g. , Del. Code. Ann. tit. 12, § 3572(a), (b) (2014). See also Comment 8. Likewise, the historical skepticism of nonpossessory property interests has been superseded as to security interests in personal property by the Uniform Commercial Code. See Comment 9.

  1. Whether the transfer or obligation was to an insider: Salomon v. Kaiser (In re Kaiser) , 722 F.2d 1574, 1582-83 (2d Cir. 1983) (insolvent debtor’s purchase of two residences in the name of his spouse and the creation of a dummy corporation for the purpose of concealing assets held to evidence intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors); Banner Construction Corp. v. Arnold , 128 So.2d 893 (Fla. Dist. App. 1961) (assignment by one corporation to another having identical directors and stockholders constituted a badge of fraud); Travelers Indemnity Co. v. Cormaney , 258 Iowa 237, 138 N.W.2d 50 (1965) (transfer between spouses said to be a circumstance that shed suspicion on the transfer and that with other circumstances warranted avoidance); Hatheway v. Hanson , 230 Iowa 386, 297 N.W. 824 (1941) (transfer from parent to child said to require a critical examination of surrounding circumstances, which, together with other indicia of intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, warranted avoidance); Lumpkins v. McPhee , 59 N.M. 442, 286 P.2d 299 (1955) (transfer from daughter to mother said to be indicative of intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, but transfer held not to be voidable due to adequacy of consideration and delivery of possession by transferor).
  2. Whether the transferor retained possession or control of the property after the transfer: Harris v. Shaw , 224 Ark. 150, 272 S.W.2d 53 (1954) (retention of property by transferor said to be a badge of fraud and, together with other badges, to warrant avoidance of transfer); Stephens v. Reginstein , 89 Ala. 561, 8 So. 68 (1890) (transferor’s retention of control and management of property and business after transfer held material in determining transfer to be voidable); Allen v. Massey , 84 U.S. (17 Wall.) 351 (1872) (joint possession of furniture by transferor and transferee considered in holding transfer to be voidable); Warner v. Norton , 61 U.S. (20 How.) 448 (1857) (surrender of possession by transferor deemed to negate allegations of intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors).
  3. Whether the transfer or obligation was concealed or disclosed: Walton v. First National Bank , 13 Colo. 265, 22 P. 440 (1889) (agreement between parties to conceal the transfer from the public said to be one of the strongest badges of fraud); Warner v. Norton , 61 U.S. (20 How.) 448 (1857) (although secrecy said to be a circumstance from which, when coupled with other badges, intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors may be inferred, transfer was held not to be voidable when made in good faith and transferor surrendered possession); W.T. Raleigh Co. v. Barnett , 253 Ala. 433, 44 So.2d 585 (1950) (failure to record a deed in itself said not to evidence intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, and transfer held not to be voidable).
  4. Whether, before the transfer was made or obligation was incurred, a creditor sued or threatened to sue the debtor: Harris v. Shaw , 224 Ark. 150, 272 S.W.2d 53 (1954) (transfer held to be voidable when causally connected to pendency of litigation and accompanied by other badges of fraud); Pergrem v. Smith , 255 S.W.2d 42 (Ky. App. 1953) (transfer in anticipation of suit deemed to be a badge of fraud; transfer held voidable when accompanied by insolvency of transferor who was related to transferee); Bank of Sun Prairie v. Hovig , 218 F. Supp. 769 (W.D. Ark. 1963) (although threat or pendency of litigation said to be an indicator of intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, transfer was held not to be voidable when adequate consideration and good faith were shown).
  5. Whether the transfer was of substantially all the debtor’s assets: Walbrun v. Babbitt , 83 U.S. (16 Wall.) 577 (1872) (sale by insolvent retail shop owner of all of his inventory in a single transaction held to be voidable); Cole v. Mercantile Trust Co. , 133 N.Y. 164, 30 N.E. 847 (1892) (transfer of all property before plaintiff could obtain a judgment held to be voidable); Lumpkins v. McPhee , 59 N.M. 442, 286 P.2d 299 (1955) (although transfer of all assets said to indicate intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, transfer held not to be voidable because full consideration was paid and transferor surrendered possession).
  6. Whether the debtor had absconded: In re Thomas , 199 F. 214 (N.D.N.Y. 1912) (when debtor collected all of his money and property with the intent to abscond, intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors was held to be shown).
  7. Whether the debtor had removed or concealed assets: Bentley v. Young , 210 F. 202 (S.D.N.Y. 1914), aff’d , 223 F. 536 (2d Cir. 1915) (debtor’s removal of goods from store to conceal their whereabouts and to sell them held to render sale voidable); Cioli v. Kenourgios , 59 Cal. App. 690, 211 P. 838 (1922) (debtor’s sale of all assets and shipment of proceeds out of the country held to be voidable notwithstanding adequacy of consideration).
  8. Whether the value of the consideration received by the debtor was reasonably equivalent to the value of the asset transferred or the amount of the obligation incurred: Toomay v. Graham , 151 S.W.2d 119 (Mo. App. 1941) (although mere inadequacy of consideration said not to be a badge of fraud unless it is grossly inadequate, transfer held to be voidable when accompanied by other badges of fraud); Texas Sand Co. v. Shield , 381 S.W.2d 48 (Tex. 1964) (inadequate consideration said to be an indicator of intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, and transfer held to be voidable because of inadequate consideration, pendency of suit, family relationship of transferee, and fact that all nonexempt property was transferred); Weigel v. Wood , 355 Mo. 11, 194 S.W.2d 40 (1946) (although inadequate consideration said to be a badge of fraud, transfer held not to be voidable when inadequacy not gross and not accompanied by any other badge; fact that transfer was from father to son held not sufficient to establish intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors).
  9. Whether the debtor was insolvent or became insolvent shortly after the transfer was made or obligation was incurred: Harris v. Shaw , 224 Ark. 150, 272 S.W.2d 53 (1954) (insolvency of transferor said to be a badge of fraud and transfer held voidable when accompanied by other badges of fraud); Bank of Sun Prairie v. Hovig , 218 F. Supp. 769 (W.D. Ark. 1963) (although the insolvency of the debtor said to be a badge of fraud, transfer held not voidable when debtor was shown to be solvent, adequate consideration was paid, and good faith was shown, despite the pendency of suit); Wareheim v. Bayliss , 149 Md. 103, 131 A. 27 (1925) (although insolvency of debtor acknowledged to be an indicator of intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, transfer held not to be voidable when adequate consideration was paid and whether debtor was insolvent in fact was doubtful).
  10. Whether the transfer occurred shortly before or shortly after a substantial debt was incurred: Commerce Bank of Lebanon v. Halladale A Corp. , 618 S.W.2d 288, 292 (Mo. App. 1981) (when transferors incurred substantial debts near in time to the transfer, transfer was held to be voidable due to inadequate consideration, close family relationship, the debtor’s retention of possession, and the fact that almost all the debtor’s property was transferred).
  11. Whether the debtor transferred the essential assets of the business to a lienor that transferred the assets to an insider of the debtor: The wrong addressed by § 4(b)(11) is collusive and abusive use of a lienor’s superior position to eliminate junior creditors while leaving equity holders in place, perhaps unaffected. The kind of disposition sought to be reached is exemplified by that found in Northern Pacific Co. v. Boyd , 228 U.S. 482, 502-05 (1913), the leading case in establishing the absolute priority doctrine in reorganization law. There the Court held that a reorganization whereby the secured creditors and the management-owners retained their economic interests in a railroad through a foreclosure that cut off claims of unsecured creditors against its assets was in effect a voidable disposition. See Bruce A. Markell, Owners, Auctions and Absolute Priority in Bankruptcy Reorganizations , 44 Stan. L. Rev. 69, 74-83 (1991). For cases in which an analogous injury to unsecured creditors was inflicted by a lienor and a debtor, see Voest-Alpine Trading USA Corp. v. Vantage Steel Corp. , 919 F.2d 206 (3d Cir. 1990) (lender foreclosed on assets of steel company at 5:00 p.m. on a Friday, then transferred the assets to an affiliate of the debtor; lender made a loan to the affiliate to enable it to purchase at the foreclosure sale on almost the same terms as the old loan; new business opened Monday morning); Jackson v. Star Sprinkler Corp. of Florida , 575 F.2d 1223, 1231-34 (8th Cir. 1978); Heath v. Helmick , 173 F.2d 157, 161-62 (9th Cir. 1949); Toner v. Nuss , 234 F. Supp. 457, 461-62 (E.D. Pa. 1964); and see In re Spotless Tavern Co., Inc. , 4 F. Supp. 752, 753, 755 (D. Md. 1933). 8. The phrase “hinder, delay, or defraud” in § 4(a)(1), carried forward from the primordial Statute of 13 Elizabeth, is potentially applicable to any transaction that unacceptably contravenes norms of creditors’ rights. Section 4(a)(1) is sometimes said to require “actual fraud,” by contrast to § 4(a)(2) and § 5(a), which are said to require “constructive fraud.” That shorthand is highly misleading. Fraud is not a necessary element of a claim for relief under any of those provisions. By its terms, § 4(a)(1) applies to a transaction that “hinders” or “delays” a creditor, even if it does not “defraud” the creditor. See, e.g., Shapiro v. Wilgus , 287 U.S. 348, 354 (1932); Means v. Dowd , 128 U.S. 273, 288-89 (1888); Consove v. Cohen (In re Roco Corp.) , 701 F.2d 978, 984 (1st Cir. 1983); Empire Lighting Fixture Co. v. Practical Lighting Fixture Co. , 20 F.2d 295, 297 (2d Cir. 1927); Lippe v. Bairnco Corp. , 249 F. Supp. 2d 357, 374 (S.D.N.Y. 2003). “Hinder, delay, or defraud” is best considered to be a single term of art describing a transaction that unacceptably contravenes norms of creditors’ rights. Such a transaction need not bear any resemblance to common-law fraud. Thus, the Supreme Court held a given transfer voidable because made with intent to “hinder, delay, or defraud” creditors, but emphasized: “We have no thought in so holding to impute to [the debtor] a willingness to participate in conduct known to be fraudulent. . . . [He] acted in the genuine belief that what [he] planned was fair and lawful. Genuine the belief was, but mistaken it was also. Conduct and purpose have a quality imprinted on them by the law.” Shapiro v. Wilgus , 287 U.S. 348, 357 (1932).

Diminution of the assets available to the debtor’s creditors is not necessarily required to “hinder, delay, or defraud” creditors. For example, the age-old legal skepticism of nonpossessory property interests, which stems from their potential for deception, has often resulted in their avoidance under § 4(a)(1) or its predecessors. See Comments 2 and 7(b); cf. Comment 9. A transaction may “hinder, delay, or defraud” creditors although it neither reduces the assets available to the debtor’s creditors nor involves any potential deception. See, e.g., Shapiro v. Wilgus , 287 U.S. 348 (1932) (holding voidable a solvent individual debtor’s conveyance of his assets to a wholly-owned corporation for the purpose of instituting a receivership proceeding not available to an individual).

A transaction that does not place an asset entirely beyond the reach of creditors may nevertheless “hinder, delay, or defraud” creditors if it makes the asset more difficult for creditors to reach. Simple exchange by a debtor of an asset for a less liquid asset, or disposition of liquid assets while retaining illiquid assets, may be voidable for that reason. See, e.g., Empire Lighting Fixture Co. v. Practical Lighting Fixture Co. , 20 F.2d 295, 297 (2d Cir. 1927) (L. Hand, J.) (credit sale by a corporation to an affiliate of its plant, leaving the seller solvent with ample accounts receivable, held voidable because made with intent to hinder creditors of the seller, due to the comparative difficulty of creditors realizing on accounts receivable under then-current collection practice). Overcollateralization of a debt that is made with intent to hinder the debtor’s creditors, by rendering the debtor’s equity in the collateral more difficult for creditors to reach, is similarly voidable. See Comment 4. Likewise, it is voidable for a debtor intentionally to hinder creditors by transferring assets to a wholly-owned corporation or other organization, as may be the case if the equity interest in the organization is more difficult to realize upon than the assets (either because the equity interest is less liquid, or because the applicable procedural rules are more demanding). See, e.g., Addison v. Tessier , 335 P.2d 554, 557 (N.M. 1959); First Nat’l Bank. v. F. C. Trebein Co. , 52 N.E. 834, 837-38 (Ohio 1898); Anno., 85 A.L.R. 133 (1933).

Under the same principle, § 4(a)(1) would render voidable an attempt by the owners of a corporation to convert it to a different legal form ( e.g. , limited liability company or partnership) with intent to hinder the owners’ creditors, as may be the case if an owner’s interest in the alternative organization would be subject only to a charging order, and not to execution (which would typically be available against stock in a corporation). See, e.g., Firmani v. Firmani , 752 A.2d 854, 857 (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div. 2000); cf. Interpool Ltd. v. Patterson , 890 F. Supp. 259, 266-68 (S.D.N.Y. 1995) (similar, but relying on a “good faith” requirement of the former Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act rather than that act’s equivalent of § 4(a)(1)). If such a conversion is done with intent to hinder creditors, it contravenes § 4(a)(1) regardless of whether it is effected by conveyance of the corporation’s assets to a new entity or by conversion of the corporation to the alternative form. In both cases the owner begins with the stock of the corporation and ends with an ownership interest in the alternative organization, a property right with different attributes. Either is a “transfer” under the designedly sweeping language of § 1(16), which encompasses “every mode . . . of . . . parting with an asset or an interest in an asset.” Cf., e.g., United States v. Sims (In re Feiler) , 218 F.3d 948 (9th Cir. 2000) (debtor’s irrevocable election under the Internal Revenue Code to waive carryback of net operating losses is a “transfer” under the substantially similar definition in the Bankruptcy Code); Weaver v. Kellogg , 216 B.R. 563, 573-74 (S.D. Tex. 1997) (exchange of notes owed to the debtor for new notes having different terms is a “transfer” by the debtor under that definition).

In § 4(a)(1), the phrase “hinder, delay, or defraud,” like the word “intent,” is a term of art whose words do not have their dictionary meanings. For example, every grant of a security interest “hinders” the debtor’s unsecured creditors in the dictionary sense of that word. Yet it would be absurd to suggest that every grant of a security interest contravenes § 4(a)(1). The line between permissible and impermissible grants cannot coherently be drawn by reference to the debtor’s subjective mental state, for a rational person knows the natural consequences of his actions, and that includes the adverse consequences to unsecured creditors of any grant of a security interest. See, e.g., Dean v. Davis , 242 U.S. 438, 444 (1917) (equating an act whose “obviously necessary effect” is to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors with an act intended to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors); United States v. Tabor Court Realty Corp. , 803 F.3d 1288, 1305 (3rd Cir. 1986) (holding that the trial court’s finding of intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors properly followed from its finding that the debtor could have foreseen the effect of its act on its creditors, because “a party is deemed to have intended the natural consequences of his acts”); In re Sentinel Management Group Inc. , 728 F.3d 660, 667 (7th Cir. 2013). Whether a transaction is captured by § 4(a)(1) ultimately depends upon whether the transaction unacceptably contravenes norms of creditors’ rights, given the devices legislators and courts have allowed debtors that may interfere with those rights. Section 4(a)(1) is the regulatory tool of last resort that restrains debtor ingenuity to decent limits.

Thus, for example, suppose that entrepreneurs organize a business as a limited liability company, contributing assets to capitalize it, in the ordinary situation in which none of the owners has particular reason to anticipate personal liability or financial distress and no other unusual facts are present. Assume that the LLC statute has the creditor-thwarting feature of precluding execution upon equity interests in the LLC and providing only for charging orders against such interests. Notwithstanding that feature, the owners’ transfers of assets to capitalize the LLC is not voidable under § 4(a)(1) as in force in the same state. The legislature in that state, having created the LLC vehicle having that feature, must have expected it to be used in such ordinary circumstances. By contrast, if owners of an existing business were to reorganize it as an LLC under such a statute when the clouds of personal liability or financial distress have gathered over some of them, and with the intention of gaining the benefit of that creditor-thwarting feature, the transfer effecting the reorganization should be voidable under § 4(a)(1), at least absent a clear indication that the legislature truly intended the LLC form, with its creditor-thwarting feature, to be available even in such circumstances. Because the laws of different jurisdictions differ in their tolerance of particular creditor-thwarting devices, choice of law considerations may be important in interpreting § 4(a)(1) as in force in a given jurisdiction. For example, as noted in Comment 2, the language of § 4(a)(1) historically has been interpreted to render voidable a transfer to a self-settled spendthrift trust. Suppose that jurisdiction X, in which this Act is in force, also has in force a statute permitting an individual to establish a self-settled spendthrift trust and transfer assets thereto, subject to stated conditions. If an individual Debtor whose principal residence is in X establishes such a trust and transfers assets thereto, then under § 10 of this Act the voidable transfer law of X applies to that transfer. That transfer cannot be considered voidable in itself under § 4(a)(1) as in force in X, for the legislature of X, having authorized the establishment of such trusts, must have expected them to be used. (Other facts might still render the transfer voidable under X’s enactment of § 4(a)(1).) By contrast, if Debtor’s principal residence is in jurisdiction Y, which also has enacted this Act but has no legislation validating such trusts, and if Debtor establishes such a trust under the law of X and transfers assets to it, then the result would be different. Under § 10 of this Act, the voidable transfer law of Y would apply to the transfer. If Y follows the historical interpretation referred to in Comment 2, the transfer would be voidable under § 4(a)(1) as in force in Y.

9. This Act is not an exclusive law on the subject of voidable transfers and obligations. See § 1, Comment 2. For example, the Uniform Commercial Code supplements or modifies the operation of this Act in numerous ways. Instances include the following:

(a) U.C.C.§ 2-402(2) (2014) recognizes the generally prevailing rule that retention of possession of goods by a seller may be voidable, but limits the application of the rule by negating any imputation of voidability from “retention of possession in good faith and current course of trade by a merchant-seller for a commercially reasonable time after a sale or identification.” (Indeed, independently of§ 2-402(2), retention of possession of goods in good faith and current course of trade by a merchant-seller for a commercially reasonable time after a sale or identification should not in itself be considered to “hinder, delay, or defraud” any creditor of the merchant-seller under § 4(a)(1).)

(b) Section 2A-308(1) provides a rule analogous to§ 2-402(2) for situations in which a lessor retains possession of goods that are subject to a lease contract. Section 2A-308(3) provides that retention of possession of goods by the seller-lessee in a sale-leaseback transaction does not render the transaction voidable by a creditor of the seller-lessee if the buyer bought for value and in good faith.

(c) This Act does not preempt statutes governing bulk transfers, including Article 6 of the Uniform Commercial Code in jurisdictions in which it remains in force.

(d) Section 9-205 precludes treating a security interest in personal property as voidable on account of various enumerated features it may have. Among other things,§ 9-205 immunizes a security interest in tangible property from being avoided on account of the secured party not being in possession of the property, notwithstanding the historical skepticism of nonpossessory property interests.

This Act operates independently of rules in an organic statute applicable to a business organization that limit distributions by the organization to its equity owners. Compliance with those rules does not insulate such a distribution from being voidable under this Act. It is conceivable that such an organic statute might contain a provision preempting the application of this Act to such distributions. Cf. Model Business Corporation Act § 152 (optional provision added in 1979 preempting the application of “any other statutes of this state with respect to the legality of distributions”; deleted 1984). Such a preemptive statute of course must be respected if applicable, but choice of law considerations may well render it inapplicable. See, e.g., Faulkner v. Kornman (In re The Heritage Organization, L.L.C.) , 413 B.R. 438, 462-63 (Bankr. N.D. Tex. 2009) (action under the Texas enactment of this Act challenging a distribution by a Delaware limited liability company to its members; held, a provision of the Delaware LLC statute imposing a three-year statute of repose on an action under “any applicable law” to recover a distribution by a Delaware LLC did not apply, because choice of law rules directed application of the voidable transfer law of Texas).

10. Subsection (c) was added in 2014. Sections 2(b), 4(c), 5(c), 8(g), and 8(h) together provide uniform rules on burdens and standards of proof relating to the operation of this Act.

Pursuant to subsection (c), proof of intent to “hinder, delay, or defraud” a creditor under § 4(a)(1) is sufficient if made by a preponderance of the evidence. That is the standard of proof ordinarily applied in civil actions. Subsection (c) thus rejects cases that have imposed an extraordinary standard, typically “clear and convincing evidence,” by analogy to the standard commonly applied to proof of common-law fraud. That analogy is misguided. By its terms, § 4(a)(1) applies to a transaction that “hinders” or “delays” a creditor even if it does not “defraud,” and a transaction to which § 4(a)(1) applies need not bear any resemblance to common-law fraud. See Comment 8. Furthermore, the extraordinary standard of proof commonly applied to common-law fraud originated in cases that were thought to involve a special danger that claims might be fabricated. In the earliest such cases, a court of equity was asked to grant relief on claims that were unenforceable at law for failure to comply with the Statute of Frauds, the Statute of Wills, or the parol evidence rule. In time, extraordinary proof also came to be required in actions seeking to set aside or alter the terms of written instruments. See Herman & MacLean v. Huddleston , 459 U.S. 375, 388-89 (1983) and sources cited therein. Those reasons for extraordinary proof do not apply to claims for relief under § 4(a)(1).

For similar reasons, a procedural rule that imposes extraordinary pleading requirements on a claim of “fraud,” without further gloss, should not be applied to a claim for relief under § 4(a)(1). The elements of a claim for relief under § 4(a)(1) are very different from the elements of a claim of common-law fraud. Furthermore, the reasons for such extraordinary pleading requirements do not apply to a claim for relief under § 4(a)(1). Unlike common-law fraud, a claim for relief under § 4(a)(1) is not unusually susceptible to abusive use in a “strike suit,” nor is it apt to be of use to a plaintiff seeking to discover unknown wrongs. Likewise, a claim for relief under § 4(a)(1) is unlikely to cause significant harm to the defendant’s reputation, for the defendant is the transferee or obligee, and the elements of the claim do not require the defendant to have committed even an arguable wrong. See Janvey v. Alguire , 846 F. Supp. 2d 662, 675-77 (N.D. Tex. 2011); Carter-Jones Lumber Co. v. Benune , 725 N.E.2d 330, 331-33 (Ohio App. 1999). Cf. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Appendix, Form 21 (2010) (illustrative form of complaint for a claim for relief under § 4(a)(1) or similar law, which Rule 84 declares sufficient to comply with federal pleading rules).

11. Subsection (c) allocates to the party making a claim for relief under § 4 the burden of persuasion as to the elements of the claim. Courts should not apply nonstatutory presumptions that reverse that allocation, and should be wary of nonstatutory presumptions that would dilute it. The command of § 13 — that this Act is to be applied so as to effectuate its purpose of making uniform the law among states enacting it — applies with particular cogency to nonstatutory presumptions. Given the elasticity of key terms of this Act ( e.g. , “hinder, delay, or defraud”) and the potential difficulty of proving others ( e.g. , the financial condition tests in § 4(a)(2) and § 5), employment of divergent nonstatutory presumptions by enacting jurisdictions may render the law nonuniform as a practical matter. It is not the purpose of subsection (c) to forbid employment of any and all nonstatutory presumptions. Indeed, in some instances a judicially-crafted presumption applied under this Act or its predecessors has won such favor as to be codified as a separate statutory creation. Examples include the bulk sales laws, the absolute priority rule applicable to reorganizations under Bankruptcy Code § 1129(b)(2)(B)(ii) (2014), and the so-called “constructive fraud” provisions of § 4(a)(2) and § 5(a) of this Act itself. However, subsection (c) and § 13 mean, at the least, that a nonstatutory presumption is suspect if it would alter the statutorily-allocated burden of persuasion, would upset the policy of uniformity, or is an unwarranted carrying-forward of obsolescent principles. An example of a nonstatutory presumption that should be rejected for those reasons is a presumption that the transferee bears the burden of persuasion as to the debtor’s compliance with the financial condition tests in § 4(a)(2) and § 5, in an action under those provisions, if the transfer was for less than reasonably equivalent value (or, as another example, if the debtor was merely in debt at the time of the transfer). See Fidelity Bond & Mtg. Co. v. Brand , 371 B.R. 708, 716-22 (E.D. Pa. 2007) (rejecting such a presumption previously applied in Pennsylvania).

§ 55-914. Transfer or obligation voidable as to present creditor.

  1. A transfer made or obligation incurred by a debtor is voidable as to a creditor whose claim arose before the transfer was made or the obligation was incurred if the debtor made the transfer or incurred the obligation without receiving a reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the transfer or obligation and the debtor was insolvent at that time or the debtor became insolvent as a result of the transfer or obligation.
  2. A transfer made by a debtor is voidable as to a creditor whose claim arose before the transfer was made if the transfer was made to an insider for an antecedent debt, the debtor was insolvent at that time, and the insider had reasonable cause to believe that the debtor was insolvent.
  3. Subject to section 55-911(2), Idaho Code, a creditor making a claim under subsection (1) or (2) of this section has the burden of proving the elements of the claim by a preponderance of the evidence.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-914, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. 2015, ch. 342, § 4, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-914 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-910.

Amendments.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 342, rewrote the section heading, which formerly read: “Transfers fraudulent as to present creditors”; substituted “voidable” for “fraudulent” near the beginning of subsections (1) and (2); and added subsection (3).

CASE NOTES

Applicability.

This section applies when an insolvent debtor transfers assets to an insider for an antecedent debt and the insider had reasonable cause to believe the debtor was insolvent. Alcan Bldg. Prods. v. Peoples, 124 Idaho 338, 859 P.2d 374 (Ct. App. 1993).

This section and§§ 55-913 and 55-918 apply under much the same circumstances as does 11 U.S.C.S. § 548(a)(2), except that they permit creditors to avoid transfers made as much as four years before the filing of a bankruptcy petition. In re Hodge, 220 Bankr. 386 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1998). Summary judgment was proper where there was no genuine issue of fact concerning the presumption of insolvency and the district judge properly determined that each element of a fraudulent transfer under paragraph (1) was met. Post v. Idaho Farmway, Inc., 135 Idaho 475, 20 P.3d 11 (2001).

Because a debtor and his wife purchased a vehicle during their marriage, it was presumed to be community property under§ 32-906, and they did not rebut this presumption by testifying that the vehicle was purchased with funds from the wife’s separate bank account. A Chapter 7 trustee could avoid a transfer of the vehicle from debtor to his wife, as constructively fraudulent under 11 U.S.C.S. § 548(a)(1)(B),§ 55-913(1)(b), and subsection (1) of this section, as the transfer occurred within the applicable reach back period, the debtor was insolvent at the time, and he transferred the vehicle for less than reasonably equivalent value. Rainsdon v. Kirtland (In re Kirtland), 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 3828 (Bankr. D. Idaho Sept. 30, 2011).

Where a debtor and his wife purchased a motorcycle prior to their marriage, it was not community property under§ 32-906; so when the debtor transferred his interest in the motorcycle to his wife after their marriage, it was her separate property from that time forward under§ 32-903. Because the motorcycle became her separate property at that time, the debtor did not transfer an interest in the motorcycle to his wife within the applicable reach back period in 11 U.S.C.S. § 548(a) or in the four-year period provided in§ 55-918, as applicable to the fraudulent transfer provisions in§ 55-913(1)(a) and (1)(b) and subsection (a) of this section. Rainsdon v. Kirtland (In re Kirtland), 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 3828 (Bankr. D. Idaho Sept. 30, 2011).

Compelling Government Interest.

The application of avoidance statutes to debtors’ church tithing payments “substantially burdened” the free exercise of their religious beliefs and, although the avoidance statutes may be justified by a “compelling governmental interest,” they were not the “least restrictive means” of furthering that interest; the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (42 USCS § 2000bb et seq.) provided a defense to Chapter 7 trustee’s action to recover tithing payments as “fraudulent transfers.” In re Hodge, 220 Bankr. 386 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1998).

Elements.

The inquiry whether a transfer of assets is fraudulent under subsection (2) of this section is satisfied by affirmative answers to the following elements: (1) Did the creditor’s claim arise before the transfer was made? (2) Was the transfer made to an insider? (3) Was the transfer made for an antecedent debt? and (4) Was the debtor insolvent at the time the transfer was made and did the insider have reasonable cause to believe that the debtor was insolvent? Alcan Bldg. Prods. v. Peoples, 124 Idaho 338, 859 P.2d 374 (Ct. App. 1993).

A bankruptcy trustee cannot challenge a leveraged buy-out of a debtor’s assets as a fraudulent conveyance under state law as to future creditors of the debtor, where there is no actual intent to defraud shown to exist. Rakozy v. Murphy (In re Ace Mfg. & Supply), 1995 Bankr. LEXIS 2240 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 21, 1995).

Preemption.
Cited

Claim brought under this section or§ 55-913, concerning an alleged fraudulent transfer, was not preempted by federal bankruptcy law when bankruptcy trustee was time-barred from bringing the claim. Christian v. Mason, 148 Idaho 149, 219 P.3d 473 (2009). Cited Dunham v. Dunham, 128 Idaho 55, 910 P.2d 169 (Ct. App. 1994); High Valley Concrete, L.L.C. v. Sargent, 149 Idaho 423, 234 P.3d 747 (2010); Klein v. Capital One Fin. Corp., 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 83905 (D. Idaho July 29, 2011).

Official Comment
  1. Subsection (a) is derived from § 4 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. It adheres to the limitation of the protection of that section to a creditor whose claim arose before the transfer or obligation described. As pointed out in Comment 3 accompanying § 4, this Act substitutes “reasonably equivalent value” for “fair consideration.”
  2. Subsection (b) renders a preferential transfer — i.e. , a transfer by an insolvent debtor for or on account of an antecedent debt — to an insider voidable when the insider had reasonable cause to believe that the debtor was insolvent. This subsection adopts for general application the rule of such cases as Jackson Sound Studios, Inc. v. Travis , 473 F.2d 503 (5th Cir. 1973) (security transfer of corporation’s equipment to corporate principal’s mother perfected on eve of bankruptcy of corporation held to be voidable); In re Lamie Chemical Co. , 296 F. 24 (4th Cir. 1924) (corporate preference to corporate officers and directors held voidable by receiver when corporation was insolvent or nearly so and directors had already voted for liquidation); Stuart v. Larson , 298 F. 223 (8th Cir. 1924), noted 38 Harv. L. Rev. 521 (1925) (corporate preference to director held voidable). See generally 2 G. Glenn, Fraudulent Conveyances and Preferences 386 (Rev. ed. 1940). Subsection (b) overrules such cases as Epstein v. Goldstein , 107 F.2d 755, 757 (2d Cir. 1939) (transfer by insolvent husband to wife to secure his debt to her sustained against attack by husband’s trustee); Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co. v. Jirasek , 254 Mich. 131, 139, 235 N.W. 836, 839 (1931) (mortgage given by debtor to his brother to secure an antecedent debt owed the brother sustained as not voidable).
  3. Subsection (b) does not extend as far as § 8(a) of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act and Bankruptcy Code § 548(b) (1984) in rendering voidable a transfer made by an insolvent partnership to a partner. A general partner is an insider of the partnership, but a transfer by the partnership to the partner nevertheless is not vulnerable to avoidance under § 5(b) unless the transfer is for an antecedent debt and the partner has reasonable cause to believe that the partnership is insolvent. By contrast, the cited provisions of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act and the Bankruptcy Code make any transfer by an insolvent partnership to a general partner voidable. Avoidance of the partnership transfer without reference to the partner’s state of mind and the nature of the consideration exchanged would be unduly harsh treatment of the creditors of the partner and unduly favorable to the creditors of the partnership.
  4. Subsection (c) was added in 2014. Sections 2(b), 4(c), 5(c), 8(g), and 8(h) together provide uniform rules on burdens and standards of proof relating to the operation of this Act. The principles stated in Comment 11 to § 4 apply to subsection (c).

§ 55-915. When transfer is made or obligation is incurred.

For the purposes of this act:

  1. A transfer is made:
    1. With respect to an asset that is real property other than a fixture, but including the interest of a seller or purchaser under a contract for the sale of the asset, when the transfer is so far perfected that a good-faith purchaser of the asset from the debtor against which applicable law permits the transfer to be perfected cannot acquire an interest in the asset that is superior to the interest of the transferee; and
    2. With respect to an asset that is not real property or that is a fixture, when the transfer is so far perfected that a creditor on a simple contract cannot acquire a judicial lien otherwise than under this act that is superior to the interest of the transferee;
  2. If applicable law permits the transfer to be perfected as provided in subsection (1) of this section and the transfer is not so perfected before the commencement of an action for relief under this act, the transfer is deemed made immediately before the commencement of the action;
  3. If applicable law does not permit the transfer to be perfected as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the transfer is made when it becomes effective between the debtor and the transferee;
  4. A transfer is not made until the debtor has acquired rights in the asset transferred; and
  5. An obligation is incurred:
    1. If oral, when it becomes effective between the parties; or
    2. If evidenced by a record, when the record signed by the obligor is delivered to or for the benefit of the obligee.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-915, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. 2015, ch. 342, § 5, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-915 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-910.

Amendments.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 342, substituted “record, when the record signed” for “writing, when the writing executed” in paragraph (5)(b).

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1987, ch. 202, which is compiled as§§ 55-910 to 55-918 and 55-920 to 55-922.

CASE NOTES

Cited Dunham v. Dunham, 128 Idaho 55, 910 P.2d 169 (Ct. App. 1994).

Cited
  1. One of the uncertainties in the law governing the avoidance of transfers and obligations of the nature governed by this Act is the time at which the cause of action arises. Section 6 clarifies that point in time. For transfers of real property other than a fixture, paragraph (1)(i) fixes the time as the date of perfection against a good-faith purchaser from the transferor. For transfers of fixtures and assets constituting personalty, paragraph (1)(ii) fixes the time as the date of perfection against a judicial lien creditor not asserting rights under this Act. Perfection under paragraph (1) typically is effected by notice-filing, recordation, or delivery of unequivocal possession. See U.C.C.§§ 9-310, 9-313 (2014) (security interest in personal property generally is perfected by notice-filing or delivery of possession to transferee); 4 American Law of Property §§ 17.10-17.12 (1952) (recordation of transfer or delivery of possession to grantee required for perfection against bona fide purchaser from grantor). The provision for postponing the time a transfer is made until its perfection is an adaptation of Bankruptcy Code § 548(d)(1) (1984). When no steps are taken to perfect a transfer that applicable law permits to be perfected, the transfer is deemed by paragraph (2) to be perfected immediately before the filing of an action to avoid it; without such a provision to cover that eventuality, an unperfected transfer arguably would be immune to attack. Some transfers may not be amenable to perfection as against a bona fide purchaser or judicial lien creditor. In the event that a transfer may not be perfected as provided in paragraph (1), paragraph (3) provides that the transfer occurs for the purpose of this Act when the transferor effectively parts with an interest in the asset.
  2. Paragraph (4) requires the transferor to have rights in the asset transferred before the transfer is made for the purpose of this section. This provision makes clear that the purpose of this section may not be circumvented by notice-filing or recordation of a document evidencing an interest in an asset to be acquired in the future. Cf. Bankruptcy Code § 547(e) (1984); U.C.C.§ 9-203(b)(2) (2014).
  3. Paragraph (5) had no analogue in the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. It is intended to resolve uncertainty arising from Rubin v. Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. , 661 F.2d 979, 989-91, 997 (2d Cir. 1981), insofar as that case holds that an obligation of guaranty may be deemed to be incurred when advances covered by the guaranty are made rather than when the guaranty first became effective between the parties. Compare Rosenberg, Intercorporate Guaranties and the Law of Fraudulent Conveyances: Lender Beware , 125 U. Pa. L. Rev. 235, 256-57 (1976).

An obligation may be avoided under this Act if it is incurred under the circumstances specified in § 4(a) or § 5(a). The debtor may receive reasonably equivalent value in exchange for an obligation incurred even though the benefit to the debtor is indirect. See Rubin v. Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co. , 661 F.2d at 991-92; Williams v. Twin City Co. , 251 F.2d 678, 681 (9th Cir. 1958); Rosenberg, supra , at 243-46.

Under paragraph (5), an oral obligation is incurred when it becomes effective between the parties, and later confirmation of the oral obligation by a record does not reset the time of incurrence to that later time.

§ 55-916. Remedies of creditor.

  1. In an action for relief against a transfer or obligation under this act, a creditor, subject to the limitations in section 55-917, Idaho Code, may obtain:
    1. Avoidance of the transfer or obligation to the extent necessary to satisfy the creditor’s claim;
    2. An attachment or other provisional remedy against the asset transferred or other property of the transferee if available under applicable law; and
    3. Subject to applicable principles of equity and in accordance with applicable rules of civil procedure:
      1. an injunction against further disposition by the debtor or a transferee, or both, of the asset transferred or of other property;
      2. appointment of a receiver to take charge of the asset transferred or of other property of the transferee; or
      3. any other relief the circumstances may require.
  2. If a creditor has obtained a judgment on a claim against the debtor, the creditor, if the court so orders, may levy execution on the asset transferred or its proceeds.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-916, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. 2015, ch. 342, § 6, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-916 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-910.

Amendments.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 342, rewrote paragraph (1)(b), which formerly read: “An attachment or other provisional remedy against the asset transferred or other property of the transferee in accordance with the procedure prescribed in chapter 5, title 8, Idaho Code”.

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” in the introductory paragraph of subsection (1) refers to S.L. 1987, ch. 202, which is compiled as§§ 55-910 to 55-918 and 55-920 to 55-922.

CASE NOTES

Alternative Right to Payment.
Equitable Remedies.

In the face of a fraudulent conveyance, a creditor can either recover the actual property transferred, or a money judgment against the transferee for the property’s equivalent value. This is clearly an alternative right to payment beyond the equitable remedy of avoidance of the transfer and recovery of the asset. As such, prospective purchaser is considered to have a claim for purposes of Section 101(5)(B) of the Bankruptcy Code (11 USCS § 101(5)(B)) and cannot void the transfer as against the bankruptcy estate and the trustee. TKO Properties v. Young, 214 Bankr. 905 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1997). Equitable Remedies.

One who purchased property at an execution or tax sale received legal title and could bring an action to remove a cloud on the title created by a fraudulent transfer. Therefore, the district court had the equitable power to clear tax sale purchaser’s title by setting aside the tax debtors’ deeds to the family trust, which deeds were void and unenforceable against the tax sale purchaser. Haney v. Molko, 123 Idaho 132, 844 P.2d 1382 (Ct. App. 1992).

Once it has been established that a fraudulent transfer has occurred, subsection (2) of this section allows a creditor who already has a judgment against the debtor to levy execution on the asset transferred, if the court so orders. In addition, where the transfer in question is found to be fraudulent and thus voidable, the creditor may recover judgment against the transferee for the value of the asset transferred, subject to equitable adjustment under subsection (3) of§ 55-917, or for the amount necessary to satisfy the creditor’s claim, whichever is less. Alcan Bldg. Prods. v. Peoples, 124 Idaho 338, 859 P.2d 374 (Ct. App. 1993).

Prejudgment Interest.

The relief that a defrauded creditor is entitled to, in an action to set aside a fraudulent conveyance, is limited to setting aside the conveyance of the property. There is nothing in the uniform fraudulent transfer act which suggests that prejudgment interest should be awarded in addition to the value of the asset. Clarke v. Latimer, — Idaho —, 437 P.3d 1 (2018).

Cited

KEB Enters., L.P. v. Smedley, 140 Idaho 746, 101 P.3d 690 (2004).

Official Comment
  1. This section is derived from §§ 9 and 10 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. Section 9 of that Act specified the remedies of creditors whose claims have matured, and § 10 enumerated the remedies available to creditors whose claims have not matured. A creditor holding an unmatured claim may be denied the right to receive payment from the proceeds of a sale on execution until the claim has matured, but the proceeds may be deposited in court or in an interest-bearing account pending the maturity of the creditor’s claim. The remedies specified in this section are not exclusive.
  2. The availability of an attachment or other provisional remedy has been restricted by amendments of statutes and rules of procedure in response to Connecticut v. Doehr , 501 U.S. 1 (1991), Sniadach v. Family Finance Corp. , 395 U.S. 337 (1969), and their progeny. This judicial development and the procedural changes that followed in its wake do not preclude resort to attachment by a creditor in seeking avoidance of a transfer or obligation. See, e.g., Britton v. Howard Sav. Bank , 727 F.2d 315, 317-20 (3d Cir. 1984); Computer Sciences Corp. v. Sci-Tek Inc. , 367 A.2d 658, 661 (Del. Super. 1976); Great Lakes Carbon Corp. v. Fontana , 54 A.D.2d 548, 387 N.Y.S. 2d 115 (1st Dep’t 1976). Section 7(a)(2) continues the authorization for the use of attachment contained in § 9(b) of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, or of a similar provisional remedy, when applicable law provides therefor, subject to the constraints imposed by the due process clauses of the United States and state constitutions. 3. Subsections (a) and (b) of § 10 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act authorized the court, in an action on a voidable transfer or obligation, to restrain the defendant from disposing of his property, to appoint a receiver to take charge of his property, or to make any order the circumstances may require. Section 10, however, applied only to a creditor whose claim was unmatured. There is no reason to restrict the availability of these remedies to such a creditor, and the courts have not so restricted them. See, e.g., Lipskey v. Voloshen , 155 Md. 139, 143-45, 141 A. 402, 404-05 (1928) (judgment creditor granted injunction against disposition of property by transferee, but appointment of receiver denied for lack of sufficient showing of need for such relief); Matthews v. Schusheim , 36 Misc. 2d 918, 922-23, 235 N.Y.S. 2d 973, 976-77, 991-92 (Sup. Ct. 1962) (injunction and appointment of receiver granted to holder of claims for fraud, breach of contract, and alimony arrearages; whether creditor’s claim was mature said to be immaterial); Oliphant v. Moore , 155 Tenn. 359, 362-63, 293 S.W. 541, 542 (1927) (tort creditor granted injunction restraining alleged tortfeasor’s disposition of property).

4. As under the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, a creditor is not required to obtain a judgment against the debtor-transferor or to have a matured claim in order to proceed under subsection (a). See §§ 1(3) and 1(4) ; American Surety Co. v. Conner , 251 N.Y. 1, 166 N.E. 783, 65 A.L.R. 244 (1929); 1 G. Glenn, Fraudulent Conveyances and Preferences 129 (Rev. ed. 1940).

5. The provision in subsection (b) for a creditor to levy execution on a transferred asset continues the availability of a remedy provided in § 9(b) of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. See, e.g., Doland v. Burns Lbr. Co. , 156 Minn. 238, 194 N.W. 636 (1923); Montana Ass’n of Credit Management v. Hergert , 181 Mont. 442, 449, 453, 593 P.2d 1059, 1063, 1065 (1979); Corbett v. Hunter , 292 Pa. Super. 123, 128, 436 A.2d 1036, 1038 (1981); see also American Surety Co. v. Conner , 251 N.Y. 1, 6, 166 N.E. 783, 784, 65 A.L.R. 244, 247 (1929) (“In such circumstances he [the creditor] might find it necessary to indemnify the sheriff and, when the seizure was erroneous, assumed the risk of error”); McLaughlin, Application of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act , 46 Harv. L. Rev. 404, 441-42 (1933).

6. The remedies specified in § 7, like those enumerated in §§ 9 and 10 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, are cumulative. Lind v. O. N. Johnson Co. , 204 Minn. 30, 40, 282 N.W. 661, 667, 119 A.L.R. 940 (1939) (Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act held not to impair or limit availability of the “old practice” of obtaining judgment and execution returned unsatisfied before proceeding in equity to set aside a transfer); Conemaugh Iron Works Co. v. Delano Coal Co., Inc. , 298 Pa. 182, 186, 148 A. 94, 95 (1929) (Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act held to give an “additional optional remedy” and not to “deprive a creditor of the right, as formerly, to work out his remedy at law”); 1 G. Glenn, Fraudulent Conveyances and Preferences 120, 130, 150 (Rev. ed. 1940).

7. If a transfer or obligation is voidable under § 4 or § 5, the basic remedy provided by this Act is its avoidance under subsection (a)(1). “Avoidance” is a term of art in this Act, for it does not mean that the transfer or obligation is simply rendered void. It has long been established that a transfer avoided by a creditor under this Act or its predecessors is nevertheless valid as between the debtor and the transferee. For example, in the case of a transfer of property worth $100 by Debtor to Transferee, held voidable in a suit by Creditor-1 who is owed $80 by Debtor, “avoidance” of the transfer leaves the $20 surplus with Transferee. Debtor is not entitled to recover the surplus. Nor is Debtor’s Creditor-2 entitled to pursue the surplus by reason of Creditor-1’s action (though Creditor-2 may be entitled to bring its own avoidance action to pursue the surplus). The foregoing principle is embedded in the language of subsection (a)(1), which prescribes “avoidance” only “to the extent necessary to satisfy the creditor’s claim.” Section 9(a) of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act was similarly limited. See, e.g., Becker v. Becker , 416 A.2d 156, 162 (Vt. 1980); De Martini v. De Martini , 52 N.E.2d 138, 141 (Ill. 1943); Markward v. Murrah , 156 S.W.2d 971, 974 (Tex. 1941); Society Milion Athena, Inc. v. National Bank of Greece , 22 N.E.2d 374, 377 (N.Y. 1939); National Radiator Corp. v. Parad , 8 N.E.2d 794, 796-97 (Mass. 1937); 1 G. Glenn, Fraudulent Conveyances and Preferences § 114, at 225 (Rev. ed. 1940). The transferee’s mental state is irrelevant to the foregoing, but a good-faith transferee may also be afforded protection by § 8.

It follows that “avoidance” of an obligation under subsection (a)(1) likewise should not mean its cancellation, but rather a remedy that recognizes the existence of the obligation and the superiority of the plaintiff creditor’s interest over the obligee’s interest. Ordinarily that should mean subordination of the obligation to the plaintiff creditor’s claim against the debtor. That would entail disgorgement by the obligee of any payments received or receivable on the obligation, to the extent necessary to satisfy the plaintiff creditor’s claim, with the obligee being subrogated to the plaintiff creditor when the latter’s claim is paid. Of course, if the obligation is unenforceable for reasons other than contravention of this Act, contravention of this Act does not render the obligation enforceable.

This Comment relates to the meaning of subsection (a)(1). If this Act is invoked in a bankruptcy proceeding, the remedial entitlements provided by the Bankruptcy Code may differ from those provided by this Act.

§ 55-917. Defenses, liability, and protection of transferee or obligee.

  1. A transfer or obligation is not voidable under section 55-913(1)(a), Idaho Code, against a person that took in good faith and for a reasonably equivalent value given the debtor or against any subsequent transferee or obligee.
  2. To the extent a transfer is avoidable in an action by a creditor under section 55-916(1)(a), Idaho Code, the following rules apply:
    1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the creditor may recover judgment for the value of the asset transferred, as adjusted under subsection (3) of this section, or the amount necessary to satisfy the creditor’s claim, whichever is less. The judgment may be entered against:
      1. The first transferee of the asset or the person for whose benefit the transfer was made; or
      2. An immediate or mediate transferee of the first transferee other than:
        1. A good-faith transferee that took for value; or
        2. An immediate or mediate good-faith transferee of a person described in subparagraph (ii)1. of this paragraph.
    2. Recovery pursuant to section 55-916(1)(a) or (2), Idaho Code, of or from the asset transferred or its proceeds, by levy or otherwise, is available only against a person described in paragraph (a)(i) or (ii) of this subsection.
  3. If the judgment under subsection (2) of this section is based upon the value of the asset transferred, the judgment must be for an amount equal to the value of the asset at the time of the transfer, subject to adjustment as the equities may require.
  4. Notwithstanding voidability of a transfer or an obligation under this act, a good-faith transferee or obligee is entitled, to the extent of the value given the debtor for the transfer or obligation, to:
    1. A lien on or a right to retain any interest in the asset transferred;
    2. Enforcement of any obligation incurred; or
    3. A reduction in the amount of the liability on the judgment.
  5. A transfer is not voidable under section 55-913(1)(b) or 55-914, Idaho Code, if the transfer results from:
    1. Termination of a lease upon default by the debtor when the termination is pursuant to the lease and applicable law; or
    2. Enforcement of a security interest in compliance with chapter 9, title 28, Idaho Code, other than acceptance of collateral in full or partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures.
  6. A transfer is not voidable under section 55-914(2), Idaho Code:
    1. To the extent the insider gave new value to or for the benefit of the debtor after the transfer was made, except to the extent the new value was secured by a valid lien;
    2. If made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs of the debtor and the insider; or
    3. If made pursuant to a good-faith effort to rehabilitate the debtor and the transfer secured present value given for that purpose as well as an antecedent debt of the debtor.
  7. A transfer of a charitable contribution to a qualified religious or charitable entity or organization shall not be considered to be a transfer covered by this act for the amount of the contribution that does not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the gross annual income of the debtor for the year in which the transfer is made, and the transfer is consistent with the practices of the debtor in making charitable contributions. (8) The following rules determine the burden of proving matters referred to in this section:
    1. A party that seeks to invoke subsection (1), (4), (5) or (6) of this section has the burden of proving the applicability of that subsection;
    2. Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this subsection, the creditor has the burden of proving each applicable element of subsection (2) or (3) of this section;
    3. The transferee has the burden of proving the applicability to the transferee of subsection (2)(a)(ii)1. or 2. of this section; and
    4. A party that seeks adjustment under subsection (3) of this section has the burden of proving the adjustment.

(9) Proof of matters referred to in this section is sufficient if established by a preponderance of the evidence.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-917, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. 2015, ch. 342, § 7, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-917 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-910.

Amendments.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 342, added “or obligee” to the end of the section heading; in subsection (1), inserted “given the debtor”; rewrote subsection (2), which formerly read: “(2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, to the extent a transfer is voidable in an action by a creditor under section 55-916(1)(a), Idaho Code, the creditor may recover judgment for the value of the asset transferred, as adjusted under subsection (3) of this section, or the amount necessary to satisfy the creditor’s claim, whichever is less. The judgment may be entered against: (a) The first transferee of the asset or the person for whose benefit the transfer was made; or (b) Any subsequent transferee other than a good-faith transferee or obligee who took for value or from any subsequent transferee or obligee”; added “other than acceptance of collateral in full or partial satisfaction of the obligation it secures” at the end of paragraph (5)(b); and added subsections (7), (8), and (9).

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” in subsection (4) refers to S.L. 1987, ch. 202, which is compiled as§§ 55-910 to 55-918 and 55-920 to 55-922.

CASE NOTES

Non-creditors. Prejudgment interest.

Alternative Right to Payment.

In the face of a fraudulent conveyance, a creditor can either recover the actual property transferred, or a money judgment against the transferee for the property’s equivalent value. This is clearly an alternative right to payment beyond the equitable remedy of avoidance of the transfer and recovery of the asset. As such, prospective purchaser is considered to have a claim for purposes of Section 101(5)(B), 11 U.S.C.S. § 101(5)(B), of the Bankruptcy Code (11 USCS § 101(5)(B)) and cannot void the transfer as against the bankruptcy estate and the trustee. TKO Properties v. Young, 214 Bankr. 905 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1997).

Equitable Remedies.

One who purchased property at an execution or tax sale received legal title and could bring an action to remove a cloud on the title created by a fraudulent transfer. Therefore, the district court had the equitable power to clear tax sale purchaser’s title by setting aside the tax debtors’ deeds to the family trust, which deeds were void and unenforceable against the tax sale purchaser. Haney v. Molko, 123 Idaho 132, 844 P.2d 1382 (Ct. App. 1992).

Once it has been established that a fraudulent transfer has occurred, subsection (2) of this section allows a creditor who already has a judgment against the debtor to levy execution on the asset transferred, if the court so orders. In addition, where the transfer in question is found to be fraudulent and, thus, voidable, the creditor may recover judgment against the transferee for the value of the asset transferred, subject to equitable adjustment under subsection (3) of this section, or for the amount necessary to satisfy the creditor’s claim, whichever is less. Alcan Bldg. Prods. v. Peoples, 124 Idaho 338, 859 P.2d 374 (Ct. App. 1993).

Non-creditors.

Limited liability company and estate of one of its two manager/members had no cause of action against the other manager/member for transferring property to defraud creditors since neither plaintiff was a creditor of the limited liability company. Estate of E.A. Collins v. Geist, 143 Idaho 821, 153 P.3d 1167 (2007).

Prejudgment Interest.

The relief that a defrauded creditor is entitled to, in an action to set aside a fraudulent conveyance, is limited to setting aside the conveyance of the property. There is nothing in the uniform fraudulent transfer act which suggests that prejudgment interest should be awarded in addition to the value of the asset. Clarke v. Latimer, — Idaho —, 437 P.3d 1 (2018).

Cited

Zazzali v. United States (In re DBSI, Inc.), 869 F.3d 1004 (9th Cir. 2017).

Official Comment
  1. Subsection (a) sets forth a complete defense to an action for avoidance under § 4(a)(1). The subsection is an adaptation of the exception stated in § 9 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. Pursuant to subsection (g), the person invoking this defense carries the burden of establishing good faith and the reasonable equivalence of the consideration exchanged.
  2. Subsection (b) is derived from Bankruptcy Code §§ 550(a), (b) (1984). The value of the asset transferred is limited to the value of the levyable interest of the transferor, exclusive of any interest encumbered by a valid lien. See § 1(2). The requirement of Bankruptcy Code § 550(b)(1) (1984) that a transferee be “without knowledge of the voidability of the transfer” in order to be protected has been omitted as inappropriate. Knowledge of the facts rendering the transfer voidable would be inconsistent with the good faith that is required of a protected transferee. Knowledge of the voidability of a transfer would seem to involve a legal conclusion. Determination of the voidability of the transfer ought not to require the court to inquire into the legal sophistication of the transferee.
  3. Subsection (c) has no analogue in Bankruptcy Code § 550(a), (b) (1984). The measure of the recovery of a creditor against a transferee is usually limited to the value of the asset transferred at the time of the transfer. See, e.g., United States v. Fernon , 640 F.2d 609, 611 (5th Cir. 1981); Hamilton Nat’l Bank of Boston v. Halstead , 134 N.Y. 520, 31 N.E. 900 (1892); cf. Buffum v. Peter Barceloux Co. , 289 U.S. 227 (1932) (transferee’s objection to trial court’s award of highest value of asset between the date of the transfer and the date of the decree of avoidance rejected because an award measured by value as of time of the transfer plus interest from that date would have been larger). The premise of § 8(c) is that changes in value of the asset transferred that occur after the transfer should ordinarily not affect the amount of the creditor’s recovery. Circumstances may require a departure from that measure of the recovery, however, as the cases decided under the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act and other laws derived from the Statute of 13 Elizabeth illustrate. Thus, if the value of the asset at the time of levy and sale to enforce the judgment of the creditor has been enhanced by improvements of the asset transferred or discharge of liens on the property, a good-faith transferee should be reimbursed for the outlay for such a purpose to the extent the sale proceeds were increased thereby. See Bankruptcy Code § 550(d) (1984); Janson v. Schier , 375 A.2d 1159, 1160 (N.H. 1977); Anno., 8 A.L.R. 527 (1920). If the value of the asset at the time of the transfer has been diminished by severance and disposition of timber or minerals or fixtures, the transferee should be liable for the amount of the resulting reduction. See Damazo v. Wahby , 269 Md. 252, 257, 305 A.2d 138, 142 (1973). If the transferee has collected rents, harvested crops, or derived other income from the use or occupancy of the asset after the transfer, the liability of the transferee should be limited in any event to the net income after deduction of the expense incurred in earning the income. Anno., 60 A.L.R.2d 593 (1958). On the other hand, adjustment for the equities does not warrant an award to the creditor of consequential damages alleged to accrue from mismanagement of the asset after the transfer. 4. Subsection (d) is an adaptation of Bankruptcy Code § 548(c) (1984). An insider that receives property or an obligation from an insolvent debtor as security for or in satisfaction of an antecedent debt of the transferor or obligor is not a good-faith transferee or obligee if the insider has reasonable cause to believe that the debtor was insolvent at the time the transfer was made or the obligation was incurred. If a foreclosure sale is voidable and does not qualify for the benefit of § 3(b) or § 8(e)(2) because it was not conducted in accordance with the requirements of applicable law, the buyer, if in good faith, will still be entitled to the benefit of subsection (d) to the extent of the price paid by the buyer.

A transfer of property by the transferee of a voidable transfer might, on appropriate facts, be avoidable for reasons independent of the original voidable transfer. In such a case the subsequent transferee may be entitled to a defense under § 8(b) to an action based on the original voidable transfer, but that defense would not apply to an action based on the subsequent transfer that is independently voidable. For example, suppose that X transfers property to Y in a transfer voidable under this Act, and that Y later transfers the property to Z, who is a good-faith transferee for value. In general, C-1, a creditor of X, would have the right to a money judgment against Y pursuant to § 8(b), but C-1 could not recover under this Act from Z, who would be protected by § 8(b)(1)(ii)(A). However, it might be the case that Y’s transfer to Z is independently voidable as to Y’s creditors (including C-1, as creditor of Y by dint of its rights under this Act). Such might be the case if, for example, the value received by Y in exchange for the transfer is not reasonably equivalent and Y is in financial distress, or if Y made the transfer with intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any of its creditors. In such a case creditors of Y may pursue remedies against Z with respect to that independently voidable transfer, and the defense afforded to Z by § 8(b)(1)(ii)(A) would not apply to that action. Of course choice of law must be considered in such a situation: the jurisdiction whose law governs the voidability of the original transfer from X to Y and the consequent liability of Y and subsequent transferees need not be the same as the jurisdiction whose law governs the voidability of the independently voidable transfer from Y to Z and the consequent liability of Z and subsequent transferees.

5. Subsection (e)(1) rejects the rule adopted in Darby v. Atkinson (In re Farris) , 415 F. Supp. 33, 39-41 (W.D. Okla. 1976), that termination of a lease on default in accordance with its terms and applicable law may constitute a voidable transfer.

Subsection (e)(2) protects a transferee that acquires a debtor’s interest in an asset as a result of the enforcement by a secured party (which may but need not be the transferee) of rights pursuant to and in compliance with the provisions of Part 6 of Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. Cf. Calaiaro v. Pittsburgh Nat’l Bank (In re Ewing) , 33 B.R. 288, 9 C.B.C.2d 526, CCH B.L.R. /P 69,460 (Bankr. W.D. Pa. 1983) (sale of pledged stock held subject to avoidance under § 548 of the Bankruptcy Code), rev’d , 36 B.R. 476 (W.D. Pa. 1984) (transfer held not voidable because deemed to have occurred more than one year before bankruptcy petition filed). The global requirement of Article 9 that the secured party enforce its rights in good faith, and the further requirement of Article 9 that certain remedies be conducted in a commercially reasonable manner, provide substantial protection to the other creditors of the debtor. See U.C.C.§§ 1-304, 9-607(b), 9-610(b) (2014). The exemption afforded by subsection (e)(2) does not extend to acceptance of collateral in full or partial satisfaction of the obligations it secures. That remedy, contemplated by U.C.C.§§ 9-620 — 9-622 (2014), is sometimes referred to as “strict foreclosure.” An exemption for strict foreclosure is inappropriate because compliance with the rules of Article 9 relating to strict foreclosure may not sufficiently protect the interests of the debtor’s other creditors if the debtor does not act to protect equity the debtor may have in the asset.

6. Subsection (f) provides additional defenses against the avoidance of a preferential transfer to an insider under § 5(b).

Paragraph (1) is adapted from Bankruptcy Code § 547(c)(4) (1984), which permits a preferred creditor to set off the amount of new value subsequently advanced against the recovery of a voidable preference by a trustee in bankruptcy to the debtor without security. The new value may consist not only of money, goods, or services delivered on unsecured credit but also of the release of a valid lien. See, e.g., In re Ira Haupt & Co. , 424 F.2d 722, 724 (2d Cir. 1970); Baranow v. Gibraltor Factors Corp. (In re Hygrade Envelope Co.) , 393 F.2d 60, 65-67 (2d Cir.), cert. denied , 393 U.S. 837 (1968); In re John Morrow & Co. , 134 F. 686, 688 (S.D. Ohio 1901). It does not include an obligation substituted for a prior obligation. If the insider receiving the preference thereafter extends new credit to the debtor but also takes security from the debtor, the injury to the other creditors resulting from the preference remains undiminished by the new credit. On the other hand, if a lien taken to secure the new credit is itself voidable by a judicial lien creditor of the debtor, the new value received by the debtor may appropriately be treated as unsecured and applied to reduce the liability of the insider for the preferential transfer. Paragraph (2) is derived from Bankruptcy Code § 547(c)(2) (1984), which excepts certain payments made in the ordinary course of business or financial affairs from avoidance by the trustee in bankruptcy as preferential transfers. Whether a transfer was in the “ordinary course” requires a consideration of the pattern of payments or secured transactions engaged in by the debtor and the insider prior to the transfer challenged under § 5(b). See Tait & Williams, Bankruptcy Preference Laws: The Scope of Section 547(c)(2) , 99 Banking L.J. 55, 63-66 (1982). The defense provided by paragraph (2) is available, irrespective of whether the debtor or the insider or both are engaged in business, but the prior conduct or practice of both the debtor and the insider-transferee are relevant.

Paragraph (3) has no analogue in Bankruptcy Code § 547 (1984). It reflects a policy judgment that an insider who has previously extended credit to a debtor should not be deterred from extending further credit to the debtor in a good-faith effort to save the debtor from a forced liquidation in bankruptcy or otherwise. A similar rationale has sustained the taking of security from an insolvent debtor for an advance to enable the debtor to stave off bankruptcy and extricate itself from financial stringency. Blackman v. Bechtel , 80 F.2d 505, 508-09 (8th Cir. 1935); Olive v. Tyler (In re Chelan Land Co.) , 257 F. 497, 5 A.L.R. 561 (9th Cir. 1919); In re Robin Bros. Bakeries, Inc. , 22 F. Supp. 662, 663-64 (N.D. Ill. 1937); see Dean v. Davis , 242 U.S. 438, 444 (1917). The amount of the present value given, the size of the antecedent debt secured, and the likelihood of success for the rehabilitative effort are relevant considerations in determining whether the transfer was in good faith.

7. Subsections (g) and (h) were added in 2014. Sections 2(b), 4(c), 5(c), 8(g), and 8(h) together provide uniform rules on burdens and standards of proof relating to the operation of this Act. The principles stated in Comment 11 to § 4 apply to subsections (g) and (h).

8. The provisions of § 8 are integral elements of the rights created by this Act. Accordingly, they should apply if this Act is invoked in a bankruptcy proceeding pursuant to Bankruptcy Code § 544(b) (2014). That follows from the fundamental principle that property rights in bankruptcy should be the same as outside bankruptcy, unless a federal interest compels a different result. See Butner v. United States , 440 U.S. 48, 55 (1979). Section 8(b) limits damages under this Act to the amount of the plaintiff creditor’s claim, and that limitation is overridden in bankruptcy by the rule of Moore v. Bay , 284 U.S. 4 (1931), which Congress unmistakably maintained when it enacted the Bankruptcy Code. In the absence of a clear override by the Bankruptcy Code or other federal law, however, other aspects of § 8 should apply if this Act is invoked in bankruptcy. See, e.g., Decker v. Tramiel (In re JTS Corp.) , 617 F.3d 1102, 1110-16 (9th Cir. 2010) (holding that § 8(d) applies to a claim for relief brought under this Act in a bankruptcy proceeding pursuant to Bankruptcy Code § 544(b)).

§ 55-918. Extinguishment of a cause of action.

A cause of action with respect to a transfer or obligation under this act is extinguished unless action is brought:

  1. Under section 55-913(1)(a), Idaho Code, not later than four (4) years after the transfer was made or the obligation was incurred or, if later, not later than one (1) year after the transfer or obligation was or could reasonably have been discovered by the claimant;
  2. Under section 55-913(1)(b) or 55-914(1), Idaho Code, not later than four (4) years after the transfer was made or the obligation was incurred; or
  3. Under section 55-914(2), Idaho Code, not later than one (1) year after the transfer was made or the obligation was incurred.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-918, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. 2015, ch. 342, § 8, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-918 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-910.

Amendments.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 342, deleted “fraudulent” preceding “transfer” in the introductory paragraph and substituted “not later than” for “within” in subsections (1) (twice), (2), and (3).

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” in the introductory paragraph refers to S.L. 1987, ch. 202, which is compiled as§§ 55-910 to 55-918 and 55-920 to 55-922.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Klein v. Capital One Fin. Corp., 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 83905 (D. Idaho July 29, 2011); Rainsdon v. Kirtland (In re Kirtland), 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 3828 (Bankr. D. Idaho Sept. 30, 2011); Zazzali v. United States (In re DBSI, Inc.), 869 F.3d 1004 (9th Cir. 2017); Zazzali v. Goldsmith (In re DBSI Inc.), 2018 Bankr. LEXIS 3213 (Bankr. D. Idaho Oct. 17, 2018).

Official Comment
  1. This section had no analogue in the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act. Its purpose is to make clear that lapse of the statutory periods prescribed by the section bars the right and not merely the remedy. The section rejects the rule applied in United States v. Gleneagles Inv. Co. , 565 F. Supp. 556, 583 (M.D. Pa. 1983) (state statute of limitations held not to apply to action by United States based on Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act). Another consequence of barring the right and not merely the remedy is that, under Restatement (Second) of Conflict of Laws § 143 (1971), if an action is brought in jurisdiction A and the action is determined to be governed by this Act as enacted in jurisdiction B, the action cannot be maintained if it is time-barred in jurisdiction B. The 1988 revision of §§ 142 and 143 of the Restatement (Second) of Conflict of Laws , which eliminated the right/remedy distinction, should not be applied to this Act. Because a voidable transfer or obligation may injure all of a debtor’s many creditors, there is need for a uniform and predictable cutoff time.
  2. Statutes of limitations applicable to the avoidance of transfers and obligations vary widely from state to state and are frequently subject to uncertainties in their application. See Hesson, The Statute of Limitations in Actions to Set Aside Fraudulent Conveyances and in Actions Against Directors by Creditors of Corporations , 32 Cornell L.Q. 222 (1946); Annos., 76 A.L.R. 864 (1932), 128 A.L.R. 1289 (1940), 133 A.L.R. 1311 (1941), 14 A.L.R.2d 598 (1950), and 100 A.L.R.2d 1094 (1965). Together with § 6, this section should mitigate the uncertainty and diversity that have characterized the decisions applying statutes of limitations to actions to avoid transfers and obligations. The periods prescribed apply, whether the action under this Act is brought by a creditor or by a purchaser at a sale on execution levied pursuant to § 7(b) and whether the action is brought against the original transferee or subsequent transferee. The prescription of statutory periods of limitation does not preclude the barring of an avoidance action for laches. See § 12 and the accompanying Comment.
  3. Subsection (a) provides that the four-year period ordinarily applicable to a claim for relief under § 4(a)(1) is extended to “one year after the transfer or obligation was or could reasonably have been discovered by the claimant.” Antecedents to that “discovery rule” have long existed in common law and in other statutes, and courts may take different approaches to filling out the meaning of subsection (a) by reference to such precedents. Thus, subsection (a) literally starts the one-year period when the transfer was or could reasonably have been discovered by the claimant, but cases applying subsection (a) have held that the period starts only when the transfer and its wrongful nature were or could reasonably have been discovered. See, e.g., Freitag v. McGhie , 947 P.2d 1186 (Wash. 1997); State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Cordua , 834 F. Supp. 2d 301, 306-08 (E.D. Pa. 2011). A recurring situation to which that distinction may be relevant is Spouse X’s transfer of assets beyond the reach of creditors, made in anticipation of divorcing Spouse Y after the four-year period has elapsed and made for the purpose of thwarting Spouse Y’s economic interests in the divorce. Spouse Y may well know of the transfer long before Spouse Y learns its wrongful purpose. Of course, even if the period specified in subsection (a) is held to have lapsed in a given case, law other than this Act might allow the transferred assets to be considered in making a division of assets in the ensuing divorce case.

§ 55-919. Governing law.

  1. In this section, the following rules shall determine a debtor’s location:
    1. A debtor who is an individual is located at the individual’s principal residence;
    2. A debtor that is an organization and has only one (1) place of business is located at its place of business; and
    3. A debtor that is an organization and has more than one (1) place of business is located at its chief executive office.
  2. A claim in the nature of a claim under this act is governed by the local law of the jurisdiction in which the debtor is located when the transfer is made or the obligation is incurred.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-919, as added by 2015, ch. 342, § 9, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

A former§ 55-919 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-910.

Compiler’s Notes.

Former§ 55-919 was redesignated as§ 55-920 by S.L. 2015, ch. 342, § 10.

Official Comment
  1. Section 10, added in 2014, is a simple and predictable choice of law rule applicable to claims for relief of the nature governed by the Act. It provides that a claim for relief in the nature of a claim for relief under the Act is governed by the local law of the jurisdiction in which the debtor is “located” at the time the challenged transfer is made or the challenged obligation is incurred. “Local” law means the substantive law of the referenced jurisdiction, and not its choice of law rules. Section 6 determines the time at which a transfer is made or obligation is incurred for purposes of the Act, including this section. Section 10 applies equally to a candidate jurisdiction that is a sister state and to a candidate jurisdiction that is a foreign nation.

Basing choice of law on the location of the debtor is analogous to the rule set forth in U.C.C.§ 9-301 (2014), which provides that the priority of a security interest in intangible property is generally governed by the local law of the jurisdiction in which the debtor is located. The analogy is apt, because the substantive rules of this Act are a species of priority rule, in that they determine the circumstances in which a debtor’s creditors, rather than the debtor’s transferee, have superior rights in property transferred by the debtor. In keeping with that analogy, the definition of the debtor’s “location” in subsection (a) is identical to the baseline definition of that term in U.C.C.§ 9-307(b) (2014). Subsection (a) does not include any of the exceptions to the baseline definition that are set forth in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, such as U.C.C.§ 9-307(e) (2014) (providing that the location of a domestic corporation or other “registered organization” is its jurisdiction of organization), and U.C.C.§ 9-307(c) (2014) (providing in effect that if the baseline definition would locate a debtor in a jurisdiction that lacks an Article 9-style filing system, then the debtor is instead located in the District of Columbia). Those exceptions are not included in subsection (a) because their primary purpose relates to the operation of Article 9’s perfection rules, which have no analogue in this Act. 2. The choice of law rule set forth in § 10(b) applies to any claim for relief in the nature of a claim for relief under this Act — in other words, any claim for relief sufficiently similar to a claim for relief under this Act as to warrant the application of this Act’s choice of law rule. “This Act” of course refers to the enactment of this Act that is in force in the jurisdiction whose enactment of § 10(b) is being applied. Section 10(b) could not properly have been written to apply merely to “a claim for relief under this Act,” for such a formulation would presuppose the applicability of the substantive provisions of this Act as in force in that jurisdiction. If a question should arise as to whether a given claim for relief is sufficiently similar to a claim for relief under this Act that § 10(b) should apply to it, the answer is left to judicial determination.

3. As used in subsection (a), the terms “principal residence,” “place of business,” and “chief executive office” are to be evaluated on the basis of authentic and sustained activity, not on the basis of manipulations employed to establish a location artificially ( e.g. , by such means as establishing a notional “chief executive office” by use of straw-man officers or directors in a jurisdiction in which creditors’ rights are substantially debased, or establishing a notional “principal residence” for a short term in such a jurisdiction for the purpose of making an asset transfer while there). Notwithstanding the adaptation of subsection (a) from U.C.C.§ 9-307(b) (2014), the foregoing terms need not necessarily have the same meanings in both statutes. Debtors are likely to have greater incentive and ability to employ “asset tourism” for the purpose of seeking to evade the substantive rules of this Act than for the purpose of seeking to manipulate the perfection and priority rules of secured transactions law. Interpretation and application of this Act should so recognize.

4. “Location” under this Act is completely independent from the concept of “center of main interests” (“COMI”), as that term is used in Chapter 15 of the Bankruptcy Code. Chapter 15, which applies to transnational insolvency proceedings, requires United States courts to defer in various ways to a foreign proceeding in the jurisdiction of the debtor’s COMI. Those consequences are quite different from the consequences of “location” under this Act. Furthermore, if the debtor is an organization, the debtor’s jurisdiction of organization has no bearing on the debtor’s “location” under subsection (a), by contrast to the presumption in Bankruptcy Code § 1516(c) (2014) that the jurisdiction in which the debtor has its registered office (i.e., its jurisdiction of organization) is its COMI.

5. Section 10(b) determines the governing law only for a claim for relief in the nature of a claim for relief under this Act. Furthermore, this Act, like the earlier Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, has never purported to be an exclusive law on the subject of voidable transfers and obligations. See Comment 2 to § 15. Accordingly, the choice of law rule set forth in this § 10 is by no means applicable to all assertions that a transfer was made or an obligation incurred in contravention of law.

For example, suppose that the principal residence of Spouse X is State A and the principal residence of Spouse Y is State B. Spouse Y, anticipating a future divorce, transfers assets to Transferee for the purpose of thwarting X’s economic interests in the divorce. Later a divorce action between X and Y is properly brought in the courts of State A, which has enacted this Act. Law other than this Act (presumably the family law of State A) will govern such matters as the classification of the transferred property as marital or separate and the remedies available against Y for wrongful dissipation of assets, such as awarding a larger share of marital property to X or imposing a lien on the separate property of Y. The choice of law rule set forth in § 10 does not apply to those matters, for they do not involve a claim for relief in the nature of a claim for relief under this Act. However, if Transferee is subject to personal jurisdiction in State A and X brings an action in State A against Transferee seeking avoidance of the transfer, or a money judgment against Transferee in lieu of avoidance, on the ground that the transfer had been made by Y with intent to hinder, delay, or defraud X, the choice of law rule set forth in § 10 would apply to that action, and as a result that action would be governed by the voidable transfer law of State B.

§ 55-920. Application of general law.

Unless displaced by the provisions of this act, the principles of law and equity, including the law merchant and the law relating to principal and agent, estoppel, laches, fraud, misrepresentation, duress, coercion, mistake, insolvency, or other validating or invalidating cause, supplement its provisions.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-919, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. and redesig. 2015, ch. 342, § 10, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

A former§ 55-920 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-910.

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1987, ch. 202, which is compiled as§§ 55-910 to 55-918 and 55-920 to 55-922.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-919.

Former§ 55-920 was redesignated as§ 55-921 by S.L. 2015, ch. 342, § 11.

Official Comment

This section is derived from § 11 of the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act and Uniform Commercial Code§ 1-103 (1984) (later§ 1-103(b) (2014)). The section adds a reference to “laches” in recognition of the particular appropriateness of the application of this equitable doctrine to an untimely action to avoid a transfer under this Act. See Louis Dreyfus Corp. v. Butler , 496 F.2d 806, 808 (6th Cir. 1974) (action to avoid transfers to debtor’s wife when debtor was engaged in speculative business held to be barred by laches or applicable statutes of limitations); Cooch v. Grier , 30 Del. Ch. 255, 265-66, 59 A.2d 282, 287-88 (1948) (action under the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act held barred by laches when the creditor was chargeable with inexcusable delay and the defendant was prejudiced by the delay).

§ 55-921. Uniformity of application and construction.

This act shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this act among states enacting it.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-920, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. and redesig. 2015, ch. 342, § 11, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

A former§ 55-921 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-910.

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1987, ch. 202, which is compiled as§§ 55-910 to 55-918 and 55-920 to 55-922.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-920.

Former§ 55-921 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-922 by S.L. 2015, ch. 342, § 12.

§ 55-922. Short title.

This act, that was formerly cited as the “Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act” may be cited as the “Uniform Voidable Transactions Act.”

History.

I.C.,§ 55-921, as added by 1987, ch. 202, § 2, p. 422; am. and redesig. 2015, ch. 342, § 12, p. 1290.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

A former§ 55-922, was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-910.

Amendments.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 342, rewrote and redesignated this section, formerly designated as§ 55-921, which read: “This act may be cited as the ‘Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act.’”

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1987, ch. 202, which is compiled as§§ 55-910 to 55-918 and 55-920 to 55-922.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-921.

Official Comment
  1. The 2014 amendments change the short title of the Act from “Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act” to “Uniform Voidable Transactions Act.” The change of title is not intended to effect any change in the meaning of the Act. The retitling is not motivated by the substantive revisions made by the 2014 amendments, which are relatively minor. Rather, the word “Fraudulent” in the original title, though sanctioned by historical usage, was a misleading description of the Act as it was originally written. Fraud is not, and never has been, a necessary element of a claim for relief under the Act. The misleading intimation to the contrary in the original title of the Act led to confusion in the courts. See, e.g. , § 4, Comment 10. The misleading insistence on “fraud” in the original title also contributed to the evolution of widely-used shorthand terminology that further tends to distort understanding of the provisions of the Act. Thus, several theories of recovery under the Act that have nothing whatever to do with fraud (or with intent of any sort) came to be widely known by the oxymoronic and confusing shorthand tag “constructive fraud.” See §§ 4(a)(2), 5(a). Likewise, the primordial theory of recovery under the Act, set forth in § 4(a)(1), came to be widely known by the shorthand tag “actual fraud.” That shorthand is misleading, because that provision does not in fact require proof of fraudulent intent. See § 4, Comment 8.

In addition, the word “Transfer” in the original title of the Act was underinclusive, because the Act applies to incurrence of obligations as well as to transfers of property. 2. The Act, like the earlier Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, has never purported to be an exclusive law on the subject of voidable transfers and obligations. See Prefatory Note (1984), /P5; § 1, Comment 2, /P6; § 4, Comment 9, /P1; § 10, Comment 5. It remains the case that the Act is not the exclusive law on the subject of voidable transfers and obligations.

3. The retitling of the Act should not be construed to affect references to the Act in other statutes or international instruments that use the former terminology. See, e.g. , Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment, art. 30(a)(3), opened for signature Nov. 16, 2001, S. Treaty Doc. No. 108-10 (referring to “any rules of law applicable in insolvency proceedings relating to the avoidance of a transaction as a . . . transfer in fraud of creditors”).

4. The 2014 amendments also make a correction to the text of the Act that is consonant with the change of the Act’s title. As originally written, the Act inconsistently used different words to denote a transfer or obligation for which the Act provides a remedy: sometimes “voidable” (see original § 2(d), §§ 8(a), (d), (e), (f)), and sometimes “fraudulent” (see original § 4(a), §§ 5(a), (b), § 9). The amendments resolve that inconsistency by using “voidable” consistently or deleting the word as unnecessary. No change in meaning is intended.

5. The Act does not address the extent to which a person who facilitates the making of a transfer or the incurrence of an obligation that is voidable under the Act may be subject to liability for that reason, whether under a theory of aiding and abetting, civil conspiracy, or otherwise. The Act leaves that subject to supplementary principles of law. See § 12. Cf . § 8(b)(1)(i) (imposing liability upon, inter alia , “the person for whose benefit the transfer was made”). Other law also governs such matters as (i) the circumstances in which a lawyer who assists a debtor in making a transfer or incurring an obligation that is voidable under the Act violates rules of professional conduct applicable to lawyers, (ii) the circumstances in which communications between the debtor and the lawyer in respect of such a transfer or obligation are excepted from attorney-client privilege, and (iii) the extent to which criminal sanctions apply to a debtor, transferee, obligee, or person who facilitates the making of a transfer or the incurrence of an obligation that is voidable under the Act. Neither the retitling of the Act, nor the consistent use of “voidable” in its text per Comment 4, effects any change in the meaning of the Act, and those amendments should not be construed to affect any of the foregoing matters.

Chapter 10 HOMESTEADS

Sec.

§ 55-1001. Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter:

  1. “Dwelling house” and “mobile home” include manufactured housing.
  2. “Homestead” means and consists of the dwelling house or the mobile home in which the owner resides or intends to reside, with appurtenant buildings, and the land on which the same are situated and by which the same are surrounded, or improved; or unimproved land owned with the intention of placing a house or mobile home thereon and residing thereon. A mobile home may be exempted under this chapter whether or not it is permanently affixed to the underlying land and whether or not the mobile home is placed upon a lot owned by the mobile home owner. Property included in the homestead must be actually intended or used as a principal home for the owner.
  3. “Net value” means market value less all liens and encumbrances.
  4. “Owner” includes, but is not limited to, a purchaser under a deed of trust, mortgage, or contract, or a person who takes the subject property under a life estate.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1001, as added by 1989, ch. 371, § 2, p. 933; am. 2000, ch. 226, § 1, p. 622.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Exemption of property from attachment or levy,§ 11-601 et seq.

Prior Laws.

Former§§ 55-1001 to 55-1008, which comprised 1863, p. 575, §§ 1, 2; reen. 1897, p. 10, § 1; reen 1899, p. 293, § 1; R.S., §§ 3036 to 3042; reen. R.C. & C.L., §§ 3173 to 3180; C.S., §§ 5437 to 5444; am. 1923, ch. 20, § 1, p. 20; I.C.A.,§§ 54-1001 to 54-1008; am. 1984, ch. 53, § 1, p. 93, were repealed by S.L. 1989, ch. 371, § 1.

Effective Dates.

Section 3 of S.L. 2000, ch. 226 provided that the act shall be in full force and effect on and after July 1, 2000.

CASE NOTES

Residence outside of state. Single exemption.

Appliances.

Appliances purchased by Chapter 7 debtors with exempt proceeds from the sale of their old homestead for installation in their new homestead were not exempt under§ 55-1008, because the definition of homestead in subsection (2) does not include fixtures or appliances. In re Cerchione, 398 B.R. 699 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2009).

Lots Used as Single Parcel.

The statutes contain no restriction on the area of the property subject to the homestead, rather, the law utilizes a value limitation in restricting the extent of the exemption and since the unimproved lot physically “surrounds” the improved lot, and the two lots have been utilized by its owner as a single parcel, it is of no consequence that the parcel is legally or physically capable of being divided and sold as two tracts. In re Millsap, 122 Bankr. 577 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1991).

Mobile Home.

A mobile home may be claimed as a homestead exemption in bankruptcy proceedings, but may not be claimed as a personal property exemption. In re Rogers, 225 Bankr. 755 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1998).

Motor Home.

Motor home, purchased with proceeds from debtors’ residence, in which debtors physically reside and intend to continue to reside, qualified for a homestead exemption. In re Peters, 168 Bankr. 710 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1994).

Period Residence.

Although debtor and his family resided only periodically in a particular dwelling, since he did not intend to abandon the residence as his home, and any temporary absences from the residence were occasioned by reasonable causes, the absences were not inconsistent with debtor’s right to the homestead exemption. In re Tiffany, 106 Bankr. 213 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1989).

Principal Home of Owner.

Where debtor claimed cabin as exempt and he did spend considerable time at the cabin, and entertained his family and friends there, his living arrangements elsewhere could be adequately explained as being closer to his workplace and did not show he intended to abandon his residence. In re Millsap, 122 Bankr. 577 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1991).

Debtor attempted to claim an exemption in her joint interest in a mobile home under 11 U.S.C.S. § 522(b)(3)(B); Idaho law permitted the debtor’s creditors to reach her interest in the mobile home because the debtor could not use her mother’s homestead exemption to protect her own interest in the mobile home when she already claimed a homestead exemption in another home where she resided, and the debtor could not circumvent the prohibition against claiming multiple homestead exemptions under subsection (2) of this section. In re Antonie, 447 B.R. 610 (D. Idaho 2011). Bankruptcy debtor improperly claimed a homestead exemption in unimproved real property where, aside from filing declarations of abandonment and homestead, respectively, on her occupied home and the unimproved property, the debtor failed to show that the unimproved property was actually intended as her principal home. Lynn v. Gugino (In re Lynn), 2013 Bankr. LEXIS 5097 (9th Cir. BAP Dec. 2, 2013).

A Chapter 7 debtor who filed a declaration of homestead, pursuant to§ 55-1004, in unimproved land that he owned in Idaho Falls was not precluded from claiming the land as his homestead just because he owned improved property in Roberts at the time he that filed his declaration. However, the court sustained the trustee’s objection to the debtor’s homestead exemption claim, where the declaration of homestead that the debtor filed did not state that he intended to reside on the Idaho Falls property. In re Banta, 2018 Bankr. LEXIS 346 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 8, 2018).

Remainder Interest.

Since a life estate constitutes an adequate ownership interest to establish a homestead under this section, then a fee simple remainder interest, already granted and awaiting only the eventual passing of the life tenant, is also sufficient. The homestead statutes contemplate an ownership interest in property with a corresponding monetary value that a debtor could claim as exempt; the fee simple remainder interest could be sold and thus had a monetary value. In re Thomason, 2013 Bankr. LEXIS 886 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 19, 2013).

Residence Outside of State.

Under 11 U.S.C.S. § 522(b)(3)(A), Chapter 7 debtors who resided in Idaho were required to apply the Idaho homestead exemption,§§ 55-1003, 55-1004, and this section. The debtors could not apply the Idaho homestead exemption to a home located in Washington state and could not apply Washington state homestead law to their case in Idaho. In re Harris, 2010 Bankr. LEXIS 2020 (Bankr. D. Idaho June 23, 2010).

Idaho law does not permit a debtor to claim a homestead exemption on real property located outside of the state. In re Stephens, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 1689 (Bankr. D. Idaho May 10, 2011).

Single Exemption.

This section contemplates only one dwelling, subject to only one homestead claim of exemption, and the land on which it is situated. In re Tiffany, 106 Bankr. 213 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1989).

Tenants.

The fact a tenant is renting a portion of debtor’s property and is living in a mobile home on that property is a material factor in determining the extent of debtor’s homestead, since the tenant could conceivably also declare a homestead exemption on the property under this section. In re Tiffany, 106 Bankr. 213 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1989).

Cited In re Cavanaugh, 175 Bankr. 369 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1994); In re Kline, 350 B.R. 497 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2005); Thorp v. Gugino (In re Thorp), 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71435 (D. Idaho Aug. 12, 2009); In re Capps, 438 B.R. 668 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2010); In re Hassler, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 1880 (Bankr. D. Idaho May 17, 2011); In re Ashton, 2013 Bankr. LEXIS 321 (Bankr. D. Idaho Jan. 18, 2013); In re Johns, 504 B.R. 657 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2014).

Cited
Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-1002. From what property selected.

If the owner is married, the homestead may consist of the community or jointly owned property of the spouses or the separate property of either spouse: Provided, that the same premises may not be claimed separately by the husband and wife with the effect of increasing the net value of the homestead available to the marital community beyond the amount specified in section 55-1003, Idaho Code. When the owner is not married, the homestead may consist of any of his or her property.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1002, as added by 1989, ch. 371, § 2, p. 933.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-1002 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-1001.

CASE NOTES

Cited

In re Kierig, 2000 Bankr. LEXIS 2251 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 10, 2000).

§ 55-1003. Homestead exemption limited.

A homestead may consist of lands, as described in section 55-1001, Idaho Code, regardless of area, but the homestead exemption amount shall not exceed the sum of one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000).

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1003, as added by 1989, ch. 371, § 2, p. 933; am. 1992, ch. 14, § 1, p. 38; am. 2006, ch. 262, § 1, p. 814; am. 2020, ch. 232, § 2, p. 684.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-1003 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-1001.

Amendments.

The 2006 amendment, by ch. 262, substituted “one hundred thousand dollars” for “fifty thousand dollars.”

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 232, substituted “shall not exceed the sum of one hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000)” for “shall not exceed the lesser of (i) the total net value of the lands, mobile home, and improvements as described in section 55-1001, Idaho Code, or (ii) the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).”

Effective Dates.

Section 2 of S.L. 2006, ch. 262 declared an emergency. Approved March 30, 2006.

Section 3 of S.L. 2020, ch. 232 declared an emergency and made the amendments to this section applicable to bankruptcy petitions filed on and after March 23, 2020. Approved March 23, 2020.

CASE NOTES

Bankruptcy.

Where debtor claimed cabin as exempt and he did spend considerable time at the cabin, and entertained his family and friends there, his living arrangements elsewhere could be adequately explained as being closer to his workplace and did not show he intended to abandon his residence. In re Millsap, 122 Bankr. 577 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1991).

Although this section provides for a homestead exemption of up to $30,000 [now $100,000] in value and§ 55-1001 defines a homestead to include a mobile home, where debtor voluntarily gave finance company a security interest in the mobile home, the lien arose from an agreement between the parties rather than through a judgment; because the debtor freely consented to imposition of the lien upon the mobile home, the lien was thus not avoidable under 11 U.S.C.S. § 522(f). In re Jensen, 141 Bankr. 733 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1992). Where bankruptcy debtors were the sole principals of a closely held corporation, and the debtors were the majority owners of a limited liability company (LLC) which purchased real property with a mobile home and leased the property to the corporation, the debtors could not claim a homestead exemption since the property was owned by the LLC rather than the debtors; although the debtors resided in the mobile home, the debtors were merely at-will subtenants of the mobile home under an oral lease with the corporation, and the debtors were precluded from claiming a homestead exemption in the leasehold. In re LaVelle, 350 B.R. 505 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2005).

Chapter 7 debtors were entitled to a $100,000 homestead exemption on their home under construction under§ 55-1008(1) and this section, because, within one year of receipt, they used identifiable funds from the sale of their old homestead to help finance construction of their new homestead. In re Cerchione, 398 B.R. 699 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2009).

Bankruptcy court found no clear or unmistakable act or series of acts indicating a married debtor’s intent to abandon debtor’s homestead because the factors considered by the court evinced the debtor’s intent on the date when the debtor filed for bankruptcy not to abandon the marital home, despite the debtor’s marital problems and temporary job related residence in another state. In re Forshee, 2010 Bankr. LEXIS 3044 (Bankr. D. Idaho Sept. 16, 2010).

Chapter 7 debtor who moved to Idaho, where she lived in an apartment, so that she could continue to be employed by the employer for whom she had worked in Colorado, where she still owned a home in which her mother lived, was not entitled to claim a homestead exemption under this section for the Colorado home. In re Capps, 438 B.R. 668 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2010).

Since a life estate constitutes an adequate ownership interest to establish a homestead under this section, then a fee simple remainder interest, already granted and awaiting only the eventual passing of the life tenant, is also sufficient. The homestead statutes may be applied to any ownership interest in property with a monetary value; because the fee simple remainder interest could be sold, it had a monetary value that a debtor could claim as exempt. In re Thomason, 2013 Bankr. LEXIS 886 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 19, 2013).

Trustee failed to meet his burden of showing that Chapter 7 debtors should not be allowed to include $99,020 in equity that they had in their residence as part of a homestead exemption they claimed under this section. Wife debtor used part of the separate proceeds that husband debtor derived from selling his liquor license to pay down community debt that they owed on their residence after a default judgment had been obtained against them. Although wife converted nonexempt property into exempt property when she made the payment, the evidence did not show that she did so with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud the judgment creditor. In re Halinga, 2013 Bankr. LEXIS 5050 (Bankr. D. Idaho Nov. 27, 2013).

Idaho laws protect debtors’ homestead property, no matter the size or the number of legal parcels, as long as that property is contiguous and used as a whole. In this case, the fact that a house on the middle parcel was rented out did not negate the exemption, since other buildings on that parcel were used in conjunction with the other two. In re Johns, 504 B.R. 657 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2014).

Exemption Denied.

Where the debtors sought to claim a vacant parcel as their homestead, but failed to state in their certificate of homestead of record at the time of their bankruptcy filing that they intended to reside there, the certificate did not meet the strict requirements of§ 55-1004(3) and was defective. In re Taggart, 2009 Bankr. LEXIS 3509 (Bankr. D. Idaho Oct. 27, 2009).

Under 11 U.S.C.S. § 522(b)(3)(A), Chapter 7 debtors who resided in Idaho were required to apply the Idaho homestead exemption,§§ 55-1001, 55-1004, and this section. The debtors could not apply the Idaho homestead exemption to a home located in Washington state and could not apply Washington state homestead law to their case in Idaho. In re Harris, 2010 Bankr. LEXIS 2020 (Bankr. D. Idaho June 23, 2010).

Chapter 7 debtor who owned a trailer, which he used as his residence while he worked in Nevada, was not allowed to exempt the value of the trailer, as his homestead, from his bankruptcy estate, because the trailer was not his principal residence. The debtor rented an apartment in Boise, Idaho, where his wife and daughter lived while he was in Nevada, he returned to Idaho while he was not working in Nevada, he voted in Idaho, paid taxes in Idaho, and licensed all his vehicles (including the trailer) in Idaho. In re Ashton, 2013 Bankr. LEXIS 321 (Bankr. D. Idaho Jan. 18, 2013).

Chapter 13 debtor was not allowed to claim a homestead exemption in a home he used as his residence before he was divorced, because he had not lived in the home for more than six months and he did not show that he intended to reoccupy the home. In re Lugo, 2015 Bankr. LEXIS 2085 (Bankr. D. Idaho June 25, 2015).

Failure to Abandon Original Homestead.

Debtors were not entitled to the validation of their homestead exemption by default; their failure to comply with the requirement of abandoning their original homestead was fatal to their exemption claim under this section. Judgment lien creditors had enforceable claims under 11 U.S.C.S. § 522(f), and one was entitled to relief from the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C.S. § 362(d)(2). In re Gardner, 417 B.R. 616 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2009).

Homestead Outside of State.

Idaho law does not permit a debtor to claim a homestead exemption on real property located outside of the state. In re Stephens, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 1689 (Bankr. D. Idaho May 10, 2011).

Cited

In re Peters, 168 Bankr. 710 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1994); In re Bailey, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 1528 (Bankr. D. Idaho Apr. 26, 2011); In re Hassler, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 1880 (Bankr. D. Idaho May 17, 2011); In re Van Schoiack, 2012 Bankr. LEXIS 295 (Bankr. D. Idaho Jan. 20, 2012); In re Kierig, 2000 Bankr. LEXIS 2251 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 10, 2000).

§ 55-1004. Automatic homestead exemption — Conditions — Declaration of homestead — Declaration of abandonment.

  1. Property described in section 55-1001, Idaho Code, constitutes a homestead and is automatically protected by the exemption described in section 55-1003, Idaho Code, from and after the time the property is occupied as a principal residence by the owner or, if the homestead is unimproved or improved land that is not yet occupied as a homestead, from and after the declaration or declarations required in this section are filed for record or, if the homestead is a mobile home not yet occupied as a homestead and located on land not owned by the owner of the mobile home, from and after delivery of a declaration as described in section 55-1006, Idaho Code.
  2. An owner who selects a homestead from unimproved or improved land that is not yet occupied as a homestead must execute a declaration of homestead and file the same for record in the office of the recorder of the county in which the land is located. However, if the owner also owns another parcel of property on which the owner presently resides or in which the owner claims a homestead, the owner must also execute a declaration of abandonment of homestead on that other property and file the same for record with the recorder of the county in which the land is located.
  3. The declaration of homestead must contain:
    1. A statement that the person making it is residing on the premises or intends to reside thereon and claims the premises as a homestead;
    2. A legal description of the premises; and
    3. An estimate of the premises actual cash value.
  4. The declaration of abandonment must contain:
    1. A statement that a premises occupied as a residence or claimed as a homestead no longer constitutes the owner’s homestead;
    2. A legal description of the premises; and
    3. A statement of the date of abandonment.
  5. The declaration of homestead and declaration of abandonment of homestead must be acknowledged in the same manner as a grant of real property is acknowledged.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1004, as added by 1989, ch. 371, § 2, p. 933.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-1004 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-1001.

CASE NOTES

Acknowledgment.

Because debtors’ homestead declaration does not contain a sufficient acknowledgment, it does not satisfy the clear, statutory requirements to establish a homestead via declaration In re Davis, 2012 Bankr. LEXIS 197 (Bankr. D. Idaho Jan. 17, 2012).

Automatic Homestead.

Where Chapter 7 debtors sought a homestead exemption on their home under construction, the debtors did not qualify for a homestead exemption under subsection (2), because they neither executed nor recorded a declaration of homestead as to the property and because they did not occupy the property as their residence. In re Cerchione, 398 B.R. 699 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2009).

Where a debtor and her husband purchased a property as a married couple and resided there as their principal residence, the property was automatically protected by a homestead exemption under this section, and a creditor’s judgment, which was recorded thereafter, did not attach as a judgment lien pursuant to§ 10-1110. However, when the debtor quitclaimed her interest to her husband and then he later quitclaimed her interest back, the judgment lien attached to her new interest at the same that she reacquired that interest. Because those acts occurred simultaneously, the debtor did not have an ownership interest, or a homestead exemption, prior to the lien affixing, and the property was subject to the judgment lien under§ 55-1005. In re Hassler, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 1880 (Bankr. D. Idaho May 17, 2011).

Declared Homestead.

Debtors failed to establish that they acquired a homestead exemption on real property where they did not actually reside, where they failed to formally declare an abandonment of their automatic homestead on the property where they did reside or to estimate the cash value of the nonresidence, as required by this section. Thorp v. Gugino (In re Thorp), 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 71435 (D. Idaho Aug. 12, 2009).

Even if a Chapter 7 debtor who resided in an apartment in Idaho, where she worked, might otherwise have been entitled to claim a homestead exemption as to a home that she owned in Colorado, her failure to execute and file a declaration of homestead pursuant to this section foreclosed the successful assertion of any such claim in a bankruptcy court. In re Capps, 438 B.R. 668 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2010). Debtors’ vested remainder interest, coupled with their proper filing and recording of a declaration of abandonment of their present residence and a declaration of homestead as to the home in which they had a remainder interest, was adequate to establish a valid homestead exemption under this section. There is no requirement that the debtors reside in the property in order to claim the exemption. In re Thomason, 2013 Bankr. LEXIS 886 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 19, 2013).

Although debtor never established an automatic homestead on his property, he had an ownership interest in the property when he filed his declaration that he intended to occupy the property as a homestead, raising a presumption of a homestead exemption. To overcome that presumption, objectors/creditors carry the initial burden of proof. In re Colafranceschi, 577 B.R. 817 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2017).

Interrupted Occupation.

Chapter 13 debtor was not allowed to claim a homestead exemption in a home he used as his residence before he was divorced, because he had not lived in the home for more than six months and he did not show that he intended to reoccupy the home. In re Lugo, 2015 Bankr. LEXIS 2085 (Bankr. D. Idaho June 25, 2015).

Exemption Denied.

Where the debtors sought to claim a vacant parcel as their homestead pursuant to§ 55-1003, but failed to state in their certificate of homestead of record at the time of their bankruptcy filing that they intended to reside there, the certificate did not meet the strict requirements of this section. In re Taggart, 2009 Bankr. LEXIS 3509 (Bankr. D. Idaho Oct. 27, 2009).

Under 11 U.S.C.S. § 522(b)(3)(A), Chapter 7 debtors who resided in Idaho were required to apply the Idaho homestead exemption,§§ 55-1001, 55-1003, and this section. The debtors could not apply the Idaho homestead exemption to a home located in Washington state and could not apply Washington state homestead law to their case in Idaho. In re Harris, 2010 Bankr. LEXIS 2020 (Bankr. D. Idaho June 23, 2010).

Chapter 7 debtor who owned a trailer, which he used as his residence while he worked in Nevada, was not allowed to exempt the value of the trailer, as his homestead, from his bankruptcy estate, because the trailer was not his principal residence. The debtor rented an apartment in Boise, Idaho, where his wife and daughter lived while he was in Nevada, he returned to Idaho while he was not working in Nevada, he voted in Idaho, paid taxes in Idaho, and licensed all his vehicles (including the trailer) in Idaho. In re Ashton, 2013 Bankr. LEXIS 321 (Bankr. D. Idaho Jan. 18, 2013).

Bankruptcy debtor improperly claimed a homestead exemption in unimproved real property where, aside from filing declarations of abandonment and homestead, respectively, on her occupied home and the unimproved property, the debtor failed to show that the unimproved property was actually intended as her principal home. Lynn v. Gugino (In re Lynn), 2013 Bankr. LEXIS 5097 (9th Cir. BAP Dec. 2, 2013).

Failure to Abandon Original Homestead.

A Chapter 7 debtor who filed a declaration of homestead, pursuant to this section, in unimproved land that he owned in Idaho Falls was not precluded from claiming the land as his homestead just because he owned improved property in Roberts at the time he that filed his declaration. However, the court sustained the trustee’s objection to the debtor’s homestead exemption claim, where the declaration of homestead that the debtor filed did not state that he intended to reside on the Idaho Falls property. In re Banta, 2018 Bankr. LEXIS 346 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 8, 2018). Failure to Abandon Original Homestead.

Debtors were not entitled to the validation of their homestead exemption by default; their failure to comply with the requirement of abandoning their original homestead was fatal to their exemption claim In re Gardner, 417 B.R. 616 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2009).

If an owner with a valid exemption by declaration later wishes to take advantage of the “automatic” homestead in a newly established principal residence, he must first record a declaration of abandonment as to his homestead by declaration. Otherwise, lest the public be misled, the homestead by declaration continues in effect, and the second exemption is not established. In re Davis, 2012 Bankr. LEXIS 197 (Bankr. D. Idaho Jan. 17, 2012).

When debtors recorded their homestead declaration in 2000 for property that they owned in Shoup, they owned and occupied property in Monteview. While they recorded the homestead declaration, they did not record a declaration of abandonment for the Monteview property. Thus, they did not meet the specific technical requirements of this section and did not establish an exemption by declaration in the Shoup Property. In re Davis, 2012 Bankr. LEXIS 197 (Bankr. D. Idaho Jan. 17, 2012).

Homestead Outside of State.

Idaho law does not permit a debtor to claim a homestead exemption on real property located outside of the state. In re Stephens, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 1689 (Bankr. D. Idaho May 10, 2011).

Interrupted Occupation.

Where the debtors resided in a residence before a lien attached and before moving to another town for six months, the homestead exemption was established in the property from and after the time they occupied it as their principal residence, unless they later abandoned or lost it. In re Koopal, 226 Bankr. 888 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1998).

Lien Subject to Exemption.

Where the court found that debtor occupied property claimed in homestead exemption in the sense contemplated by the statute, as an occupant, the homestead exemption automatically came into existence when the new statute became effective on July 1, 1989; a judgment lien not legally effective until recorded on July 5, 1989, was subordinate and subject to debtor’s homestead exemption claim. In re Millsap, 122 Bankr. 577 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1991).

Motor Home.

Motor home, purchased with proceeds from debtors’ residence, in which debtors physically reside and intend to continue to reside, qualified for a homestead exemption. In re Peters, 168 Bankr. 710 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1994).

Residential Requirement.

Since a life estate constitutes an adequate ownership interest to establish a homestead under this section, then a fee simple remainder interest, already granted and awaiting only the eventual passing of the life tenant, is also sufficient. There is no requirement that the debtors currently reside in the property for which they are requesting the homestead exemption. In re Thomason, 2013 Bankr. LEXIS 886 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 19, 2013). Bankruptcy debtors were entitled to an exemption in their homestead, even though one of two dwellings on the homestead property was rented by tenants, since there was no restriction on what sort of additional buildings or improvements were permitted on the homestead. In re Egbert, 2000 Bankr. LEXIS 2227 (Bankr. D. Idaho June 13, 2000).

Termination of Exemption.

There are several ways in which an established homestead exemption may terminate. First, a property owner may file a declaration of abandonment of homestead with the county recorder where a homestead is located. Second, a presumption of abandonment arises if a property owner vacates a homestead for a continuous period of at least six months, and does not record a declaration of nonabandonment. Third, where a debtor claims a homestead exemption in property in which he is residing, Idaho’s statutes limit the exemption to his principal residence. In re Davis, 2012 Bankr. LEXIS 197 (Bankr. D. Idaho Jan. 17, 2012).

Cited

In re Cavanaugh, 175 Bankr. 369 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1994); In re Forshee, 2010 Bankr. LEXIS 3044 (Bankr. D. Idaho Sept. 16, 2010); In re Kierig, 2000 Bankr. LEXIS 2251 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 10, 2000).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

A.L.R.

Reduction, under § 522(o) of Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C.S. § 522(o), of value of interest in property claimed by debtor as homestead. 48 A.L.R. Fed 2d 569.

Construction and application of Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act’s (BAPCPA) limitation of homestead exemption, 11 U.S.C.S. § 522(p). 52 A.L.R. Fed 2d 541.

§ 55-1005. To what judgments subject.

The homestead is subject to execution or forced sale in satisfaction of judgments obtained:

  1. Before the homestead was in effect, and which constitute liens upon the premises; or in an action in which an attachment was levied upon the premises before the homestead became effective.
  2. On debts secured by mechanic’s, laborer’s or vendor’s lien upon the premises.
  3. On debts secured by mortgages, deeds of trust or other consensual liens upon the premises, executed and acknowledged by the husband and wife or by an unmarried claimant.
  4. On debts secured by mortgages, deeds of trust or other consensual liens upon the premises, executed and recorded before the homestead became effective.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1005, as added by 1989, ch. 371, § 2, p. 933.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-1005 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-1001.

CASE NOTES

Recordation of Mortgage.

Where a mortgage was recorded in 1979, prior to the homestead declaration in 1982, the homestead exemption was not superior to the mortgage which had been filed of record prior to the declaration of homestead. Federal Land Bank v. Parsons, 118 Idaho 324, 796 P.2d 533 (Ct. App. 1990).

Where creditor recorded a judgment in the county recorder’s office in July 2010, a judgment lien in favor of the creditor would attach to all of debtor’s after-acquired property in that county until the judgment is satisfied or lapses. When debtor purchased a home in the county in September 2010, creditor’s lien affixed to the property immediately. Thus, although debtor filed a homestead declaration two days later, the property was not exempt from execution because of the priority of the judgment lien. In re Bailey, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 1528 (Bankr. D. Idaho Apr. 26, 2011).

Timing of lien.
Cited

Where a debtor and her husband purchased a property as a married couple and resided there as their principal residence, the property was automatically protected by a homestead exemption under§ 55-1004, and a creditor’s judgment, which was recorded thereafter, did not attach as a judgment lien pursuant to§ 10-1110. However, when the debtor quitclaimed her interest to her husband and then he later quitclaimed her interest back, the judgment lien attached to her new interest at the same that she reacquired that interest. Because those acts occurred simultaneously, the debtor did not have an ownership interest, or a homestead exemption, prior to the lien affixing, and the property was subject to the judgment lien under this section. In re Hassler, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 1880 (Bankr. D. Idaho May 17, 2011). Cited University of Utah Hosp. ex rel. Scarberry v. Board of County Comm’rs, 116 Idaho 434, 776 P.2d 443 (1989).

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

Absent collusion between the creditor and a spouse who is the sole signer on a promissory note, the non-obligated spouse’s signature on a deed of trust or mortgage should be sufficient to make the real property available to satisfy a secured loan in the event of default.OAG 05-1.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

A.L.R.

Reduction, under § 522(o) of Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C.S. § 522(o), of value of interest in property claimed by debtor as homestead. 48 A.L.R. Fed 2d 569.

Construction and application of Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act’s (BAPCPA) limitation of homestead exemption, 11 U.S.C.S. § 522(p). 52 A.L.R. Fed 2d 541.

§ 55-1006. Presumption of abandonment — Declaration of nonabandonment.

A homestead is presumed abandoned if the owner vacates the property for a continuous period of at least six (6) months. However, if an owner is going to be absent from the homestead for more than six (6) months but does not intend to abandon the homestead, and has no other principal residence, the owner may execute and acknowledge, in the same manner as a grant of real property is acknowledged, a declaration of nonabandonment of homestead and file the declaration for record in the office of the recorder of the county in which the property is situated. The declaration of nonabandonment of homestead must contain:

  1. A statement that the owner claims the property as a homestead, that the owner intends to occupy the property in the future, and that the owner claims no other property as a homestead;
  2. A statement of where the owner will be residing while absent from the homestead property, the estimated duration of the owner’s absence, and the reason for the absence; and
  3. A legal description of the homestead property.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1006, as added by 1989, ch. 371, § 2, p. 933.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-1006 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-1001.

CASE NOTES

Abandonment.

Because the debtor moved from Idaho to Utah around October 1, 2009, and filed a bankruptcy petition on December 22, 2009, the statutory presumption of abandonment under this section did not apply. However, an absence of any length, presuming the debtor intended to make another residence his principal residence and to abandon a previous one, could have constituted an abandonment. In re Forshee, 2010 Bankr. LEXIS 3044 (Bankr. D. Idaho Sept. 16, 2010).

Chapter 7 debtor who resided in an apartment in Idaho, where she worked, visiting her “permanent residence” in Colorado every six months, was not entitled to exempt her interest in the Colorado property as her homestead given the presumption, albeit rebuttable, created by this section, that absence from a residence for six months or more constituted “abandonment” of such a purported homestead. In re Capps, 438 B.R. 668 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2010). The factors a court will consider when determining whether a homestead has been abandoned include: 1) whether there is evidence of the debtor’s actual intent to abandon the homestead; 2) whether the debtor asserted the homestead exemption in the bankruptcy schedules, suggesting an intent not to abandon; and 3) whether the debtor’s current residence is in the nature of a short-term rental. In re Marcovitz, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 4132 (Bankr. D. Idaho Oct. 25, 2011).

Bankruptcy.

Where debtor claimed cabin as exempt and he did spend considerable time at the cabin, and entertained his family and friends there, his living arrangements elsewhere could be adequately explained as being closer to his workplace and did not show he intended to abandon his residence. In re Millsap, 122 Bankr. 577 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1991).

Where prior to filing their bankruptcy petition, debtors did not live in the residence for a continuous period of over six months and their declaration of nonabandonment was filed over six months after they ceased to reside in the residence, where they did not file their declaration until after they filed their bankruptcy petition, and at the time they filed their declaration, the residence was the property of the estate and not property of the debtors, and where it was thus questionable whether they had standing to file the declaration and they did not file their declaration until after the creditor filed its objection to their claim of homestead, this section applied and the debtors were presumed to have abandoned the homestead. In re Cavanaugh, 175 Bankr. 369 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1994).

Declaration of Nonabandonment.

Nonabandonment declaration filed by debtor was not only unnecessary, it had no effect on the existence or nonexistence of a homestead exemption in the property, because the evidence did not establish that debtor, at any time, created a homestead in the property by virtue of his occupation of it as a principal residence. In re Colafranceschi, 577 B.R. 817 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2017).

Homestead Outside of State.

Idaho law does not permit a debtor to claim a homestead exemption on real property located outside of the state. In re Stephens, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 1689 (Bankr. D. Idaho May 10, 2011).

Lots Used as Single Parcel.

The statutes contain no restriction on the area of the property subject to the homestead, rather, the law utilizes a value limitation in restricting the extent of the exemption and since the unimproved lot physically “surrounds” the improved lot, and the two lots have been utilized by its owner as a single parcel, it is of no consequence that the parcel is legally or physically capable of being divided and sold as two tracts. In re Millsap, 122 Bankr. 577 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1991).

Rebuttal of Presumption.

There is no indication in this section that the presumption of nonabandonment of a homestead is irrebuttable. In re Cavanaugh, 175 Bankr. 369 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1994).

Where there was no indication that creditors relied upon the presumption of nonabandonment of a homestead in allowing debtors to become indebted to them, where debtors’ declaration of nonabandonment failed and debtors were deemed to have abandoned the homestead, where evidence showed that the debtors executed a contract to sell the residence and, pursuant to the contract, debtors vacated the property and the buyers moved in prior to closing but the sale fell through, where debtors never established another homestead, and where after the sale fell through, the buyers refused to vacate the premises, whereupon debtors immediately took steps to have the buyers evicted and debtors subsequently reoccupied the residence, such evidence was sufficient to show debtors did not intend to abandon the residence as a homestead to rebut the presumption of abandonment of a homestead. In re Cavanaugh, 175 Bankr. 369 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1994).

Where testimony reflected that the debtors did not give any thought one way or the other as to abandonment of the homestead property when hope of employment elsewhere led them to move to a temporary, rented, residence, it was sufficient to rebut the presumption of abandonment. In re Koopal, 226 Bankr. 888 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1998).

Debtor had an automatic homestead under§ 55-1004(a) because she owned and resided in her house for several years, but the property was presumed abandoned under this section, when she vacated it under a state court order that was issued pursuant to a divorce. However, she rebutted the presumption of abandonment, as there was no indication that she actually intended to abandon her homestead exemption, she amended her bankruptcy schedules to assert the homestead exemption, and she indicated that she intended to move back into the house until it was sold. In re Marcovitz, 2011 Bankr. LEXIS 4132 (Bankr. D. Idaho Oct. 25, 2011).

§ 55-1007. Conveyance or encumbrance by husband and wife.

The homestead of a married person cannot be conveyed or encumbered unless the instrument by which it is conveyed or encumbered is executed and acknowledged by both husband and wife, except that a husband or a wife or both jointly may make and execute powers of attorney for the conveyance or encumbrance of the homestead.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1007, as added by 1989, ch. 371, § 2, p. 933.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-1007 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-1001.

CASE NOTES

Execution by One Spouse.

Where debtors’ testimony did not prove that they had entered into a common law marriage prior to 1996, when the Idaho legislature prohibited such relationships, the chapter 7 trustee could not avoid deeds of trust executed only by the putative husband. Hopkins v. Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. (In re Nakamura), 2008 Bankr. LEXIS 4854 (Bankr. D. Idaho Jan. 22, 2008).

§ 55-1008. Homestead exempt from execution — When presumed valid.

  1. Except as provided in section 55-1005, Idaho Code, the homestead is exempt from attachment and from execution or forced sale for the debts of the owner up to the amount specified in section 55-1003, Idaho Code. The proceeds of the voluntary sale of the homestead in good faith for the purpose of acquiring a new homestead, and proceeds from insurance covering destruction of homestead property held for use in restoring or replacing the homestead property, up to the amount specified in section 55-1003, Idaho Code, shall likewise be exempt for one (1) year from receipt, and also such new homestead acquired with such proceeds.
  2. Every homestead created under this chapter is presumed to be valid to the extent of all the property claimed exempt, until the validity thereof is contested in a court of general jurisdiction in the county in which the homestead is situated.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1008, as added by 1989, ch. 371, § 2, p. 933.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-1008 was repealed. See Prior Laws,§ 55-1001.

CASE NOTES

Construction.

The statute clearly states that the terms “attachment,” “execution” and “forced sale” involve judicial proceedings, and by no stretch of its plain language can it be deemed to include a voluntary, contractual right of setoff. Lares v. West One Bank, 188 F.3d 1166 (9th Cir. 1999).

Proceeds of Voluntary Sale.

Although this section exempts the proceeds of the voluntary sale of a homestead for one year from receipt, where at time bankruptcy case was reopened and the adversary proceeding to avoid judicial liens commenced, the proceeds from the sale of mobile home had already been disbursed to the lien creditors, and the liens extinguished, debtors had no interest in the proceeds at that time and, therefore, had no right to avoid any liens. In re Kudrna, 173 Bankr. 934 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1994).

Bankruptcy court found that a debtor who lived two to three days a week in a house he owned, and the rest of the time at his fianc/Aee’s house, did not intend to abandon the house he owned until he sold it, and it allowed the debtor to claim $79,916 he received from the sale of the house as exempt property derived from the sale of a homestead. In re Younger, 373 B.R. 111 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2007). Chapter 7 debtors were entitled to a $100,000 homestead exemption on their home under construction under§ 55-1003 and this section, because, within one year of receipt, they used identifiable funds from the sale of their old homestead to help finance construction of the new homestead. In re Cerchione, 398 B.R. 699 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2009).

Appliances purchased by Chapter 7 debtors with exempt proceeds from the sale of their old homestead for installation in their new homestead were not exempt under this section, because the definition of homestead in§ 55-1001(2) does not include fixtures or appliances. In re Cerchione, 398 B.R. 699 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2009).

Although this section did not provide for equitable tolling of the one-year period for reinvesting proceeds from a sale of a homestead, it was applied where a debtor did not have unrestricted access to the proceeds, first because of a divorce action, then because of the automatic stay, and then because a trustee’s objection to the debtor’s claim of exemption in the sale proceeds was filed. In re Marriott, 427 B.R. 887 (Bankr. D. Idaho 2010).

While debtor had an initially valid claim to an exemption under this statute for payments she received in divorce proceedings, for her interest in a homestead, because she commingled and spent some of the funds, the debtor did not handle and treat the funds in such a manner as to preserve a valid claim of the exemption. In re Kierig, 2000 Bankr. LEXIS 2251 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 10, 2000).

Proceeds from the voluntary sale of a home may only be claimed exempt if they are held for the purpose of acquiring a new homestead. If the proceeds are to be used for any other purpose, they may not be validly claimed as exempt. In re Kierig, 2000 Bankr. LEXIS 2251 (Bankr. D. Idaho Feb. 10, 2000).

Cited

In re Tiffany, 106 Bankr. 213 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1989).

§ 55-1009. Judgment against homestead owner — Lien on excess value of homestead property.

A judgment against the owner of a homestead shall become a lien on the value of the homestead property in excess of the homestead exemption from the time the judgment creditor records the judgment with the recorder of the county where the property is located.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1009, as added by 1989, ch. 371, § 2, p. 933.

§ 55-1010. Liability for debts of owner.

The homestead shall not be held liable for the debts of the owner, except as provided in this title or in section 56-218, Idaho Code.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1010, as added by 2004, ch. 131, § 2, p. 450.

STATUTORY NOTES

Prior Laws.

Former section which comprised I.C.,§ 55-1010, as added by 1989, ch. 371, § 2, p. 933; am. 1992, ch. 67, § 1, p. 201; am. 2000, ch. 226, § 2, p. 622, was repealed by S.L. 2004, ch. 123, § 5 and ch. 131, § 1.

§ 55-1011. Exemption of pension money and retirement or profit-sharing benefits from legal processes.

  1. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, any money or other assets payable to a participant or beneficiary from or any interest of any participant or beneficiary in, a retirement or profit-sharing plan that is qualified under sections 401(a), 403(a), 403(b), 408, 408A or 409 of the internal revenue code, as amended, is exempt from all claims of judgment creditors of the beneficiary or participant arising out of a negligent or otherwise wrongful act or omission of the beneficiary or participant resulting in monetary damages to the judgment creditor. The exemption provided by this subsection shall be in addition to that provided in this chapter.
  2. Any plan or arrangement described in subsection (1) of this section is not exempt from the claims of an alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order. However, the interest of any alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order is exempt from all claims of any creditor, other than the department of health and welfare, or the alternate payee. As used in this subsection, the terms “alternate payee” and “qualified domestic relations order” have the meanings ascribed to them in section 414(p) of the internal revenue code of 1986.
  3. The provisions of subsection (1) of this section apply to any proceeding that is filed on or after July 1, 1988.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1201A, as added by 1988, ch. 358, § 1, p. 1060; am. and redesig. 1989, ch. 371, § 3, p. 933; am. 1999, ch. 337, § 1, p. 915.

STATUTORY NOTES

Federal References.

Sections 401(a), 403(a), 403(b), 408, 408A, 409, and 414(p) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsections (1) and (2), are compiled as 26 U.S.C.S. §§ 401(1), 403(a), 403(b), 408, 408A, 409, and 414(p).

Compiler’s Notes.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-1201A.

Chapter 11 SALE OF HOMESTEAD ON EXECUTION

Sec.

§ 55-1101. Execution against homestead.

When an execution for the enforcement of a judgment, obtained in a case not within the classes before enumerated, is levied upon the homestead, the judgment creditor may apply to the district court of the county in which the homestead is situated for the appointment of persons to appraise the value thereof.

History.

1863, p. 575, § 3; R.S., § 3043; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3181; C.S., § 5445; I.C.A.,§ 54-1101; am. 2012, ch. 20, § 25, p. 66.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Homestead, general provisions,§ 55-1001 et seq.

Amendments.

The 2012 amendment, by ch. 20, substituted “district court” for “probate judge”.

Compiler’s Notes.

The phrase “within the classes before enumerated” refers to provisions originally enacted by S.L. 1863, p. 575, §§ 1 and 2, which were eventually compiled as§§ 55-1001 to 55-1008 and which were repealed by S.L. 1989, ch. 371, § 1.

CASE NOTES

Jurisdiction of Bankruptcy Court.

Where bankruptcy proceedings were begun before sale of homestead, bankruptcy court acquired jurisdiction to determine time and manner of setting aside homestead. Bank of Nez Perce v. Pindel, 193 F. 917 (9th Cir. 1912).

Where bankrupt’s homestead was worth $9,000, property should be sold if he were unable or refused to pay the $4,000 surplus to the estate. Bank of Nez Perce v. Pindel, 193 F. 917 (9th Cir. 1912) (decided under $5000 homestead limit).

Cited

Roark v. Koelsch, 62 Idaho 626, 115 P.2d 95 (1941).

§ 55-1102. Application for appraisement.

The application must be made upon a verified petition, showing:

  1. The fact that an execution has been levied upon the homestead.
  2. The name of the claimant.
  3. That the value of the homestead exceeds the amount of the homestead exemption.
History.

1863, p. 575, § 3; R.S., § 3044; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3182; C.S., § 5446; I.C.A.,§ 54-1102.

§ 55-1103. Filing of application.

The petition must be filed with the clerk of the district court.

History.

R.S., § 3045; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3183; C.S., § 5447; I.C.A.,§ 54-1103; am. 2012, ch. 20, § 26, p. 66.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2012 amendment, by ch. 20, substituted “district court” for “probate court”.

§ 55-1104. Notice of hearing.

A copy of the petition, with a notice of the time and place of hearing, must be served upon the claimant at least two (2) days before the hearing.

History.

R.S., § 3046; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3184; C.S., § 5448; I.C.A.,§ 54-1104.

§ 55-1105. Appointment of appraisers.

At the hearing the judge may, upon proof of the service of a copy of the petition and notice, and of the facts stated in the petition, appoint three (3) disinterested residents of the county to appraise the value of the homestead.

History.

1863, p. 575, § 3; R.S., § 3047; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3185; C.S., § 5449; I.C.A.,§ 54-1105.

§ 55-1106. Oath of appraisers.

The persons appointed, before entering upon the performance of their duties, must take an oath to faithfully perform the same.

History.

R.S., § 3048; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3186; C.S., § 5450; I.C.A.,§ 54-1106.

CASE NOTES

Cited

In re Smith, 366 F. Supp. 1213 (D. Idaho 1973).

§ 55-1107. Appraisal.

They must view the premises and appraise the value thereof, and if the appraised value exceeds the homestead exemption, they must determine whether the land claimed can be divided without material injury.

History.

1863, p. 575, § 3; R.S., § 3049; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3187; C.S., § 5451; I.C.A.,§ 54-1107.

CASE NOTES

Cited

In re Smith, 366 F. Supp. 1213 (D. Idaho 1973).

§ 55-1108. Report of appraisers.

Within ten (10) days after their appointment they must make to the judge a report in writing, which report must show the appraised value and their determination upon the matter of a division of the land claimed.

History.

1863, p. 575, § 3; R.S., § 3050; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3188; C.S., § 5452; I.C.A.,§ 54-1108.

§ 55-1109. Order setting aside exempt portion.

If, from the report, it appears to the judge that the land claimed can be divided without material injury, he must, by an order, direct the appraisers to set off to the claimant so much of the land, including the residence, as will amount in value to the homestead exemption, and the execution may be enforced against the remainder of the land.

History.

1863, p. 575, § 3; R.S., § 3051; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3189; C.S., § 5453; I.C.A.,§ 54-1109.

§ 55-1110. Order for sale of premises.

If, from the report, it appear to the judge that the land claimed exceeds in value the amount of the homestead exemption, and that it cannot be divided, he must make an order directing its sale under the execution.

History.

1863, p. 575, § 3; R.S., § 3052; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3190; C.S., § 5454; I.C.A.,§ 54-1110.

CASE NOTES

Jurisdiction of Bankruptcy Court.

Where bankruptcy proceedings were begun before sale of homestead, bankruptcy court acquired jurisdiction to determine time and manner of setting aside homestead. Bank of Nez Perce v. Pindel, 193 F. 917 (9th Cir. 1912).

Where bankrupt’s homestead was worth $9000, property should be sold if he were unable or refused to pay the $4000 surplus to the estate. Bank of Nez Perce v. Pindel, 193 F. 917 (9th Cir. 1912) (decided under $5000 homestead limit).

§ 55-1111. Bid must exceed exemption.

At such sale no bid must be received unless it exceeds the amount of the homestead exemption.

History.

1863, p. 575, § 3; R.S., § 3053; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3191; C.S., § 5455; I.C.A.,§ 54-1111.

§ 55-1112. Disposal of proceeds of sale.

If the sale is made, the proceeds thereof, to the amount of the homestead exemption, must be paid to the claimant, and the balance applied to the satisfaction of the execution.

History.

1863, p. 575, § 3; R.S., § 3054; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3192; C.S., § 5456; I.C.A.,§ 54-1112.

§ 55-1113. Exemption of proceeds of sale.

The money paid to the claimant is entitled, for the period of six (6) months thereafter, to the same protection against legal process and the voluntary disposition of the husband, which the law gives to the homestead.

History.

1863, p. 575, § 3; R.S., § 3055; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3193; C.S., § 5457; I.C.A.,§ 54-1113.

CASE NOTES

Ability to Acquire Homestead.

The filing of a complaint for turnover does not “freeze” homestead proceeds so as to render a debtor unable to purchase a replacement homestead. If the funds remain in the hands of the debtor, he is not inhibited from acquiring a homestead any more than he would be in the absence of the turnover action. Trustee Servs. Corp. v. Deglopper, 53 Bankr. 95 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1985).

Intent to Establish Homestead.

A debtor’s homestead exemption did not extend to the value of an automobile and ring allegedly purchased by a third person for the debtor with proceeds from the sale of the debtor’s homestead, where such purchase demonstrated that the debtor did not intend to use those proceeds to establish a new homestead. Trustee Servs. Corp. v. Deglopper, 53 Bankr. 95 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1985).

Where the debtor’s use of about 60 percent of the money from the sale of her homestead for the purchase of nonexempt goods reflected a general lack of concern on her part as to establishing a second homestead, the remaining cash proceeds in her possession were also nonexempt. Trustee Servs. Corp. v. Deglopper, 53 Bankr. 95 (Bankr. D. Idaho 1985).

§ 55-1114. Compensation of appraisers.

The court must fix the compensation of the appraisers, not to exceed five dollars ($5.00) per day each for the time actually engaged.

History.

R.S., § 3056; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3194; C.S., § 5458; I.C.A.,§ 54-1114.

§ 55-1115. Costs of proceedings.

The execution creditor must pay the costs of these proceedings in the first instance; but if the appraised value exceeds the homestead exemption the amount so paid must be added as costs on execution, and collected accordingly.

History.

R.S., § 3057; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3195; C.S., § 5459; I.C.A.,§ 54-1115.

Chapter 12 HOMESTEADS OF HEADS OF FAMILIES

Sec.

§ 55-1201. Value of homestead. [Repealed.]

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

This section, which comprised 1863, p. 575, § 1; R.S., § 3058; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 3196; C.S., § 5460; I.C.A.,§ 54-1201; am. 1953, ch. 10, § 1, p. 11; am. 1963, ch. 31, § 1, p. 174; am. 1979, ch. 296, § 1, p. 779; am. 1984, ch. 234, § 1, p. 563, was repealed by S.L. 1989, ch. 371, § 1. For present law, see§§ 55-1001 to 55-1011.

§ 55-1201A. [Amended and Redesignated.]

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

Former§ 55-1201A was amended and redesignated as§ 55-1011 by § 3 of S.L. 1989, ch. 371.

§ 55-1202 — 55-1206. Head of family — Mode of selection — Declaration — Devolution after death. [Repealed.]

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

These sections, which comprised 1863, p. 575, § 4; R.S., §§ 3059, 3070 to 3073; reen. R.C. & C.L., §§ 3197 to 3201; C.S., §§ 5461 to 5465; I.C.A.,§§ 54-1202 to 54-1206, were repealed by S.L. 1989, ch. 371, § 1. For present law, see§§ 55-1001 to 55-1011.

Chapter 13 HOMESTEADS OF PERSONS OTHER THAN HEADS OF FAMILIES

Sec.

§ 55-1301 — 55-1304. Mode of selection — Declaration — Effect. [Repealed.]

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

These sections, which comprised R.S., §§ 3085 to 3088; reen. R.C. & C.L., §§ 3202 to 3205; C.S., §§ 5466 to 5469; I.C.A.,§§ 54-1301 to 54-1304, were repealed by S.L. 1989, ch. 371, § 1. For present law, see§§ 55-1001 to 55-1011.

Chapter 14 UNCLAIMED PROPERTY

Sec.

§ 55-1401. Property held for charges.

When any goods, merchandise or other property has been received by any railroad or express company, or other common carrier, commission merchant, innkeeper or warehouseman for transportation or safekeeping, and is not delivered to the owner, consignee or other authorized person, the carrier, commission merchant, innkeeper or warehouseman may hold or store the same with some responsible person, until the freight and all just and reasonable charges are paid.

History.

R.S., § 1160; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 1546; C.S., § 2582; I.C.A.,§ 54-1401.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Disposition of unclaimed property,§ 14-501 et seq.

§ 55-1402. Sale of unclaimed property.

If no person calls for the property within four (4) months from the receipt thereof and pays freight and charges thereon, the carrier, commission merchant, innkeeper or warehouseman may sell such property, or so much thereof as will pay freight and charges, at auction to the highest bidder, first having given twenty (20) days’ notice of the time and place of sale, to the owner, consignee or consignor, when known, and by advertisement in a daily paper ten (10) days (or if in a weekly paper, four (4) weeks), published where such sale is to take place; and if any surplus is left, after paying freight, storage, cost of advertising and other reasonable charges, the same must be paid over to the owner of such property at any time thereafter, upon demand being made therefor within sixty (60) days after the sale.

History.

R.S., § 1161; compiled and reen. R.C. & C.L., § 1547; C.S., § 2583; I.C.A.,§ 54-1402.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The words enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

§ 55-1403. Disposition of proceeds.

If the owner or his agent fails to demand such surplus within sixty (60) days of the time of such sale, then it must be paid into the county treasury, subject to the order of the owner.

History.

R.S., § 1162; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 1548; C.S., § 2584; I.C.A.,§ 54-1403.

§ 55-1404. Recovery of charges advanced.

When any commission merchant or warehouseman receives, on consignment, produce, merchandise or other property, and makes advances thereon for freight and charges, he may, if the same is not paid to him within four (4) months from the date of such advances, cause the produce, merchandise or property on which the advances were made, to be advertised and sold as provided herein.

History.

R.S., § 1163; reen. R.C. & C.L., § 1549; C.S., § 2585; I.C.A.,§ 54-1404.

Chapter 15 CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY ACT

Sec.

§ 55-1501. Short title.

This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Condominium Property Act.”

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 1, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Fairway Dev. Co. v. Bannock County, 113 Idaho 933, 750 P.2d 954 (1988).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

Adequacy and application of guidelines relating to condominium association’s requisite approval of individual unit of owner’s improvements or decorations. 25 A.L.R.4th 1059.

Validity and construction of condominium bylaws or regulations placing special regulations, burdens, or restrictions on nonresident owners. 76 A.L.R.4th 295.

Property taxation of residential time-share or interval-ownership units. 80 A.L.R.4th 950.

§ 55-1502. Purpose — Public policy.

Whereas, the availability of more adequate financing for construction, land development and improvement, and business expansion is beneficial and advantageous to the development of the state of Idaho and in the public interest, and, whereas, the condominium estate is a concept of holding property, which concept should be clarified in the state of Idaho to permit and facilitate the construction and development of condominiums and condominium projects, together with the financing of the same;

Now, therefore, the condominium estate in property is hereby declared to be a lawful estate in property and consistent with the public policy of the state of Idaho.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 2, p. 515.

CASE NOTES

Assessment.

A developer’s filing of a declaration of condominium for the apartment complex triggered a new classification of its property, a discrete classification which rendered adjusted assessment on the basis of the altered classification constitutionally valid. Fairway Dev. Co. v. Bannock County, 113 Idaho 933, 750 P.2d 954 (1988).

Cited

Investors Ltd. v. Sun Mt. Condominiums Phase I, Inc., 106 Idaho 855, 683 P.2d 891 (Ct. App. 1984).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-1503. Definitions.

As used in this act unless the context otherwise requires:

  1. “Condominium” means an estate in property as defined in section 55-101B, Idaho Code, as amended.
  2. “Project” means the entirety of the property divided or to be divided into condominiums.
  3. “Property” means the land described in the declaration recorded pursuant to section 55-1505, together with every building, improvement or structure thereon, and every easement or right appurtenant thereto, and all personal property intended for use in connection therewith or for the use, benefit or enjoyment of the condominium owners.
  4. “Unit” means the separate interest in a condominium.
  5. “Common area” means the entire project excepting all units.
  6. “Management body” means any person or persons managing a project, and includes the condominium owners acting themselves, a corporation or association of which the owners are members or stockholders, a board of governors or directors elected by the owners, or a management agent selected by the owners, by the corporation or association, or by the board, or named in the declaration.
  7. “Limited common areas” mean those common areas and facilities designated in the declaration for use of a certain condominium owner or owners to the exclusion, limitation or restriction of others.
  8. “Person” means any individual or any corporation, joint venture, limited partnership, partnership, firm, association, trustee or other similar entity or organization.
    1. a plat or survey map of the surface of the ground included within the project,
    2. diagrammatic floor plans of the building or buildings built or to be built thereon in sufficient detail to identify each unit, its relative location and approximate dimensions, showing elevations where multi-level or multi-story structures are diagramed, and
    3. a certificate consenting to the recordation of such documents pursuant to this act, executed and acknowledged by the record owner and the holder of any recorded security interest in such property. A condominium project is created if there has been substantial compliance in good faith with the provisions of this section.
History.

1965, ch. 225, § 3, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Investors Ltd. v. Sun Mt. Condominiums, Phase I, Inc., 106 Idaho 855, 683 P.2d 891 (Ct. App. 1984).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-1504. Requirements to qualify.

The requirements of this act shall apply to condominiums only (a) if there shall be recorded in the county in which such condominiums are located or to be located a declaration, as provided in this act, together with a plat or plats, and (b) if said documents, or either of them, contain an expression of intent to create a project which is subject to the provisions of this act, and (c) if at least one (1) of such documents contains:

The declaration and the plat or plats may, prior to the first sale of a condominium, be amended or revoked by a subsequently recorded instrument executed and acknowledged by the then record owner and the then holder of any recorded security interest in such property. Until such recordation of such a revocation, the provisions of this act shall continue to apply to such property. The term “record owner” as used in this section means the owner or owners of the property; or, in the case of property held under a recorded lease, the lessee; or, in the case of property held under a recorded sublease of such a lease, the sublessee; or, in the case of property held under a recorded assignment of such a lease or such a sublease, the assignee, but does not include holders or owners of unrecorded interests, or mineral interests, of easements or of rights of way.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 4, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

CASE NOTES

Applicability.

Reliance by owners and building associations on the condominium property act for the proposition that they were entitled to fee simple ownership of certain disputed properties was misplaced because the covenants, conditions, and restrictions for the development recorded by the original owner and developer did not reference the act; additionally, no plat was recorded, so any development could not have qualified under this section, which requires recording of a declaration and a plat. West Wood Invs. v. Acord, 141 Idaho 75, 106 P.3d 401 (2005).

Control by Developer.

The Idaho law governing development and sales of condominiums does not prohibit or restrict the developer from retaining control over the managing body of condominium owners by reason of the developer’s ownership of built but unsold units; the Idaho act is simply silent on the subject. Investors Ltd. v. Sun Mt. Condominiums, Phase I, Inc., 106 Idaho 855, 683 P.2d 891 (Ct. App. 1984).

Default Judgment.

The trial court’s decision refusing to set aside a default judgment was not clearly erroneous where defendant in a real property dispute was not a lienholder of record and, thus, defendant’s signature was not required upon the amended master condominium declarations. McFarland v. Curtis, 123 Idaho 931, 854 P.2d 274 (Ct. App. 1993).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-1505. Contents of declaration.

  1. The declaration shall contain the following:
    1. A legal description of the surface of the ground within the project.
    2. A legal description of each unit in the project, which description may consist of the identifying number, symbol or name of such unit as shown on the plat.
    3. The percentage of ownership interest in the common area which is to be allocated to each unit for purposes of tax assessment under section 55-1514, Idaho Code, and for purposes of liability as provided by section 55-1515, Idaho Code. Such percentage shall be fixed either by taking as a basis the value of each unit in relation to the value of the property as a whole or by taking as a basis the square footage of the interior floor area of each unit in relation to the square footage of the interior floor area of all the units as a whole. For said purposes, the percentage so fixed shall be conclusive, subject only to clear and convincing proof of bad faith at the time of and in the making of such allocation or the last prior amendment thereof. If a substantial change is made to the value or size, depending upon the method used for allocation, of one (1) or more units as compared with other units, upon petition by a unit owner for reevaluation and allocation of percentage of ownership interest, the allocation shall be amended. Reallocation shall not occur more frequently than every five (5) years and, if square footage is used in determining the percentage of ownership interest, only if a substantial change is made to the size of at least one (1) unit. If the board of managers fails to act, reallocation may be accomplished by court action. If court action is necessary the prevailing party may be awarded attorney’s fees and costs for unreasonable pursuit or refusal.
  2. The declaration may but need not also contain any of the following:
    1. A description of the buildings in the project, stating the number of stories and basements, the number of units and the principal materials of which they are or are to be constructed.
    2. A statement of the location of each unit, its approximate area, number of rooms, and immediate common area to which it has access, and any other data for its proper identification.
    3. A description of the common areas and facilities.
    4. A description of any limited common areas and facilities, if any, stating to which units their use is reserved or the terms of applicable restrictions or limitations.
    5. The value of the property and of each unit.
    6. A statement of the purposes for which the building and each of the units are intended and restricted as to use.
    7. Provisions as to the percentage of votes by the condominium owners which shall be determinative of whether to rebuild, repair, restore, or sell the property in the event of damage, taking, or destruction of all or part of the property.
    8. Any or all of the provisions hereinafter referred to in section 55-1507, Idaho Code, as proper provisions of bylaws.
    9. Provisions for the management of the project by any management body or bodies; for the voting majorities, quorums, notices, meeting dates, and other rules governing such body or bodies; and for recordation, from time to time, as provided for in the declaration, of certificates of identity of the persons then composing such management body or bodies, which certificates shall be conclusive evidence of the facts recited therein in favor of any person relying thereon in good faith. (j) As to any management body:
      1. For the powers thereof, including power to enforce the provisions of the declaration;
      2. For maintenance by it of fire, casualty, liability, worker’s compensation and other insurance and for bonding of the members of any management body;
      3. For provision by it of and payment by it for maintenance, utility, gardening and other services; for employment of personnel necessary for operation of the project, and legal and accounting services;
      4. For purchase by it of materials, supplies and the like and for maintenance and repair of the project;
      5. For payment by it of taxes and special assessments which would be a lien upon the entire project or common areas, and for discharge by it of any lien or encumbrance levies against the entire project or common areas;
      6. For payment by it for reconstruction of any portion or portions of the project damaged, taken or destroyed;
      7. For delegation by it of its powers;
      8. For entry by it or its agents into any unit when necessary in connection with any maintenance or construction for which the management body is responsible;
      9. For an irrevocable power of attorney to the management body to sell and convey the entire project for the benefit of all of the owners thereof when partition of the project may be had under section 55-1511, Idaho Code, which power shall: (i) be binding upon all of the owners, whether they expressly assume the obligations of the declaration or not; (ii) if so provided in the declaration, be exercisable by less than all, but not less than fifty percent (50%), of the voting power of the owners in the project; (iii) be exercisable only after recordation of a certificate by those who have the right to exercise such power of attorney that such power of attorney is properly exercisable under the declaration, which certificate shall be conclusive evidence of the facts recited therein in favor of any person relying thereon in good faith.
      1. Provisions for assessments to meet authorized expenditures of any management body, and for a method for notice and levy thereof, each condominium to be assessed separately for its share of such expenses in proportion, unless otherwise provided, to its owner’s fractional interest in the common areas; (m)(1) Provisions for assessments to meet authorized expenditures of any management body, and for a method for notice and levy thereof, each condominium to be assessed separately for its share of such expenses in proportion, unless otherwise provided, to its owner’s fractional interest in the common areas;
      2. For the subordination of the liens securing such assessments to other liens either generally or specifically described.
      3. Subsection (2) of this section shall not be construed as a limitation upon permissible contents and provisions of a declaration.
    10. Provisions for the conditions upon which partition of the project may be had pursuant to this act. Such right to partition may be conditioned upon failure of the condominium owners to elect to rebuild within a certain period, specified inadequacy of insurance proceeds, specified damage to the building, a decision of an arbitrator, or upon any other condition.
    11. Provisions for restrictions upon the severability of the component interests in the property which comprise a condominium. Such restrictions shall not be deemed conditions repugnant to the interest created nor unlawful restraints on alienation.
    12. Such document, agreement or writing pertinent to the project or its financing as may be attached to, incorporated in or made an exhibit to the declaration and/or any bylaws.
    13. Such other provisions not inconsistent with this act as the owner or owners may deem desirable in order to promote, facilitate or preserve the property or the project or the use, development or administration thereof.

(k) Provisions for amendments of such declaration or the bylaws, if any, which amendments, if made upon the vote or consent of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the owners in the project, shall be binding upon every owner and every condominium whether the burdens thereon are increased or decreased thereby, and whether or not the owner of each and every condominium consents thereto.

( l ) Provisions for independent audit of the accounts of any management body.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 5, p. 515; am. 2002, ch. 78, § 1, p. 175; am. 2013, ch. 192, § 1, p. 473.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2013 amendment, by ch. 192, in paragraph (1)(c), inserted “either” following “fixed” near the beginning and inserted “or by taking as a basis the square footage of the interior floor area of each unit in relation to the square footage of the interior floor area of all the units as a whole” at the end of the second sentence, inserted “depending upon the method used for allocation” in the fourth sentence, and substituted “five (5) years and, if square footage is used in determining the percentage of ownership interest, only if a substantial change is made to the size of at least one (1) unit” for “three (3) years” at the end of the fifth sentence; and substituted “Subsection (2)” for “Subpart (2)” at the beginning of subsection (3).

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” in paragraphs (2)(n) and (2)(q) refers to S.L. 1965, Chapter 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

CASE NOTES

Amendment of Declaration and Plats.

After the first sale of a condominium, the declaration and plats can be amended only if the proposed amendment is consented to by the requisite percentage of the voting power of the owners of the project, always more than 50 percent, as specified in the declaration. Investors Ltd. v. Sun Mt. Condominiums, Phase I, Inc., 106 Idaho 855, 683 P.2d 891 (Ct. App. 1984).

Control by Developer.
Master Deed.

The Idaho law governing development and sales of condominiums does not prohibit or restrict the developer from retaining control over the managing body of condominium owners by reason of the developer’s ownership of built but unsold units; the Idaho act is simply silent on the subject. Investors Ltd. v. Sun Mt. Condominiums, Phase I, Inc., 106 Idaho 855, 683 P.2d 891 (Ct. App. 1984). Master Deed.

The declaration which must be filed to create a condominium project is essentially a master deed which defines the rights and duties of the developer, the owners of the individual condominium units, and the management body of the project. Investors Ltd. v. Sun Mt. Condominiums, Phase I, Inc., 106 Idaho 855, 683 P.2d 891 (Ct. App. 1984).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

§ 55-1506. Administration — By-laws — Articles of incorporation — Recordation required to modify or amend.

Except when a domestic corporation has been formed and is designated in the declaration to serve as a management body and to administer the project, the administration of every project shall be governed by by-laws, which may either be embodied in the declaration or in a separate instrument which shall be recorded with the declaration. When a domestic corporation is so formed and designated the owner or owners shall append to and record with the declaration a certified copy of its articles of incorporation from which it must appear (a) that the purpose for which such corporation was formed and its powers are consistent with the provisions of this act and (b) that the members or stockholders of the corporation must be and remain owners of condominiums within the said project and include all owners of condominiums within the project. When a corporate organization is so utilized, the administration of the project need not be governed by by-law provisions hereinafter set forth but shall be subject to the law of corporations. No modification or amendment of the declaration, of such articles or of recorded by-laws shall be effective until the same is recorded in the county where the original document was first recorded.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 6, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-1507. Contents of bylaws.

The bylaws referred to in section 55-1506, Idaho Code, when required, shall provide for at least the following:

  1. The election from among the unit owners of a board of managers, the number of persons constituting such board, and that the terms of at least one third (1/3) of the members of the board shall expire annually; the powers and duties of the board; the compensation, if any, of the members of the board; the method of removal from office of members of the board; and whether or not the board may engage the services of a manager or managing agent.
  2. Method of calling meetings of the unit owners; what percentage of the unit owners, if other than a majority, shall constitute a quorum.
  3. Election of a president from among the board of managers, who shall preside over the meetings of the board of managers and of the unit owners.
  4. Election of a secretary, who shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the board of managers and of the unit owners and who shall, in general, perform all the duties incident to the office of secretary.
  5. Election of a treasurer, who shall keep the financial records and books of account.
  6. Maintenance, repair and replacement of the common elements and payments therefor, including the method of approving payment vouchers.
  7. Method of estimating the amount of the annual budget, and the manner of assessing and collecting from the unit owners their respective shares of such estimated expenses, and of any other expenses lawfully agreed upon.
  8. That after notice received by the manager or board of managers and within five (5) business days thereafter, any unit owner shall be furnished a statement of his account setting forth the amount of any unpaid assessments or other charges due and owing from such owner and other amounts set forth in section 55-1528, Idaho Code.
  9. Designation and removal of personnel necessary for the maintenance, repair and replacement of the common elements.
  10. Such restrictions on and requirements respecting the use and maintenance of the units and the use of the common elements, not set forth in the declaration, as are designed to prevent unreasonable interference with the use of their respective units and of the common elements by the several unit owners.
  11. Method of adopting and of amending administrative rules and regulations governing the operation and use of the common elements.
  12. The percentage of votes required to modify or amend the bylaws, but each one of the particulars set forth in this section shall always be embodied in the bylaws.
History.

1965, ch. 225, § 7, p. 515; am. 2018, ch. 205, § 2, p. 457.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2018 amendment, by ch. 205, in subsection (h), substituted “after notice received by” for “upon 10 days’ notice to” and “within five (5) business days thereafter” for “payment of a reasonable fee” and added “and other amounts set forth in section 55-1528, Idaho Code” at the end.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-1508. Recordation of instruments affecting project.

The declaration, plat or plats, deeds, by-laws, administrative provisions, articles of incorporation as provided in section 55-1506[, Idaho Code], any instrument by which the provisions of this act may be waived, and every instrument affecting the project or any condominium, and any amendment or amendments to such documents, shall be entitled to be recorded by the county recorder in the county or counties where the project is located, and such official shall accept the same for recordation when requested to do so.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 8, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

County recorder,§ 31-2401 et seq.

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

The bracketed insertion in this section was added by the compiler to conform to the statutory citation style.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-1509. Grant — Physical boundaries of units — Incidents excluded — Common areas — Decorating rights of owner.

Unless otherwise expressly provided in the declaration, deeds, plat or plats, the incidents of a condominium grant are as follows:

  1. The physical boundaries of the unit are the interior surfaces of the perimeter walls, floors, ceilings, windows and doors thereof, and the unit includes both the portions of the building so described and the airspace so encompassed. The following are not part of the unit: bearing walls, columns, floors, roofs, foundations, elevator equipment and shafts, central heating, central refrigeration and central air-conditioning equipment, reservoirs, tanks, pumps and other central services, pipes, ducts, flues, chutes, conduits, wires and other utility installations, wherever located, except the outlets thereof when located within the unit. In interpreting the declaration, plat or plats, and deeds, the existing physical boundaries of the unit as originally constructed or as reconstructed in lieu thereof shall be conclusively presumed to be its boundaries rather than the metes and bounds expressed or depicted in the declaration, plat or plats, or deed, regardless of settling or lateral movement of the building and regardless of minor variance between boundaries shown in the declaration, plat or plats, or deed, and the actual boundaries of units in the building.
  2. The common areas are owned by the owners of the condominiums as their interests appear and are set forth in the declaration pursuant to section 55-1505(1)(c)[, Idaho Code].
  3. A nonexclusive right of ingress, egress and support through the common areas is appurtenant to each unit and the common areas are subject to such rights.
  4. Each condominium owner shall have the exclusive right to paint, repaint, tile, wax, paper or otherwise maintain, refinish, and decorate the inner surfaces of the walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors bounding his own unit, and the interior thereof.
History.

1965, ch. 225, § 9, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The bracketed insertion in subsection (b) was added by the compiler to conform to the statutory citation style.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-1510. Removal of property from law — Common ownership — Resubmission.

Unless otherwise provided in the declaration, a project may be removed from the provisions of this act by a vote or written consent of the condominium owners owning at least a two-thirds (2/3) interest in the common areas as percentages of interest are allocated pursuant to section 55-1505(1)(c)[, Idaho Code], and by filing for record in the county where the project is located a written instrument signed and acknowledged by such owners wherein it is stated that such described project is so withdrawn, provided, holders of all liens affecting any of the units or the common must consent or agree thereto in writing by recorded written instrument in which event their liens shall be deemed forthwith, and without change of seniority, transferred (a) to the former condominium owner’s undivided interest in the property as hereinafter provided if such lien was upon a condominium, and (b) upon the entire property if the lien was specifically upon the common areas or the project as a whole and not upon any particular condominium or condominiums; provided further, however, nothing herein contained shall be construed to restrict the right to limit, prohibit or make other provisions respecting withdrawal from this act by provision in the declaration.

Upon such removal under this section the property shall be deemed to be owned in common and each former condominium owner shall have an exclusive right to the occupancy of what formerly was his unit. Removal of a project from the provisions of this act shall in no way bar the subsequent resubmission of the property to the provisions of this act.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 10, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

The bracketed insertion in he first sentence was added by the compiler to conform to the statutory citation style.

§ 55-1511. Partition — Sale.

  1. Where two (2) or more persons own condominiums in a project an action may be brought by one (1) or more of such persons for the partition of the interests comprising the project, as if the owners of all of the condominiums in such project were tenants in common in the entire project in the proportion provided for in the declaration, deeds, or plat or plats entered into with respect to such project, or, in the absence of such provision, in the same proportion as their interests in the common areas of such project; provided, however, that a partition shall be made only upon the showing that:
    1. Three (3) years after the damage to, or destruction or taking of, a material part of the project which renders the project unfit for the use to which it was put prior to such damage, destruction or taking, the project has not been rebuilt, repaired or replaced in a manner which substantially permits such use of the project, or
    2. Three-fourths (3/4) or more of the project has been destroyed, taken, or substantially damaged, and that persons entitled to cast fifty per cent (50%) of the votes to determine whether or not the project shall be repaired, restored or replaced are opposed to such repair, restoration or replacement, or
    3. More than fifty (50) years have elapsed since the first conveyance of a condominium in the project, and that the project is uneconomic or otherwise obsolete, and that persons entitled to cast fifty per cent (50%) of the votes to determine whether or not the project shall be repaired, restored or replaced are opposed to such repair, restoration or replacement, or
    4. That conditions for such a partition provided for in the deed, declaration, plat or plats entered into with respect to such project have been met, whether such conditions be more or less restrictive than the conditions set forth in this section.
  2. The entire project or a part thereof may be sold if it appears that a physical partition cannot be made without prejudice to the respective rights of the persons’ interests therein.
  3. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent partition of a condominium as between two (2) or more persons having interests therein.
History.

1965, ch. 225, § 11, p. 515.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-1512. Actions relating to common areas — Persons designated to receive process — New designation filed — Service on auditor — Copy from auditor to management body — Application of corporate law.

Except when a domestic corporation has been formed and designated in the declaration to serve as the management body to administer the project, at the time the declaration is recorded one (1) or more persons shall be designated to receive service of process in any action relating to the common areas and facilities. Such designation shall be filed with the county auditor in the county in which the project is located together with an acknowledgment in writing of acceptance of such designation by the person so designated. The person so designated shall be a resident of the state of Idaho, and service upon such person shall be the exclusive method of service in any action relating to the common areas and facilities. Upon termination of such person’s capacity or authority to receive service, a new designation shall be made by the management body of the project, and such designation shall be filed with the county auditor in the county in which the project is located together with an acknowledgment in writing of acceptance of such designation by the person so designated. Upon failure to so designate a person to receive service of process and to file such designation and acceptance of such designation, service may be made upon the county auditor with like effect as though said service were made upon a person designated, and it shall be the duty of the county auditor to forward a copy of such summons served on him by registered mail to the management body of the project at the address or location last known, but no failure on the part of the county auditor to mail such copy of summons shall affect the validity of the service thereof. When a corporate organization is formed and designated as the management body, service of process on the corporation shall be as permitted by law, and the Idaho rules of civil procedure.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 12, p. 515; am. 2005, ch. 110, § 1, p. 362.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

County auditor,§ 31-2301 et seq.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.
ALR.

Self-dealing by developers of condominium project as affecting contracts or leases with condominium association. 73 A.L.R.3d 613.

§ 55-1513. Actions by management on behalf of two or more owners.

Without limiting the rights of any condominium owner, actions may be brought by the management body on behalf of two (2) or more of the condominium owners with respect to any cause of action relating to the common areas or more than one (1) unit.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 13, p. 515.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
ALR.

§ 55-1514. Separate taxation — Lien — Tax deed.

Notwithstanding any contrary or inconsistent provision of the Idaho Code or of this act, property taxes, assessments, special assessments, and all special taxes or charges of the state of Idaho or of any political subdivision thereof, or other lawful taxing or assessing body, which are authorized by law to be assessed against or levied upon real or personal property shall be assessed against and levied upon each condominium and not upon the group of condominiums as a whole, and such tax, assessment or charge on each such condominium shall constitute a lien solely thereon.

A person acquiring or entitled to the issuance of a tax deed conveying the interest of any condominium owner, shall acquire only an interest subject to such provisions of this act as may be applicable, and subject to all lawful terms, provisions, covenants, conditions, and limitations which may apply thereto and appear in any recorded declaration, plat, deed or by-laws then in force and affecting such interest.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 14, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
ALR.

§ 55-1515. Owners proportionately liable for common areas — Remaining balance not prejudiced by settlement — Indemnification.

Each condominium owner’s liability for claims, judgments or awards arising out of or in connection with the ownership, use, operation or management of the common areas, is limited to a proportionate sum which equals the amount of any such claim, judgment or award multiplied by the percentage interest in the common areas allocated to such ownership by the declaration as provided in section 55-1505(1)(c). In any suit to establish liability for claims, judgments or awards arising out of or in connection with the ownership, use, operation or management of the common areas there shall be introduced no evidence as to the percentage interest in the common area of any condominium owner until and unless such fact becomes material and liability is fixed by judgment or agreed upon in writing signed by all affected parties to the litigation and filed with the court. Any condominium owner may compromise or settle his portion of any such claim without prejudice to the remaining balance thereof and without the same constituting evidence or an admission for or against any such claimant.

The provisions of this section shall not alter or affect the respective rights and obligations of condominium owners to or between one another to the extent that one or more may have any legal right arising from contract, statute, or the common law to be wholly or partially indemnified by one or more other persons who are likewise owners of condominiums within the same said project.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 15, p. 515.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

Proper party plaintiff in action for injury to common areas of condominium development. 69 A.L.R.3d 1148.

Personal liability of owner of condominium unit to one sustaining personal injuries or property damage by condition of common areas. 39 A.L.R.4th 98.

§ 55-1516. Liability of unit owners, tenants, employees — Duties and powers of owners.

All condominium owners, tenants of such owners, employees of owners and tenants, or any other persons that may in any manner use property or any part thereof submitted to the provisions of this act shall be subject to this act and to the declaration and by-laws of the project adopted pursuant to the provisions of this act.

All agreements, decisions and determinations lawfully made by the management body shall be deemed to be binding on all condominium owners and shall inure to the benefit of all such owners.

Each condominium owner and any group of owners shall have standing and authority, unless otherwise provided, to enforce the provisions of the declaration and any recorded by-laws of the project.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 16, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-1517. Insurance of individual units by management body.

The management body, if required by the declaration, by-laws or otherwise, or at the request of a mortgagee or a beneficiary of a deed of trust having a first mortgage or first deed of trust of record covering a unit or any part of the project, shall have the authority and an insurable interest to insure the project or any portion thereof against loss or damage by fire or other hazard or casualty. Such insurance coverage may be written in the name of the management body, as trustee for each of the condominium owners in the percentages established in the declaration or as otherwise provided in the declaration or provided by the management body, and premiums may be treated as common expenses. Provision for such insurance shall be without prejudice to the right of each condominium owner to insure his own unit for his own benefit. This provision shall not be construed to limit the power of such body to secure and maintain other insurance coverage or to treat the cost thereof as a common expense.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 17, p. 515.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-1518. Assessment and other charges a lien — Notice recorded — Payment and release — Priority of liens — Expiration — Extension — Enforcement by sale — Purchase by management body.

An assessment upon any condominium made in accordance with the declaration, any recorded by-laws, or any duly promulgated project regulation, shall be a debt of the owner thereof at the time the assessment is made. The amount of any such assessment, together with those other charges thereon, such as interest, costs (including attorney’s fees), and penalties, which may be provided for in the declaration, shall be and become a lien upon the condominium assessed when the management body causes to be recorded with the county recorder of the county in which such condominium is located a notice of assessment, which shall state the amount of such assessment and such other charges thereon as may be authorized by the declaration, a description of the condominium against which the same has been assessed, and the name of the record owner thereof. Such notice shall be signed by an authorized representative of the management body or as otherwise provided in the declaration. Upon payment of said assessment and charges in connection with which such notice has been so recorded, or other satisfaction thereof, the management body shall cause to be recorded a further notice stating the satisfaction and the release of the lien thereof.

Such lien shall be prior to all other liens filed or recorded subsequent to the recordation of said notice of assessment except that the declaration may provide for the subordination thereof to other liens either generally or specifically described and except further that labor or materialmen’s liens arising under the law of Idaho and timely and duly filed shall have priority if the date fixed by statute for such lien to arise is prior to recording as provided in this section. Unless sooner satisfied and released or the enforcement thereof initiated as hereafter provided such lien shall expire and be of no further force or effect one (1) year from the date of recordation of said notice of assessment; provided, however, that said one-year period may be extended by the management body for not to exceed one (1) additional year by recording a written extension thereof.

Such lien may be enforced by sale by the management body, its attorney or other person authorized to make the sale, after failure of the owner to pay such an assessment in accordance with its terms, such sale to be conducted in the manner permitted by law for the exercise of powers of sale in deeds of trust or any other manner permitted by law. Unless otherwise provided in the declaration the management body shall have the power to purchase the condominium at foreclosure sale and to hold, lease, encumber and convey the same.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 18, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES
Cross References.

Deeds of trust,§ 45-1502 et seq.

Compiler’s Notes.

The words enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
ALR.

§ 55-1519. Liens for labor, services or materials — Express consent — Emergency repairs — Proportionate payment for removal of lien.

No labor performed or services or materials furnished with the consent of or at the request of a condominium owner or his agent or his contractor or subcontractor shall be the basis for the filing of a lien against the condominium of any other condominium owner, or against any part thereof, or against any other property of any other condominium owner, unless such other owner has expressly consented to or requested the performance of such labor or furnishing of such materials or services. Such express consent shall be deemed to have been given by the owner of any condominium in the case of emergency repairs thereto. Labor performed or services or materials furnished for the project, if duly authorized by the management body, shall be deemed to be performed or furnished with the express consent of each condominium owner. The owner of any condominium may remove his condominium from a lien against two (2) or more condominiums or any part thereof by payment to the holder of the lien of the fraction of the total sum secured by such lien which is attributable to his condominium.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 19, p. 515.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-1520. Personal property acquired, held and disposed of by management body — Beneficial interest proportionate — Transfer.

Unless otherwise provided for in a declaration recorded pursuant to section 55-1505[, Idaho Code], a management body may acquire and hold, for the benefit of the condominium owners, tangible and intangible personal property and may dispose of the same by sale or otherwise; the beneficial interest in such personal property shall be owned by the condominium owners in the same proportion as their respective interests in the common areas, and shall not be transferable by such owners except with a transfer of a condominium. A transfer of a condominium shall transfer to the transferee ownership of the transferor’s beneficial interest in such personal property.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 20, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

“Personal property” defined,§ 55-102.

Compiler’s Notes.

The bracketed insertion in the first sentence was added by the compiler to conform to the statutory citation style.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-1521. Liberal construction of deeds, declarations or plans for condominium projects.

Any deed, declaration or plan for a condominium project shall be liberally construed to facilitate the operation of the project, and provisions thereof shall be presumed to be independent and severable.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 21, p. 515.

§ 55-1522. Rule against perpetuities and unreasonable restraints on alienation inapplicable.

It is expressly provided that the rule of property known as the rule against perpetuities and the rule of property known as the rule restricting unreasonable restraints on alienation shall not be applied to defeat any of the provisions of this act or any condition, conveyance or inheritance consistent herewith.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 22, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Limitation on successive life estates,§ 55-203.

Rule in Shelley’s case abolished,§ 55-206.

Suspension of power of alienation,§ 55-111A.

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.

§ 55-1523. Refusal to approve project or record plat forbidden.

No city council, board of trustees, or other governing body of the county, town, village or city in which a project is created pursuant to this act shall have the right to refuse acceptance or approval of nor may any county refuse for recordation a plat or plats prepared pursuant to this act solely because a project is or condominiums are thereby created.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 23, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

§ 55-1524. Application of local zoning ordinances.

Unless a contrary intent is clearly expressed in local zoning ordinances, such ordinances shall be construed to treat like structures, lots, or parcels in like manner regardless of whether the ownership thereof is divided by sale of condominiums created in a project pursuant to this act, rather than by the lease or other disposition of such structures, lots or parcels on any part or parts thereof.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 24, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

§ 55-1525. “Blue Sky Law” inapplicable.

The provisions of title 26, chapter 18, Idaho Code, shall not apply to the creation, issuance, sale, offer for sale, solicitation of an offer to buy, conveyance, transfer, or other disposition, or encumbrance or other hypothecation, or management, of condominiums or projects created pursuant to this act, or of evidences of membership in or ownership of or stock in any entity created solely to manage the affairs of a project, or to the negotiation or taking of subscriptions in respect of any of the foregoing.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 25, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The Blue Sky Law, referred to in the section heading and formerly compiled as§§ 26-1801 to 26-1822, was repealed by S.L. 1967, ch. 394, § 59.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

§ 55-1526. Legal description that designated on plat or in declaration.

Every deed, contract of sale, lease, mortgage or other instrument may legally describe a condominium by its identifying number, symbol, name or other identification or designation as shown on the plat of record or as shown in the declaration, and every such description shall be deemed good and sufficient for all purposes.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 26, p. 515.

§ 55-1527. Zoning laws applied where not inconsistent.

Except where inconsistent with the provisions or purposes of this act, state and local laws relating to plats, recording, subdivisions or zoning shall apply to condominiums and to projects as herein defined.

History.

1965, ch. 225, § 27, p. 515.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1965, ch. 225 which is compiled as§§ 55-1501 to 55-1527.

Section 28 of S.L. 1965, ch. 225, read: “If any provision of this act or any section, sentence, clause, phrase or word, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the act and of the application of any such provision, section, sentence, clause, phrase or word in any other circumstances shall not be affected thereby.”

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

§ 55-1528. Statement of account — Disclosure of fees.

  1. A management body or its agent shall provide a unit owner and the owner’s agent, if any, a statement of the unit owner’s account not more than five (5) business days after receipt of a request by the unit owner or the unit owner’s agent received by the management body, the management body’s manager, president, board member, or other agent, or any combination thereof. The statement of account shall include, at a minimum, the amount of annual charges against the unit, the date when said amounts are due, and any unpaid assessments or other charges due and owing from such owner at the time of the request. The management body shall be bound by the amounts set forth within such statement of account.
  2. On or before January 1 of each year, a management body or its agent shall provide unit owners a disclosure of fees that will be charged to a unit owner in connection with any transfer of ownership of a unit. Fees imposed by a management body for the calendar year following the disclosure of fees shall not exceed the amount set forth on the annual disclosure, and no surcharge or additional fees shall be charged to any unit owner in connection with any transfer of ownership of the unit. No fees may be charged for expeditiously providing a unit owner’s statement of account as set forth in this section.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1528, as added by 2018, ch. 205, § 3, p. 457.

Chapter 16 CORNER PERPETUATION AND FILING

Sec.

§ 55-1601. Short title.

This chapter may be cited as the “Corner Perpetuation and Filing Law.”

History.

1967, ch. 215, § 1, p. 647; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 1, p. 564.

CASE NOTES

Lost or Obliterated Corners.

Bureau of land management publications are not statutes and they may not be utilized to establish burdens of proof in real property disputes involving lost or obliterated corners. State ex rel. Evans v. Barnett, 116 Idaho 429, 776 P.2d 438 (1989).

In a dispute concerning the location of the section line forming the legal boundary between the land owned by the state and the adjoining property owners, the state had the initial burden of coming forward with evidence showing the original survey point of the corner could not be determined and its location could be restored only by reference to adjacent corners. If this burden is met, the adjoining property owners, in order to sustain their contention that the corner is obliterated, must come forward with evidence showing although there are no remaining traces of the original monument, either the location has been perpetuated or the point may be recovered beyond reasonable doubt by other acceptable evidence. State ex rel. Evans v. Barnett, 114 Idaho 355, 757 P.2d 218 (Ct. App. 1988).

Where neither expert witness believed beyond a reasonable doubt that the place marked by a timber cruiser in or near the fence was an obliterated corner, the state met its burden of proving the corner was lost and was properly restored through proportional measurements derived from the original surveyor’s field notes. State ex rel. Evans v. Barnett, 114 Idaho 355, 757 P.2d 218 (Ct. App. 1988).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-1602. Declaration of policy.

It is the purpose of this chapter to protect and perpetuate public land survey corners and information concerning the location of such corners by requiring the systematic establishment of monuments and filing of information concerning the marking of the location of such public land survey corners and to allow the systematic location of other property corners, thereby providing for property security and a coherent system of property location and identification; and thereby eliminating the repeated necessity for reestablishment and relocations of such corners once they are established and located.

History.

1967, ch. 215, § 2, p. 647; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 2, p. 564.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Board of licensure of professional engineers and professional land surveyors,§ 54-1203.

§ 55-1603. Definitions.

Except where the context indicates a different meaning, terms used in this chapter shall be defined as follows:

  1. “Accessory to a corner” means any exclusively identifiable physical object whose spatial relationship to the corner is recorded. Accessories may be bearing trees, bearing objects, monuments, reference points, line trees, pits, mounds, charcoal-filled bottles, steel or wooden stakes, or other objects.
  2. “Benchmark” means a material object, natural or artificial, whose elevation is referenced to an adopted datum.
  3. “Board” means the board of licensure of professional engineers and professional land surveyors.
  4. “Control survey” means a survey that provides horizontal or vertical position data for the support or control of subordinate surveys or for mapping.
  5. “Corner,” unless otherwise defined, means a property corner, or a property controlling corner, or a public land survey corner, or any combination of these.
  6. “Establish” means to determine the position of a corner either physically or mathematically.
  7. “Monument” means a physical structure that occupies the exact position of a corner.
  8. “Professional land surveyor” means any person who is authorized by the laws of this state to practice land surveying.
  9. “Property controlling corner” for a property means a public land survey corner, property corner, reference point or witness corner that controls the location of one (1) or more of the property corners of the property in question.
  10. “Property corner” means a geographic point on the surface of the earth and is on, a part of, and controls a property line.
  11. “Public land survey corner” means any point actually established and monumented in an original survey or resurvey that determines the boundaries of remaining public lands, or public lands patented, represented on an official plat and in the field notes thereof, accepted and approved under authority delegated by congress to the U.S. general land office (GLO) and the U.S. department of interior, bureau of land management. This excludes GLO-surveyed townsite lot corners, except those marking exterior angle points or block corners within the townsite.
  12. “Reference point” means a special monumented point that does not occupy the same geographical position as the corner itself, and where the spatial relationship to the corner is recorded, and which serves to locate the corner.
  13. “Witness corner” means a monumented point on a lot line or boundary line of a survey, near a corner, and established in situations where it is impracticable to occupy or monument the corner.
History.

1967, ch. 215, § 3, p. 647; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 3, p. 564; am. 1997, ch. 190, § 13, p. 517; am. 2008, ch. 378, § 27, p. 1046; am. 2011, ch. 136, § 13, p. 383; am. 2020, ch. 127, § 11, p. 396.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2008 amendment, by ch. 378, deleted subsection (2), which was the definition for “Adequate evidence of the existence of a land survey monument,” and redesignated the subsequent subsections accordingly; and in subsection (2), substituted “licensure” for “registration.”

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 136, in subsection (1), substituted “reference points” for “reference monuments”; added subsections (2) and (4) and redesignated the subsequent subsections accordingly; in subsection (9), substituted “property corner, reference point or witness corner that controls” for “or any property corner, which does not lie on a property line of the property in question, but which controls”; in subsection (12), substituted “Reference point’” for “Reference monument,’” “special monumented point” for “special monument” and “and where the spatial relationship to the corner is recorded, and which serves to locate the corner” for “but whose spatial relationship to the corner is recorded, and which serves to witness the corner”; and added subsection (13).

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 127, added the last sentence in subsection (11).

Compiler’s Notes.

For additional information on the U.S. general land office and the bureau of land management, referred to in subsection (11), see https://glorecords.blm.gov/default.aspx .

The abbreviation enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-1604. Filing requirements.

A professional land surveyor shall complete, sign, and file with the county clerk and recorder of the county where the corner is situated a written record of the establishment, reestablishment, or rehabilitation of a corner monument and its accessories. This record shall be known as a “corner record” and such a filing shall be made for every public land survey corner, center one-quarter (1/4) corner, and accessory to such corner which is established, reestablished, monumented, remonumented, rehabilitated, perpetuated or used as control in any survey. The survey information shall be filed within ninety (90) days after the survey is completed, unless the corner and its accessories are substantially as described in an existing corner record filed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

In lieu of filing as heretofore provided, corner records may be recorded electronically in those counties that have such facilities.

History.

1967, ch. 215, § 4, p. 647; am. 1972, ch. 162, § 1, p. 363; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 4, p. 564; am. 2020, ch. 127, § 12, p. 396.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 127, in the first paragraph, substituted “establishment, reestablishment, or rehabilitation of a corner monument and its accessories” for “establishment or restoration, of a corner” at the end of the first sentence and inserted “center one-quarter (1/4) corner” near the middle and deleted “restored” following “remonumented” near the end of the second sentence; and, in the last paragraph, substituted “electronically” for “by photographic process.”

CASE NOTES

Lost or Obliterated Corners.

Bureau of land management publications are not statutes and they may not be utilized to establish burdens of proof in real property disputes involving lost or obliterated corners. State ex rel. Evans v. Barnett, 116 Idaho 429, 776 P.2d 438 (1989).

In a dispute concerning the location of the section line forming the legal boundary between the land owned by the state and the adjoining property owners, the state had the initial burden of coming forward with evidence showing the original survey point of the corner could not be determined and its location could be restored only by reference to adjacent corners. If this burden is met, the adjoining property owners, in order to sustain their contention that the corner is obliterated, must come forward with evidence showing although there are no remaining traces of the original monument, either the location has been perpetuated or the point may be recovered beyond reasonable doubt by other acceptable evidence. State ex rel. Evans v. Barnett, 114 Idaho 355, 757 P.2d 218 (Ct. App. 1988). Where neither expert witness believed beyond a reasonable doubt that the place marked by a timber cruiser in or near the fence was an obliterated corner, the state met its burden of proving the corner was lost and was properly restored through proportional measurements derived from the original surveyor’s field notes. State ex rel. Evans v. Barnett, 114 Idaho 355, 757 P.2d 218 (Ct. App. 1988).

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Am. Jur. 2d.
C.J.S.

§ 55-1605. Filing or recording.

A professional land surveyor may file or record any corner record as to any property controlling corner or accessory to a corner.

History.

1967, ch. 215, § 5, p. 647; am. 1972, ch. 162, § 2, p. 363; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 5, p. 564; am. 2011, ch. 136, § 14, p. 383.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 136, deleted “property corner” and “reference monument” preceding and following “property controlling corner,” respectively.

§ 55-1606. Filing or recording information.

The board shall, by regulation, provide and prescribe the information which shall be necessary to be included in the corner record and the board shall prescribe the form in which such corner record shall be presented and filed or recorded.

History.

1967, ch. 215, § 6, p. 647; am. 1972, ch. 162, § 3, p. 363.

§ 55-1607. County clerk to keep record — Fees.

  1. The county clerk and recorder of the county containing the corner shall receive the completed corner record and preserve it in the same manner as any other recorded instruments. Proper indexes shall be kept of such corner records by section, township and range.
  2. The county clerk and recorder shall make these records available for public inspection during all usual office hours.
  3. For purposes of determining the filing fee hereunder, the corner record shall be considered as a similar service to the filing or recording of instruments as provided in section 31-3205, Idaho Code.
History.

1967, ch. 215, § 7, p. 647; am. 1972, ch. 162, § 4, p. 363; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 6, p. 564; am. 1997, ch. 190, § 14, p. 517; am. 2020, ch. 127, § 13, p. 396.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 127, deleted “However, all corners, monuments and their accessories established prior to the effective date of this chapter, for which a written record is completed as required herein, and which are offered for filing or recording within six (6) months of the effective date of this chapter, shall be accepted and filed by the county clerk without requiring the payment of fees therefor” from the end of subsection (c).

§ 55-1608. Professional land surveyor to establish or rehabilitate monuments.

  1. In every case where a corner record of a survey corner is required to be filed or recorded under the provisions of this chapter, the professional land surveyor must rehabilitate or remonument any corner in accordance with subsection (2) of this section. Where the corner position is monumented with a stable, permanent, substantial, accessible, magnetically detectable, and uniquely identifiable monument, a new monument will not be required. The professional land surveyor must also recover, establish, or rehabilitate a minimum of three (3) accessories to such corner where practicable. Where the professional land surveyor determines accessories are impracticable, an explanation shall be included on the corner record.
  2. Any monument set shall conform to the provisions of section 54-1227, Idaho Code, and shall be surmounted with a cap of such material and size that can be permanently and legibly marked as prescribed by the manual of surveying instructions issued by the United States department of the interior, bureau of land management, including the license number of the professional land surveyor responsible for placing the monument. Monuments shall be marked such that measurements between them may be made to the nearest one-tenth (0.1) foot. If the monument is set by a public officer, it shall be marked by an appropriate official designation. Where it is impracticable to monument a corner due to situations beyond the professional land surveyor’s control, reference points or a witness corner shall be recovered or established. The professional land surveyor must also document the reason the monument cannot be set, the method of establishing the corner location, and the presence of any found or set reference point or witness corner on his corner record and record of survey or plat.
  3. Where closing corners that are not on or controlling for the line closed upon were set in any government survey authorized by the congress of the United States and the true point of intersection of the pertinent lines is controlling in a survey, resurvey, or subdivision of a section, the true point of intersection shall be monumented with a monument conforming to subsection (2) of this section. Any professional land surveyor establishing such a monument shall prepare and file a corner record for the true point of intersection monument, including any evidence related to and the pedigree of the original closing corner. If found, the original closing corner monument position must be remonumented as an amended monument in accordance with subsection (2) of this section.
History.

1967, ch. 215, § 8, p. 647; am. 1972, ch. 162, § 5, p. 363; am. 1978, ch. 107, § 2, p. 221; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 7, p. 564; am. 2008, ch. 378, § 28, p. 1047; am. 2011, ch. 136, § 15, p. 383; am. 2020, ch. 127, § 14, p. 396.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2008 amendment, by ch. 378, in the first paragraph, deleted “so that it will be as permanent a monument as is reasonably possible to provided and so that it may be located with facility at any time in the future” from the end; and in the last paragraph, rewrote the first sentence, which formerly read: “Any monument set shall be permanently marked or tagged with the certificate number of the professional land surveyor in responsible charge.”

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 136, added the subsection (1) designation to the existing first paragraph; added the subsection (2) designation to the existing second paragraph and therein, in the first sentence, added the language beginning “and shall be surmounted with a cap” through to the end, and added the second sentence; and added subsection (3).

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 127, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

Compiler’s Notes.

For more on the manual of surveying instructions for the bureau of land management, referred to in subsection (2), see http://www.blmsurveymanual.org .

RESEARCH REFERENCES

C.J.S.

§ 55-1609. To be signed by professional land surveyor or government agent.

No corner record shall be filed or recorded unless the same is signed by a professional land surveyor as defined herein, or, in the case of an agency of the United States government, the certificate may be signed by the survey party chief making the survey.

History.

1967, ch. 215, § 9, p. 647; am. 1972, ch. 162, § 6, p. 363; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 8, p. 564.

§ 55-1610. Preexisting records. [Repealed.]

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

This section, which comprised 1967, ch. 215, § 10, p. 647; am. 1972, ch. 162, § 7, p. 363, was repealed by S.L. 1993, ch. 206, § 9, effective July 1, 1993.

§ 55-1611. Federal government filings without fees.

All federal government surveys performed by authorized personnel of agencies of the federal government shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter, except that federal agencies may comply with the provisions of the chapter, and shall be exempt from filing fees required in section 55-1607(c), Idaho Code.

History.

1967, ch. 215, § 11, p. 647; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 10, p. 564.

§ 55-1612. Penalty.

Professional land surveyors failing to comply with the provisions hereof shall be deemed to be within the purview of section 54-1220, Idaho Code, and shall be subject to disciplinary action as in said section provided.

History.

1967, ch. 215, § 12, p. 647; am. 1989, ch. 103, § 1, p. 236; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 11, p. 564; am. 1997, ch. 190, § 15, p. 517; am. 2008, ch. 378, § 29, p. 1047.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2008 amendment, by ch. 378, deleted “and professional engineers who prepare plans which do not indicate the presence of corners for which adequate evidence exists” following “provisions hereof,” and the last sentence, which pertained to the penalties prescribed in section 54-1234, Idaho Code.

Compiler’s Notes.

Section 13 of S. L. 1967, ch. 215, read: “Severability. — If any provision of this act shall be declared invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other portion of this act which can be given effect without the invalid portion, and to this end the provisions of this act are declared to be severable.”

§ 55-1613. Monuments disturbed by construction activities — Procedure — Requirements.

The physical existence and location of the monuments of property controlling corners and accessories to corners, as well as benchmarks established and points set in control surveys by agencies of the United States government or the state of Idaho, shall be determined by a field search and location survey conducted by or under the direction of a professional land surveyor prior to the time when project construction or related activities may disturb them. Construction documents or plans prepared by professional engineers shall show the existence and location of all such monuments, accessories to corners, benchmarks and points set in control surveys. All monuments, accessories to corners, benchmarks and points set in control surveys that are lost or disturbed by construction shall be reestablished and remonumented, at the expense of the agency or person causing their loss or disturbance, at their original location or by the setting of a witness corner or reference point or a replacement benchmark or control point, by or under the direction of a professional land surveyor. Professional engineers who prepare construction documents or plans that do not indicate the existence and location of all such monuments, accessories to corners and benchmarks and points set in control surveys by agencies of the United States government or the state of Idaho shall be deemed to be within the purview of and subject to disciplinary action as provided in section 54-1220, Idaho Code.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1613, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 3, p. 221; am. 1993, ch. 206, § 12, p. 564; am. 1997, ch. 190, § 16, p. 517; am. 2008, ch. 378, § 30, p. 1047; am. 2011, ch. 136, § 16, p. 383.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2008 amendment, by ch. 378, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 136, rewrote the section, revising procedures and requirements relating to monuments disturbed by construction or related activities.

OPINIONS OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

Public recording of a survey performed in accordance with United States manual of surveying instructions, in conjunction with visual presence of a land survey monument, constitutes “adequate evidence” as referenced in this section.OAG 92-3.

Chapter 17 COORDINATE SYSTEM OF LAND DESCRIPTION

Sec.

§ 55-1701. Establishing coordinate system — Designating zones.

  1. The system of plane coordinates which has been established by the national ocean service/national geodetic survey, or its successors, for defining and stating the positions or locations of points within the state of Idaho is to be known and designated as the “Idaho coordinate system of 1983.” On and after January 1, 1996, only the “Idaho coordinate system of 1983” shall be used.
  2. For the purpose of the use of this system the state is either divided into an “east zone,” a “central zone,” and a “west zone” or alternatively, a state comprehensive “single zone.”
  3. The area included in the following counties shall constitute the east zone: Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Bonneville, Caribou, Clark, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Madison, Oneida, Power and Teton.
  4. The area included in the following counties shall constitute the central zone: Blaine, Butte, Camas, Cassia, Custer, Gooding, Jerome, Lemhi, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls.
  5. The area included in the following counties shall constitute the west zone: Ada, Adams, Benewah, Boise, Bonner, Boundary, Canyon, Clearwater, Elmore, Gem, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, Owyhee, Payette, Shoshone, Valley and Washington.
  6. The area included within the boundaries of the state of Idaho shall constitute the single zone.
History.

1967, ch. 275, § 1, p. 771; am. 1995, ch. 70, § 1, p. 178; am. 2010, ch. 256, § 3, p. 649.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 256, added the subsection (1) through (5) designations; in subsection (1), in the first sentence, deleted “formerly the United States coast and geodetic survey” following “geodetic survey,” “on the surface of the earth” following “location of points,” and “and the ‘Idaho coordinate system of 1927’” from the end, and deleted the second sentence, which formerly read: “The Idaho coordinate system of 1927’ may be used through December 31, 1995”; in subsection (2), inserted “either” and added “or alternatively, a state comprehensive ‘single zone’”; in subsections (3) through (5), deleted “now” preceding “included”; and added subsection (6).

Compiler’s Notes.

For more on the national geodetic survey, see http://www.ngs.noaa.gov .

For more on the national ocean service, see http://www.oceanservice.noaa.gov .

§ 55-1702. Zone references.

  1. As established for use in the east zone, the Idaho coordinate system of 1983 shall be named, and in any document in which it is used it shall be designated the “Idaho coordinate system of 1983, east zone.”
  2. As established for use in the central zone, the Idaho coordinate system of 1983 shall be named, and in any document in which it is used it shall be designated the “Idaho coordinate system of 1983, central zone.”
  3. As established for use in the west zone, the Idaho coordinate system of 1983 shall be named, and in any document in which it is used it shall be designated the “Idaho coordinate system of 1983, west zone.”
  4. As established for use in the single zone, the Idaho coordinate system of 1983 shall be named, and in any document in which it is used it shall be designated the “Idaho coordinate system of 1983, single zone.”
History.

1967, ch. 275, § 2, p. 771; am. 1995, ch. 70, § 2, p. 178; am. 2010, ch. 256, § 4, p. 649.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 256, rewrote the section, designating the existing provisions as subsections (1) to (3), deleting references to “the Idaho coordinate system of 1927”, and adding subsection (4).

§ 55-1703. Plane coordinates.

The plane coordinates to be used in expressing the position or location of a point in the appropriate zone of this system, shall consist of two (2) distances expressed in meters and decimals of a meter or in United States survey feet and decimals of a foot when using the Idaho coordinate system of 1983. For conversion purposes, one (1) United States survey foot equals one thousand two hundred (1,200) divided by three thousand nine hundred thirty-seven (3,937) meters. One (1) of these distances, to be known as “northing” or “N” shall give the position in a north-and-south direction; the other, to be known as the “easting” or “E” shall give the position in an east-and-west direction. These coordinates shall be made to depend upon and conform to the plane rectangular coordinate values of the national spatial reference system as maintained and provided by the national ocean service/national geodetic survey or its successors.

History.

1967, ch. 275, § 3, p. 771; am. 1995, ch. 70, § 3, p. 178; am. 2010, ch. 256, § 5, p. 649.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 256, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

Compiler’s Notes.

For more on the national geodetic survey, see http://www.ngs.noaa.gov .

For more on the national ocean service, see http://www.oceanservice.noaa.gov .

§ 55-1704. Documents reporting coordinates within two zones.

When any document reports coordinates that lie within two (2) coordinate zones, the coordinates of all points shall refer to one (1) of the zones which shall be named in the document.

History.

1967, ch. 275, § 4, p. 771; am. 2010, ch. 256, § 6, p. 649.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 256, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

§ 55-1705. Zone definitions.

For the purpose of more precisely defining the Idaho coordinate system of 1983, the following definitions are adopted:

  1. The Idaho coordinate system of 1983, east zone, is a transverse mercator projection of the North American datum of 1983 based on the geodetic reference system of 1980 (GRS 80), having a central meridian 112°10′ west of Greenwich, which meridian has a reduced scale of one (1) part in nineteen thousand (19,000). The origin of coordinates is at the intersection of the meridian 112°10′ west of Greenwich and the parallel 41°40′ north latitude. This origin is given the coordinates: N=0 meters and E=200,000 meters.
  2. The Idaho coordinate system of 1983, central zone, is a transverse mercator projection of the North American datum of 1983 based on the geodetic reference system of 1980 (GRS 80), having a central meridian 114°00′ west of Greenwich, which meridian has a reduced scale of one (1) part in nineteen thousand (19,000). The origin of coordinates is at the intersection of the meridian 114°00′ west of Greenwich and the parallel 41°40′ north latitude. This origin is given the coordinates: N=0 meters and E=500,000 meters.
  3. The Idaho coordinate system of 1983, west zone, is a transverse mercator projection of the North American datum of 1983 based on the geodetic reference system of 1980 (GRS 80), having a central meridian 115°45′ west of Greenwich, which meridian has a reduced scale of one (1) part in fifteen thousand (15,000). The origin of coordinates is at the intersection of the meridian 115°45′ west of Greenwich and the parallel 41°40′ north latitude. This origin is given the coordinates: N=0 meters and E=800,000 meters.
  4. The Idaho coordinate system of 1983, single zone, is a transverse mercator projection of the North American datum of 1983 based on the geodetic reference system of 1980 (GRS 80), having a central meridian 114°00′ west of Greenwich, which meridian has a reduced scale of one (1) part in two thousand five hundred (2,500). The origin of coordinates is at the intersection of the meridian 114°00′ west of Greenwich and the parallel 42°00′ north latitude. This origin is given the coordinates: N=1,200,000 meters and E=2,500,000 meters.
History.

1967, ch. 275, § 5, p. 771; am. 1995, ch. 70, § 4, p. 178; am. 2010, ch. 256, § 7, p. 649.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 256, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

Compiler’s Notes.

The abbreviations enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

§ 55-1706. Five kilometer triangulation limitation. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2010, ch. 256, § 8, effective July 1, 2010.

History.

1967, ch. 275, § 6, p. 771; am. 1995, ch. 70, § 5, p. 178.

§ 55-1707. Use of term. [Repealed.]

Repealed by S.L. 2010, ch. 256, § 9, effective July 1, 2010.

History.

1967, ch. 275, § 7, p. 771; am. 1995, ch. 70, § 6, p. 178.

§ 55-1708. Coordinate descriptions supplemental.

Whenever coordinates based on the Idaho coordinate system are used to describe any tract of land which in the same document is also described by reference to any subdivision, line or corner of the United States public land surveys, the description by coordinates shall be construed as supplemental to the basic description of such subdivision, line or corner contained in the official plats and field notes of the United States public land surveys filed of record, and in the event of any conflict the description by reference to the subdivision, line or corner of the United States public land surveys shall prevail over the description by coordinates unless said coordinates are upheld by adjudication, at which time the coordinate description shall prevail. Every recorded map, survey or conveyance or other instrument affecting title to real property which delineates, describes or refers to such property or any part thereof by reference to coordinates based upon the designated Idaho coordinate system shall also describe the property by reference and tie to either section corner or quarter corner monuments of the United States public land surveys.

History.

1967, ch. 275, § 8, p. 771; am. 1995, ch. 70, § 7, p. 178; am. 2010, ch. 256, § 10, p. 649.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 256, inserted “of the United States public land surveys” in the first sentence.

§ 55-1709. Description by coordinate not mandatory.

Nothing contained in this chapter shall require any purchaser or mortgagee of real property to rely wholly on a land description, any part of which depends exclusively upon the designated Idaho coordinate system.

History.

1967, ch. 275, § 9, p. 771; am. 1995, ch. 70, § 8, p. 178.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

Section 10 of S.L. 1967, ch. 275, read: “Severability. — If any provision of this act shall be declared invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other portion of this act which can be given effect without the invalid portion, and to this end the provisions of this act are declared to be severable.”

Chapter 18 SALE OR DISPOSITION OF LAND LOCATED OUTSIDE THE STATE

Sec.

§ 55-1801. Title.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Subdivided Lands Disposition Act.”

History.

1972, ch. 276, § 1, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 1, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, substituted “chapter” for “act.”

CASE NOTES

Application.

The Subdivided Lands Disposition Act (§§ 55-1801 to 55-1823) relates to the sale or disposition of land located outside of the state of Idaho. Lowe v. Lym, 103 Idaho 259, 646 P.2d 1030 (Ct. App. 1982).

§ 55-1802. Definitions.

When used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

  1. “Commission” means the Idaho real estate commission.
  2. “Disposition” includes sale, lease, assignment, award by lottery or any other transaction concerning a subdivision, if undertaken for gain or profit.
  3. “Offer” includes any inducement, solicitation or attempt to encourage a person to acquire an interest in land, if undertaken for gain or profit.
  4. “Person” means an individual, corporation, government, governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, unincorporated association, two (2) or more of any of the foregoing having a joint or common interest or any other legal or commercial entity.
  5. “Purchaser” means a person who acquires or attempts to acquire or succeeds to an interest in land.
  6. “Subdivider” means any owner of subdivided land who offers it for disposition or the principal agent of an inactive owner.
  7. “Subdivision” or “subdivided lands” means and includes the following:
    1. Any land situated outside the state of Idaho that is divided or is proposed to be divided for the purpose of disposition into five (5) or more lots, parcels, units or interests and also includes any land, whether contiguous or not, if five (5) or more lots, parcels, units or interests are offered as a part of a common promotional plan of advertising and sale;
    2. Any time shared property located within or without this state that is offered to purchasers or is proposed to be offered to purchasers.
  8. “Time shared property” means any real property in which the use and occupancy rights are divided or proposed to be divided into more than thirteen (13) units, interests or parcels in accordance with a fixed or variable time schedule on a periodic basis that allocates the use or occupancy among the persons holding similar interests, whether such use or occupancy rights are granted by deed, contract or share certificate.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 2, p. 667; am. 1984, ch. 61, § 1, p. 109; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 2, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Idaho real estate commission,§ 54-2025 et seq.

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, in the introductory language substituted “chapter” for “act”; in the introductory language in subsection (7), substituted “or” for “and” and added “and includes the following”; in paragraph (7)(b), deleted “In addition to the definition stated in subsection 7.a. above, ‘subdivision’ and ‘subdivided lands’ mean” from the beginning; and in subsection (8), added “whether such use or occupancy rights are granted by deed, contract or share certificate.”

§ 55-1803. Administration of chapter.

This chapter shall be administered by the Idaho real estate commission.

History.

1972, ch. 276, § 3, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 3, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Idaho real estate commission,§ 54-2025 et seq.

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, in the section heading and in text, substituted “chapter” for “act.”

§ 55-1804. Prohibitions on dispositions of interests in subdivisions.

Unless the subdivided lands or the transaction is exempt under section 55-1805, Idaho Code, it shall be unlawful for any person to make in this state:

  1. Any offer or disposition of any interest in subdivided lands located without this state prior to the time that the subdivided lands are registered in accordance with this chapter.
  2. Any offer or disposition of any interest in a time shared property located within or without this state prior to the time that the time shared property is registered in accordance with this chapter.
  3. Any disposition of any interest in subdivided lands without delivering to the purchaser an effective current public offering statement, obtaining a dated and signed receipt and affording the purchaser a reasonable opportunity to examine the statement.

An offer is made in this state, whether or not the offeror or offeree is then present in this state, if the offer originates within this state or is directed by the offeror to a person or place in this state and received by the person or at the place to which it is directed.

History.

1972, ch. 276, § 4, p. 667; am. 1984, ch. 61, § 2, p. 109; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 4, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, in the introductory paragraph, inserted “to make”; in subsections (1) and (3), substituted “Any offer or disposition” for “To offer or to dispose” or similar language and “chapter” for “act”; deleted subsection (2), which formerly read: “To dispose of any interest in subdivided lands unless a current public offering statement is delivered to the purchaser and the purchaser is afforded a reasonable opportunity to examine the public offering statement prior to the disposition” and redesignated former subsection (3) as present subsection (2); and added subsection (3).

§ 55-1804A. Right of rescission.

Any contract or agreement of disposition for an interest in subdivided lands may be rescinded by the purchaser without cause by personally delivering or sending by certified mail, a written notice of cancellation to the subdivider on or before 11:59 p.m. of the fifth calendar day after execution of the contract or agreement of disposition. The contract or agreement of disposition shall state this right and terms in boldface type on the signature page and shall include the address of the subdivider.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1804A, as added by 2010, ch. 214, § 5, p. 468.

§ 55-1805. Exemptions.

  1. Unless the method of disposition is adopted for the purpose of evasion of this chapter, the registration provisions of this chapter do not apply to offers or dispositions of an interest in land:
    1. By a purchaser of subdivided lands for his own account in a single or isolated transaction;
    2. If fewer than five (5) separate lots, parcels, units or interests in subdivided lands are offered by a person in a period of twelve (12) months;
    3. By any salaried employee in the normal course of his employment for an owner who is not in the business of making real estate sales when the transaction is incidental to the principal activities or business of the owner and where no added incentive such as a bonus or commission or other fee is paid to the employee for the transaction;
    4. By any person holding a duly executed power of attorney from the owner or principal agent of an inactive owner when the power of attorney is executed for the performance of a specific real estate transaction;
    5. To persons who are engaged in the business of construction of buildings for resale or to persons who acquire an interest in subdivided lands for the purpose of engaging, and do engage, in the business of construction of buildings for resale;
    6. Pursuant to court order;
    7. By any government or government agency; or
    8. As cemetery lots or interests.
  2. Unless the method of disposition is adopted for the purpose of evasion of this chapter, the registration provisions of this chapter do not apply to offers and dispositions of securities currently registered with the Idaho department of finance.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 5, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 6, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, in the introductory paragraphs in subsection (1) and in subsection (2), twice substituted “chapter” for “act”; in subsection (2), substituted “Idaho department of finance” for “Idaho commissioner”; and deleted the paragraph (2)a designation and paragraph (2)b, which read: “A subdivision to which the commission has granted an exemption as provided in section 55-1811.”

§ 55-1806. Application for registration.

  1. The application for registration of subdivided lands shall be filed as prescribed by the commission and shall contain the following documents and information:
    1. An irrevocable appointment of the commission to receive service of any lawful process in any noncriminal proceeding arising under this chapter against the applicant or his personal representative;
    2. A legal description of the subdivided lands offered for registration, together with a map showing the division proposed or made, the dimensions of the lots, parcels, units or interests, and the relation of the subdivided lands to existing streets, roads, waterways, schools, churches, shopping centers, public transportation facilities in existence or under construction and other off-site improvements, in existence or under construction;
    3. The state or jurisdictions in which an application for registration or similar document has been filed, and any adverse order, judgment or decree entered in connection with the subdivided lands by the regulatory authorities in each jurisdiction or by any court;
    4. The applicant’s name, address, and the form, date and jurisdiction of organization and the address of each of its offices in this state;
    5. If a corporation, partnership or other legal entity, the name, address and principal occupation for the past five (5) years of every director, officer, general partner, member, manager or person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions; the extent and nature of his interest in the applicant or the subdivided lands as of a specified date within thirty (30) days of the filing of the application;
    6. A statement indicating whether, within the past ten (10) years, the applicant, its individual directors, officers, general partners, members or managers have been:
      1. Convicted of a crime involving land dispositions or any aspect of the land sales business in this state, the United States or any other state or foreign country;
      2. Adjudicated liable and had a civil judgment entered against him for making a false or misleading promotional plan involving land dispositions; or
      3. Subject to any injunction or administrative order restraining a false or misleading promotional plan involving land dispositions.
    7. A statement, in a form acceptable to the commission, of the condition of the title to the subdivided lands including encumbrances as of a specified date within thirty (30) days of the date of application by a title opinion of a licensed attorney, not a salaried employee, officer or director of the applicant or owner, or by other evidence of title acceptable to the commission;
    8. Copies of the instruments which will be delivered to a purchaser to evidence his interest in the subdivided lands and of the contracts and other agreements that a purchaser will be required to agree to or sign;
    9. Copies of the instruments by which the interest in the subdivided lands was acquired and a statement of any lien or encumbrance upon the title and copies of the instruments creating the lien or encumbrance, if any, with data as to recording;
    10. If there is a lien or encumbrance affecting more than one (1) lot, parcel, unit or interest, a statement of the consequences for a purchaser of failure to discharge the lien or encumbrance and the steps, if any, taken to protect the purchaser in case of this eventuality;
    11. Copies of instruments creating easements, restrictions or other encumbrances affecting the subdivided lands;
    12. A statement of the zoning and other governmental regulations affecting the use of the subdivided lands and also of any existing tax and existing or proposed special taxes or assessments that affect the subdivided lands;
    13. A statement of the existing provisions for legal and physical access or, if none exists, a statement to that effect; a statement of the existing or proposed provisions for sewage disposal, water and other public utilities in the subdivision; a statement of the improvements to be installed, the schedule for their completion and a statement as to the provisions for improvement maintenance;
    14. A narrative description of the promotional plan for the disposition of the subdivided lands, including the range of selling prices or rents at which it is proposed to dispose of the lots in the subdivision, together with copies of all advertising material that has been prepared for public distribution by any means of communication;
    15. A copy of its articles of incorporation, with all amendments thereto, if the subdivider is a corporation; copies of all instruments by which the trust is created or declared, if the subdivider is a trust; copies of its articles of partnership or association and all other papers pertaining to its organization, if the subdivider is a partnership, unincorporated association or any other legal or commercial entity; and if the purported holder of legal title is a person other than the subdivider, copies of the above documents for such person;
    16. The proposed public offering statement;
    17. Such current financial statements, certified or otherwise, as the commission may require; and
    18. Such other information and such other documents and certifications as the commission may require as being reasonably necessary or appropriate for the protection of purchasers.
  2. If the subdivider registers additional subdivided lands to be offered for disposition, he may consolidate the subsequent registration with any earlier registration offering subdivided lands for disposition under the same promotional plan.
  3. The subdivider shall immediately report to the commission any material changes in the information contained in an application for registration.
  4. As a condition precedent to the registration of any subdivided lands, the commission shall require that the subdivider file a bond executed to the state of Idaho for the protection of any person and conditioned for the faithful compliance by the subdivider, his agents and his employees with all of the provisions of this chapter and with all rules and orders made pursuant thereto and for the faithful performance and payment of all obligations of the subdivider, his agents and his employees in connection with the registration, including any order to pay the costs and attorney’s fees incurred by the commission or by any other agency of this state, in an administrative or judicial proceeding to enforce the provisions of this chapter or the provisions of chapter 6, title 48, Idaho Code. The bond shall be of such type and in such form as the commission shall deem necessary to comply with the provisions of this subsection and shall be in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Any such bond shall have as surety thereon a surety company authorized to do business in this state. Such bond shall remain in effect for one (1) calendar year after the earlier to occur of the following:
    1. The subdivision is no longer required to be registered pursuant to this chapter;
    2. The subdivider elects to discontinue offering for disposition interests in the subdivision and therefor [therefore] elects not to renew the registration of the subdivision pursuant to this chapter;
    3. The provisions of this chapter no longer require the subdivider to post any bond; or
    4. The subdivider deposits sufficient funds in an approved escrow account or trust fund in lieu of the bond; provided, the bond shall continue to insure any covered claim filed against the subdivider, and of which the commission received written notice during the time the bond was in effect and until the claim has been finally resolved, including any appeal process.
  5. In lieu of filing a bond, the commission may accept funds deposited by the subdivider into an escrow depository acceptable to the commission or into a trust account acceptable to the commission. The deposited funds shall be maintained for the same purposes and upon the same terms and conditions as set forth in subsection (4) of this section.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 6, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 7, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Surety companies,§ 41-2603 et seq.

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, in paragraph (1)(a), substituted “chapter” for “act”; in paragraph (1)(e), added “If a corporation, partnership or other legal entity” and substituted “every director, officer, general partner, member, manager or person” for “every director and officer of the applicant or person”; added paragraph (1)(f) and redesignated the subsequent paragraphs in subsection (1); in the introductory paragraph in subsection (4), in the first sentence, deleted “use, benefit, and” preceding “protection” and “regulations” following “rules,” substituted “this chapter” for “this act, as amended,” and added the language beginning “including any order to pay the costs” through to the end, in the second sentence, deleted “indemnity” preceding “bond” and “and shall be in such amount” following “such form,” and substituted “to comply with the provisions of this subsection and shall be in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000)” for “to protect purchasers when the volume of business of the subdivider and other relevant factors are taken into consideration, but in no event less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000),” and added the last sentence; and added paragraphs (4)(a) though (4)(d) and subsection (5).

Compiler’s Notes.

The bracketed insertion in paragraph (4)(b) was added by the compiler to supply the probable intended term.

§ 55-1807. Public offering statement.

  1. A public offering statement shall disclose fully and accurately the physical characteristics of the subdivided lands offered and shall make known to prospective purchasers all unusual and material circumstances or features affecting the subdivided lands. The proposed public offering statement submitted to the commission shall be in a form prescribed by it and shall include the following:
    1. The name and principal address of the subdivider;
    2. A general description of the subdivided lands stating the total number of lots, parcels, units or interests in the offering;
    3. The significant terms of any encumbrances, easements, liens and restrictions, including zoning and other regulations, affecting the subdivided lands and each unit or lot, and a statement of all existing taxes and existing or proposed special taxes or assessments that affect the subdivided lands;
    4. A statement of the use for which the property is offered;
    5. Information concerning improvements in existence or under construction including streets, water supply, levees, drainage control systems, irrigation systems, sewage disposal facilities and customary utilities, and the estimated cost, date of completion and responsibility for construction and maintenance of existing and proposed improvements that are referred to in connection with the offering or disposition of any interest in subdivided lands; and
    6. Such of the information contained in the application for registration, and any amendments thereto, and such other information as the commission may require as being necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of purchasers.
  2. The public offering statement shall disclose, in a prominent place and in bold type, the right of rescission as required in section 55-1804A, Idaho Code.
  3. The public offering statement shall not be used for any promotional purposes before registration of the subdivided lands and afterwards only if it is used in its entirety. No person may advertise or represent that the commission approves or recommends the subdivided lands or disposition thereof. No portion of the public offering statement may be underscored, italicized or printed in larger or heavier or different color type than the remainder of the statement except as required by statute or rule of the commission.
  4. The commission may require the subdivider to alter or amend the proposed public offering statement in order to assure full and fair disclosure to prospective purchasers, and no change in the substance of the promotional plan or plan of disposition or development of the subdivision may be made after registration without notifying the commission and without making appropriate amendment of the public offering statement. A public offering statement is not current unless all amendments are incorporated.
  5. All advertising material of any nature prepared for use in connection with the offer and disposition of any interests in subdivided lands registered under this chapter shall be submitted to the commission prior to its use.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 7, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 8, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, added subsection (2) and redesignated former subsections (2) and (3) as present subsections (3) and (4); in subsection (3), substituted “except as required by statute or rule of the commission” for “unless the commission requires it”; and added subsection (5).

§ 55-1808. Examination by commission of application for registration.

Upon receipt of an application for registration in proper form, the commission shall forthwith initiate an examination of the application for registration to determine that:

  1. The requirements of section 55-1806, Idaho Code, have been satisfied, the subdivider can convey or cause to be conveyed the interest in subdivided lands offered for disposition if the purchaser complies with the terms of the offer and, when appropriate, that release clauses, conveyances in trust, escrow and impoundage provisions and other safeguards have been provided;
  2. There is reasonable assurance that all proposed improvements will be completed as represented;
  3. There is no evidence which would reasonably lead the commission to believe that the subdivider, or if a corporation, partnership or other legal entity, its individual officers, directors, general partners, members, managers or other such principals are contemplating a fraudulent or misleading sales promotion; and
  4. The public offering statement requirements of this chapter have been satisfied.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 8, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 9, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, rewrote the section heading, which formerly read: “Inquiry and examination”; in the introductory paragraph, inserted “of the application for registration”; in subsection (1), inserted “requirements of section 55-1806, Idaho Code, have been satisfied, the”; deleted former subsections (3) and (4) which read: “3. The advertising material and the general promotional plan are not false or misleading and comply with the standards prescribed by the commission in its rules and regulations and afford full and fair disclosure; 4. The subdivider has not, or if a corporation, its officers, directors, and principals have not been convicted of a crime involving land dispositions or any aspect of the land sales business in this state, the United States, or any other state or foreign country within the past ten (10) years and has not been subject to any injunction or administrative order within the past ten (10) years restraining a false or misleading promotional plan involving land dispositions;” and redesignated former subsections (5) and (6) as present subsections (3) and (4); in subsection (3), inserted “partnership or other legal entity,” “individual,” “general partners, members, managers,” and “other such”; and in subsection (4), substituted “chapter” for “act.”

§ 55-1809. Notice of filing — Registration — Rejection of application — Fees.

  1. Upon receipt of the application for registration in proper form and of a base registration fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), the commission shall issue a notice of filing to the applicant. In addition to the base registration fee, the following fees are payable prior to issuance of an order of registration; five dollars ($5.00) per lot, parcel, unit or interest numbering fifty (50) to two hundred fifty (250); four dollars ($4.00) per lot, parcel, unit or interest numbering two hundred fifty-one (251) to five hundred (500); three dollars ($3.00) per lot, parcel, unit or interest numbering five hundred one (501) to seven hundred fifty (750); and two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) for each lot, parcel, unit or interest numbering in excess of seven hundred fifty (750). The application and registration fees shall not exceed a maximum fee of three thousand dollars ($3,000).
  2. If an applicant submits the required filings using the web-based document management system sponsored by the association of real estate license law officials, the fees prescribed in this section, including the maximum fee, shall be reduced by twenty-five percent (25%). The reduction does not apply to late fees. The commission may promulgate rules changing or eliminating the fee reduction.
  3. Within ninety (90) days from the date of the notice of filing, the commission shall enter an order registering the subdivided lands or rejecting the registration. If no order of rejection is entered within ninety (90) days from the date of notice of filing, the land shall be deemed registered unless the applicant has consented in writing to a delay.
  4. If the commission determines that the requirements of sections 55-1806 through 55-1808, Idaho Code, have been met, it shall enter an order registering the subdivided lands and shall designate the form of the public offering statement.
  5. If the commission determines that any of the requirements of sections 55-1806 through 55-1808, Idaho Code, have not been met, the commission shall notify the applicant that the application for registration must be corrected in the particulars specified within ten (10) days or within the time otherwise allowed by the commission. If the requirements are not met within the time allowed, the commission shall enter an order rejecting the registration which shall state the basis for the rejection and advise the applicant of his right to request a hearing before the commission. The order rejecting the registration shall not become effective for twenty (20) days after service of the order, during which time the applicant may make a written request for a hearing. If a hearing is not timely requested, the order shall become the final agency action subject to judicial review under chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code.
  6. Registration under this chapter shall be effective as of the date of the registration order for a period of one (1) year and may be renewed for additional periods of one (1) year by filing, not later than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration of a registration, a renewal application in such form and containing such information as the commission shall prescribe, including the renewal report provided in section 55-1810, Idaho Code, together with the payment of a base renewal fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250), plus one dollar ($1.00) for each lot, parcel, unit or interest. The total fees for a timely renewal application shall not exceed a maximum fee of three thousand dollars ($3,000). A late renewal fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per day will be charged for each day the renewal application is late, with a maximum late fee of five hundred dollars ($500). A registration that is not renewed within twenty (20) days of expiration shall be deemed canceled and may not thereafter be renewed under the provisions of this section. Each amendment to the original registration requires a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) fee. The initial registration and any renewal fees may not be returned or refunded for any reason.
  7. All fees collected by the commission under this chapter shall be deposited at least monthly with the state treasurer and said funds so deposited shall be deposited to the credit of the special real estate fund. All funds so deposited are hereby appropriated to the commission for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. All expenditures from said fund by the commission under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid out on warrants drawn by the state controller upon presentation of proper vouchers approved by the commission. Such claims and supporting vouchers shall be examined by the state board of examiners in the same manner as other claims against the state of Idaho. For the purpose of carrying out the objects of this chapter and in the exercise of the powers herein granted, the commission shall have powers to make orders concerning the disbursement of the moneys in said special real estate fund, including the payment of compensation and expenses of its members, clerks and employees and for the payment of printing and for such other expenses as deemed necessary.
  8. The fact that an application for registration and public offering statement have been filed, or the fact that an order of registration has been issued, does not constitute a finding by the commission that any document is true, complete and not misleading, nor does either fact mean that the commission has determined in any way the merits, qualifications of or given its approval or recommendation to any person or subdivision. It is unlawful for any person to make, or cause to be made, to any prospective purchaser any representation inconsistent with the provisions of this subsection.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 9, p. 667; am. 1983, ch. 109, § 6, p. 230; am. 1994, ch. 180, § 106, p. 420; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 10, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Special real estate fund,§ 54-2021.

State board of examiners,§ 67-2001 et seq.

State controller,§ 67-1001 et seq.

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable, adding present subsections (2) and (8).

Compiler’s Notes.
Effective Dates.

Section 241 of S.L. 1994, ch. 180 provided that such act should become effective on and after the first Monday in January, 1995 [January 2, 1995] if the amendment to the Constitution of Idaho changing the name of the state auditor to state controller [1994 S.J.R. No. 109, p. 1493] was adopted at the general election held on November 8, 1994. Since such amendment was adopted, the amendment to this section by § 106 of S.L. 1994, ch. 180 became effective January 2, 1995.

§ 55-1810. Renewal report — Duty to report convictions and judgments.

  1. The subdivider shall file a renewal report in the form prescribed by the commission. The renewal report shall reflect any material changes in information contained in the original application for registration. The renewal report must be filed with the renewal application not later than fifteen (15) days before the registration expiration date.
  2. If at any time after filing an initial or renewal application, a subdivider or any of its individual directors, officers, general partners, members, managers or other such principals, is convicted, has a judgment entered against it or is found liable in any court or administrative tribunal for any conduct referenced in section 55-1806 or 55-1815, Idaho Code, the subdivider shall, within thirty (30) days, forward to the commission a copy of the judgment, order or other document evidencing the same.
  3. The commission may initiate a renewal examination of the kind provided in section 55-1808, Idaho Code. If the commission determines that any of the requirements of sections 55-1806 through 55-1808, Idaho Code, have not been met, it shall notify the subdivider that the deficiency must be corrected within twenty (20) days or such other time as allowed by the commission. If the requirements are not met within the time allowed, the commission may, notwithstanding the provisions of section 55-1814, Idaho Code, issue a cease and desist order according to the emergency procedures of chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code, barring further sales of the subdivided lands.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 10, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 11, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, rewrote the section heading, which formerly read: “Annual report”; added the subsection (1) designation and therein, in the first sentence, deleted “Within thirty (30) days after each annual anniversary date of an order registering subdivided lands” from the beginning and inserted “renewal,” in the second sentence, inserted “renewal,” and added the last sentence; and added subsections (2) and (3).

§ 55-1811. General powers and duties.

  1. The commission shall have the authority to promulgate, to amend and to repeal reasonable rules for the administration and enforcement of this chapter. Such rules may include provisions for advertising standards to assure full and fair disclosure; provisions for bond, escrow or trust agreements or other means to assure that all improvements referred to in the application for registration and advertising will be completed and that purchasers will receive the interest in land for which they contracted; provisions for operating procedures; and such other rules as are necessary or proper to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
  2. The commission may revoke a registration ordered under the provisions of this chapter, issue a cease and desist order and assess costs and attorney’s fees for the cost of any investigation and administrative or other proceedings against any person who is found to have violated any section of this chapter, the commission’s administrative rules or any order of the commission. If any amounts assessed against a subdivider by final order of the commission become otherwise uncollectible or payment is in default, and only if all of the defendant’s rights to appeal have passed, the commission may then proceed to district court and seek to enforce collection through judgment and execution, including an action against any bond filed or escrow or trust funds deposited pursuant to section 55-1806, Idaho Code.
  3. Whenever it appears that a person has engaged or is about to engage in acts or practices that constitute or will constitute a violation of the provisions of this chapter or of a rule or order hereunder, the commission, with or without prior administrative proceedings, may bring an action in any district court to enjoin the acts or practices and to enforce compliance with this chapter or any rule or order hereunder. Upon a proper showing, a permanent or temporary injunction or restraining order may be granted.
  4. The commission may intervene in a suit involving subdivided lands. In any suit by or against a subdivider involving subdivided lands, the subdivider promptly shall furnish the commission notice of the suit and copies of all pleadings.
  5. The commission may:
    1. Accept registrations filed in other states or with the federal government;
    2. Contract with the association of real estate license law officials to use its web-based file management system to accept registrations and related filings and to reduce the registration fees for applicants who use the web-based system to file registration documents;
    3. Contract with similar agencies in this state or other jurisdictions to perform investigative functions.
  6. The commission shall cooperate with similar agencies in other jurisdictions to establish uniform filing procedures and forms, uniform public offering statements, advertising standards, rules and common administrative practices.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 11, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 12, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES
Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

Compiler’s Notes.

For more on the association of real estate license law officials, see https://www.areallo.org .

§ 55-1812. Fraudulent practices.

It shall be a fraudulent practice and it shall be unlawful:

  1. For any person knowingly to subscribe to or make or cause to be made any materially false statement or representation in any application, financial statement or other document or statement required to be filed under any provision of this chapter, or to omit to state any material statement or fact in any such document or statement that is necessary in order to make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
  2. For any person, in connection with the offer or disposition of subdivided lands, directly or indirectly, to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud;
  3. For any person, in connection with the offer or disposition of subdivided lands, directly or indirectly, to make any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading; or
  4. For any person, in connection with the offer or disposition of subdivided lands, directly or indirectly, to engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deception upon purchasers or the public.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 12, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 13, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Fraudulent conveyances of land,§ 55-901 et seq.

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, in subsection (1), substituted “materially false statement” for “material false statement” and “chapter” for “act”; and in subsections (2) through (4), deleted “or purchase” following “disposition.”

§ 55-1813. Investigations and proceedings.

  1. The commission may investigate any subdivision offered for disposition in this state and the actions of any person who makes any offer or disposition of subdivided lands requiring registration under this chapter. In the conduct of the investigation, the commission may:
    1. Rely upon any relevant information concerning a subdivision obtained from the federal housing administration, the United States department of veterans affairs or any other federal agency or any state agency having comparable duties in relation to subdivisions;
    2. Require the applicant to submit reports prepared by competent engineers as to any hazard to which any subdivision offered for disposition is subject or any factor that affects the utility of interests within the subdivision and require evidence of compliance in removing or minimizing all hazards reflected in engineering reports;
    3. Require an on-site inspection of the subdivision by a person or persons designated by it. All expenses incurred in connection with an on-site inspection shall be defrayed by the applicant, and the commission shall require a deposit sufficient to defray such expenses in advance;
    4. Make public or private investigations within or outside this state to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate the provisions of this chapter or any rule or order hereunder, or to aid in the enforcement of this chapter or in prescribing rules and forms hereunder; and
    5. Require or permit any person to file a statement in writing, under oath or otherwise as the commission determines, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated.
  2. For the purpose of any investigation or proceeding under this chapter, the commission or any person designated by it may administer oaths or affirmations, and upon its own motion or upon the request of any party the commission or any person designated by it shall have the power to administer oaths, take depositions of witnesses in and out of the state of Idaho in the manner of civil cases, require the attendance of such witnesses and the production of such books, records and papers as it may desire at any hearing before it or deposition authorized by it pertaining in any manner to any matters of which it has authority to investigate, and for that purpose the commission may issue a subpoena for any witness or a subpoena duces tecum to compel the production of any books, records or papers that shall be served and returned in the same manner as a subpoena in a civil case is returned. The fees and mileage of witnesses shall be the same as that allowed in the district courts in civil cases.
  3. The commission may permit a person registered with the commission whose conduct or actions may be under investigation to waive formal proceedings and enter into a consent proceeding whereby orders, rules or letters of censure or warning, whether formal or informal, may be entered against said person.
  4. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all proceedings under this chapter shall be in accordance with chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 13, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 14, p. 468; am. 2020, ch. 87, § 6, p. 233.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Depositions in civil cases, Idaho R. Civ. P. 27 to 32.

Subpoenas in civil cases, Idaho R. Civ. P. 45.

Witness fees and expenses, Idaho R. Civ. P. 45(e)(1).

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 87, substituted “department of veterans affairs” for “veterans administration” near the middle of paragraph (1)(a) and deleted “and IDAPA 33.01.02, rules of practice and procedure of the Idaho real estate commission governing contested cases” from the end of subsection (4).

Compiler’s Notes.

For more on the federal housing administration, referred to in paragraph (1)(a), see https://www.hud.gov/federalhousingadministration .

§ 55-1814. Cease and desist orders.

  1. If the commission determines after notice and hearing that a person has:
    1. Violated any provision of this chapter;
    2. Directly or through an agent or employee knowingly engaged in any false, deceptive or misleading advertising, promotional or sales methods to offer or dispose of an interest in subdivided lands;
    3. Made any substantial change in the plan of disposition and development of the subdivided lands subsequent to the order of registration without obtaining prior written approval from the commission;
    4. Disposed of any subdivided lands that have not been registered with the commission; or
    5. Violated any lawful order or rule of the commission;
  2. If the commission makes a finding of fact in writing that the public interest will be irreparably harmed by delay in issuing an order, such as in the case of the subdivider’s failure to maintain the statutory requirements for registration, it may issue a temporary cease and desist order. Prior to issuing the temporary cease and desist order, the commission shall, whenever practicable, by telephone or otherwise, give notice of the petition for a temporary cease and desist order to the person. Every temporary cease and desist order issued shall be promptly served upon the person ordered and shall include the reasons for the order and a provision that, if requested by the person within twenty (20) days of service, the matter will be scheduled for a hearing, which will be held within a reasonable time to determine whether or not the order becomes permanent.

it may issue an order requiring the person to cease and desist from the unlawful practice and may take such other action as authorized by this chapter.

History.

1972, ch. 276, § 14, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 15, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

§ 55-1815. Revocation.

  1. A registration may be revoked by the commission after notice and hearing upon a written finding of fact that the subdivider has:
    1. Failed to maintain the requirements for continued registration;
    2. Failed to comply with the terms of a cease and desist order;
    3. In any court or administrative tribunal, been convicted, found liable or had a registration revoked for a crime, tort or other misconduct involving fraud, deception, false pretenses, misrepresentation, false advertising or dishonest dealing in land dispositions, including the offering or promotion of land disposition;
    4. Disposed of, concealed or diverted any funds or assets of any person so as to defeat the rights of subdivision purchasers;
    5. Failed faithfully to perform any stipulation or agreement made with the commission as an inducement to grant any registration, to reinstate any registration or to approve any promotional plan or public offering statement; or
    6. Made intentional misrepresentations or concealed material facts in an application for registration.
  2. If the commission finds after notice and hearing that the subdivider has committed a violation for which revocation could be ordered, it may issue a cease and desist order instead.

Findings of fact, if set forth in statutory language, shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit statement of the underlying facts supporting the findings.

History.

1972, ch. 276, § 15, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 16, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, in the introductory paragraph in subsection (1), inserted “by the commission”; added paragraph (1)(a) and redesignated the subsequent paragraphs in subsection (1); rewrote present paragraph (1)(c), which read: “been convicted, or found liable in any court subsequent to the filing of the application for registration of a crime or tort involving fraud, deception, false pretenses, misrepresentation, false advertising, or dishonest dealing in real estate transactions”; and in subsection (2), substituted “commission” for “district court” and “committed a violation” for “been guilty of a violation.”

§ 55-1816. Judicial review.

A person who has exhausted all administrative remedies available within the commission and who is aggrieved by any final decision of the commission is entitled to judicial review in accordance with chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code.

History.

1972, ch. 276, § 16, p. 667.

§ 55-1817. Real estate license required.

No real estate broker or salesperson shall offer or dispose of subdivided lands within or from this state, except in dispositions and transactions exempt under section 55-1805, Idaho Code, unless said real estate broker or salesperson is licensed pursuant to chapter 20, title 54, Idaho Code.

History.

1972, ch. 276, § 17, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 17, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, twice substituted “salesperson” for “salesman”.

§ 55-1818. Extradition.

In proceedings for extradition of a person charged with a crime under this chapter, it need not be shown that the person whose surrender is demanded has fled from justice or at the time of the commission of the crime was in the demanding or other state.

History.

1972, ch. 276, § 18, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 18, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, substituted “chapter” for “act.”

§ 55-1819. Civil remedy.

  1. Every disposition made in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, or of any order issued by the commission under any of the provisions of this chapter, shall be voidable at the election of the purchaser. The person making such disposition, and every director, officer, salesperson or agent of or for such person who shall have participated or aided in any way in making such disposition, shall be jointly and severally liable to such purchaser in any action at law in any court of competent jurisdiction for the consideration paid for the lot, parcel, unit or interest, together with interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per year from the date of payment, property taxes and assessments paid, court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, less the amount of any income received from the subdivided lands, upon tender of appropriate instruments of reconveyance made at any time before the entry of judgment. If the purchaser no longer owns the lot, parcel, unit or interest in subdivided lands, he may recover the amount that would be recoverable upon a tender of a reconveyance less the value of the land when disposed of and less interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per year on that amount from the date of disposition.
  2. No action shall be brought under this section for the recovery of the consideration paid after five (5) years from the date of such disposition.
  3. Any stipulation or provision purporting to bind any person acquiring subdivided lands to waive compliance with this chapter or any rule or order under it is void.
  4. The rights and remedies provided by this chapter shall be in addition to any and all other rights and remedies that may exist at law or in equity.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 19, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 19, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, throughout the section, substituted “chapter” for “act”; in the second sentence in subsection (1), substituted “salesperson” for “salesman”; and in subsection (3), deleted “or regulation” following “rule.”

CASE NOTES

Cited

Lowe v. Lym, 103 Idaho 259, 646 P.2d 1030 (Ct. App. 1982); Brownlow v. Aman, 740 F.2d 1476 (10th Cir. 1984).

§ 55-1819A. Noncompliance — Unfair practice under the Idaho consumer protection act.

Any offer or disposition made in violation of this chapter constitutes an unfair and deceptive act or practice pursuant to chapter 6, title 48, Idaho Code.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1819A, as added by 2010, ch. 214, § 20, p. 468.

§ 55-1820. Jurisdiction.

  1. Dispositions of subdivided lands are subject to this chapter, and the district courts of this state have jurisdiction in claims or causes of action arising under this chapter if:
    1. The subdivider’s principal office is located in this state; or
    2. Any offer or disposition of subdivided lands is made in this state, whether or not the offeror or offeree is then present in this state, if the offer originates within this state or is directed by the offeror to a person or place in this state and received by the person or at the place to which it is directed.
  2. Any person who makes a disposition of subdivided lands in this state, whether or not the subdivided lands are registered in this state, has thereby submitted to the jurisdiction of the state of Idaho and to the administrative jurisdiction of the commission and shall be subject to all penalties and remedies available under Idaho law for any violation of the provisions of this chapter.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 20, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 21, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, designated the formerly undesignated first paragraph as subsection (1) and therein twice substituted “chapter” for “act”; redesignated former subsections 1 and 2 as paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b); and added subsection (2).

§ 55-1821. Service of process.

In addition to the methods of service provided for in the Idaho rules of civil procedure and Idaho statutes, service may be made on a person who has filed a consent to service of process by delivering a copy of the process to the office of the commission, but it is not effective unless the plaintiff (which may be the commission in a proceeding instituted by it):

  1. Forthwith sends a copy of the process and of the pleading by certified or registered mail to the defendant or respondent at his last known address; and
  2. The plaintiff’s affidavit of compliance with this section is filed in the case on or before the return day of the process, if any or within such further time as the court allows.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 21, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 22, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, deleted the subsection 1 designation, and redesignated former paragraphs 1.a and 1.b as subsections (1) and (2).

Compiler’s Notes.

The words enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

§ 55-1822. Evidentiary matters.

  1. In any action, civil or criminal, where a defense is based upon any exemption provided for in this chapter, the burden of proving the existence of such exemption shall be upon the party raising such defense.
  2. In any action, civil or criminal, a certificate signed and sealed by the commission stating compliance or noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be admissible in any such action.
History.

1972, ch. 276, § 22, p. 667; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 23, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, twice substituted “chapter” for “act.”

§ 55-1823. Penalties.

Any person who shall willfully violate any provision of this chapter or who willfully violates any rule or order of the commission made and served upon said person pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, or who shall willfully engage in any act, practice or transaction declared by any provision of this chapter to be unlawful shall be guilty of a felony.

History.

1972, ch. 276, § 23, p. 667; am. 1972, ch. 387, § 1, p. 1118; am. 2010, ch. 214, § 24, p. 468.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Punishment for felony not otherwise provided,§ 18-112.

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 214, throughout the section, substituted “chapter” for “act”; and deleted “or regulation” following “rule.”

Effective Dates.

Section 24 of S.L. 1972, ch. 276 provided the act should take effect on and after July 1, 1972.

Section 2 of S.L. 1972, ch. 387 provided the act should take effect on and after July 1, 1972.

Chapter 19 RECORDING OF SURVEYS

Sec.

§ 55-1901. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a method for preserving evidence of land surveys by providing for a public record of surveys. The provisions shall be deemed supplementary to existing laws relating to surveys, subdivisions, platting and boundaries.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1901, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 1, p. 221.

CASE NOTES

Illegal Subdivision of Land.

The record before the magistrate did not support his conclusion that a criminal act occurred in 1985 because the document filed by the defendant in 1985 was a land survey and not a plat. For a subdivision to have occurred under the ordinance there must have been a division of land for the purpose of transfer of ownership for development. A land survey does not divide land, nor does the filing of such a survey indicate with what intent the landowner surveyed his property, and because there was no support in the record for the conclusion that a criminal act occurred in 1985, the statute of limitations for the misdemeanor charges of illegal subdivision brought against the defendant had not run and the magistrate erred in dismissing the complaint. State v. Bilbao, 130 Idaho 500, 943 P.2d 926 (1997).

Cited

Robbins v. County of Blaine, 134 Idaho 113, 996 P.2d 813 (2000).

§ 55-1902. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Basis of bearing” means the bearing in degrees, minutes and seconds, or equivalent, of a line between two (2) monuments or two (2) monumented corners that serves as the reference bearing for all other lines on the survey.
  2. “Corner,” unless otherwise defined, means a property corner, or a property controlling corner, or a public land survey corner, or any combination of these.
  3. “GPS” is the abbreviation for global positioning system, which is satellite surveying based on observations of the electromagnetic signals broadcast from the U.S. department of defense’s NAVSTAR GPS system.
  4. “Idaho coordinate system” shall mean that system of plane coordinates as established and designated by chapter 17, title 55, Idaho Code.
  5. “Land survey” means measuring the field location of corners that:
    1. Determine the boundary or boundaries common to two (2) or more ownerships;
    2. Retrace or establish land boundaries;
    3. Retrace or establish boundary lines of public roads, streets, alleys or trails; or
    4. Plat lands and subdivisions thereof.
  6. “Monument” is a physical structure or object that occupies the exact position of a corner.
  7. “Property controlling corner” for a property is a public land survey corner, property corner, reference point or witness corner that controls the location of one (1) or more of the property corners of the property in question.
  8. “Property corner” is a geographic point on the surface of the earth and is on, a part of, and controls a property.
  9. “Public land survey corner” is any point actually established and monumented in an original survey or resurvey that determines the boundaries of remaining public lands, or public lands patented, represented on an official plat and in the field notes thereof, accepted and approved under authority delegated by congress to the U.S. general land office and the U.S. department of the interior, bureau of land management.
  10. “Reference point” means a special monumented point that does not occupy the same geographical position as the corner itself, and where the spatial relationship to the corner is known and recorded, and that serves to locate the corner.
  11. “Surveyor” shall mean every person authorized by the state of Idaho to practice the profession of land surveying.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1902, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 1, p. 221; am. 1997, ch. 190, § 17, p. 517; am. 2004, ch. 83, § 1, p. 311; am. 2011, ch. 136, § 17, p. 383; am. 2017, ch. 86, § 2, p. 232.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 136, added subsections (5) and (10), and redesignated the subsequent subsections accordingly; in subsection (7), substituted “reference point or witness corner that controls” for “which does not lie on a property line of the property in question, but which controls”; and deleted former subsection (9), which was the definition for “Survey.” The 2017 amendment, by ch. 86, inserted “two (2) monumented” preceding “corners” in subsection (1).

Compiler’s Notes.

The United States general land office, referred to in subsection (9), was created in 1812 and merged with the United States grazing service in 1946 to form the bureau of land management.

For more on the bureau of land management, referred to in subsection (9), see http://www.blm.gov .

§ 55-1903. Compliance with chapter required.

Any surveyor legally engaged in the practice of land surveying shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1903, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 1, p. 221.

§ 55-1904. Records of survey — When filing required.

After making a land survey in conformity with established principles of land surveying, a surveyor shall file a record of survey with the county recorder in the county or counties wherein the lands surveyed are situated. A record of survey shall be filed within ninety (90) days after completing any survey which:

  1. Discloses a material discrepancy with previous surveys of record;
  2. Establishes boundary lines and/or corners not previously existing or of record;
  3. Results in the setting of monuments at corners of record which were not previously monumented;
  4. Produces evidence or information which varies from, or is not contained in, surveys of record relating to the public land survey, lost public land corners or obliterated land survey corners; or
  5. Results in the setting of monuments that conform to the requirements of section 54-1227, Idaho Code, at the corners of an easement or lease area.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1904, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 1, p. 221; am. 2006, ch. 136, § 1, p. 391; am. 2011, ch. 136, § 18, p. 383.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Corner perpetuation and filing act,§ 55-1601 et seq.

County recorders,§ 31-2401 et seq.

Amendments.

The 2006 amendment, by ch. 136, added present subsection (3) and redesignated former subsection (3) as present subsection (4).

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 136, inserted the first occurrence of “land” in the introductory paragraph and added subsection (5).

§ 55-1905. Records of survey — Filing.

The records of survey to be filed under authority of this chapter shall be processed as follows:

  1. The record of survey shall be a map using the same media and copy process as provided in section 50-1304, Idaho Code. The map shall be eighteen (18) inches by twenty-seven (27) inches in size, with a three and one-half (3 1/2) inch margin at the left end for binding, and a one-half (1/2) inch margin on all other edges. No part of the drawing or certificates shall encroach upon the margins. Signatures shall be in reproducible black ink. The sheet or sheets which contain the drawing or diagram representing the survey shall be drawn at a scale suitable to ensure the clarity of all lines, bearings and dimensions. In the event that any survey is of such magnitude that the drawing or diagram cannot be placed on a single sheet, serially numbered sheets shall be prepared and match lines shall be indicated on the drawing or diagram with appropriate references to other sheets.
  2. The original transparency and one (1) legible print of each record of survey shall be furnished to the county recorder in the county or counties in which the survey is to be recorded.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1905, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 1, p. 221; am. 1997, ch. 190, § 18, p. 517; am. 2015, ch. 48, § 6, p. 101.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 48, substituted the first sentence in subsection (1) for: “The record of survey shall be a map, prepared in black opaque image upon stable base drafting film with a minimum base thickness of .003 inches by either a photographic process using a silver image emulsion or by use of black opaque drafting film ink, by mechanical or handwritten means. The drafting film and image thereon shall be waterproof, tear resistant, flexible and capable of withstanding repeated handling, as well as providing archival permanence. If ink is used on drafting film, the ink surface shall be coated with a suitable substance to assure permanent legibility. The drafting film must be of a type which can be reproduced by either a photographic or diazo process.”

§ 55-1906. Records of survey — Contents.

The records of survey shall, at a minimum, show:

  1. All monuments found or set or reset or replaced, or removed, describing their kind, size, location using bearings and distances, and giving other data relating thereto;
  2. Evidence of compliance with chapter 16, title 55, Idaho Code, including instrument numbers of the most current corner records related to the survey being submitted and instrument numbers of corner records of corners which are set in conjunction with the survey being submitted; basis of bearings, bearing and length of lines, graphic scale of map, and north arrow;
  3. Section, or part of section, township and range in which the survey is located and reference to surveys of record within or crossing or adjoining the survey;
  4. Certificate of survey;
  5. Ties to at least two (2) public land survey corner monuments of record in one (1) or more of the sections containing the record of survey or, in lieu of public land survey corners, to two (2) corners of records recognized by the county surveyor. Records of survey which are within previously platted subdivisions of record need not be tied to public land survey corner monuments; and
  6. Surveyor’s narrative. The narrative must explain:
    1. The purpose of the survey and how the boundary lines and other lines were established or reestablished and the reasoning behind the decisions;
    2. Which deed records, deed elements, survey records, found survey monuments, plat records, road records, or other pertinent data were controlling when establishing or reestablishing the lines; and
    3. For surveys that contain a vertical component, the narrative shall show the benchmarks used, the vertical datum referenced, and the methodology used to achieve the elevations.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1906, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 1, p. 221; am. 1997, ch. 190, § 19, p. 517; am. 2004, ch. 83, § 2, p. 311; am. 2015, ch. 48, § 7, p. 101; am. 2019, ch. 58, § 2, p. 146.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2015 amendment, by ch. 48, in subsection (2), substituted “of the most current corner records related to the survey being submitted and instrument numbers of corner records” for “any corner records which have been recorded previously and corner records”, deleted “any” preceding “corners which”, and inserted “graphic” near the end.

The 2019 amendment, by ch. 58, inserted “at a minimum” in the introductory paragraph and added subsection (6).

§ 55-1907. Coordinates — Basis.

When coordinates in the Idaho coordinate system are shown on a record of survey map, subdivision plat or a highway right-of-way plat, the map or the plat must show the national spatial reference system monuments and their coordinates used as the basis of the survey; the zone; the datum and adjustment; and the combined adjustment factor and the convergence angle and the location where they were computed.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1907, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 1, p. 221; am. 1997, ch. 190, § 20, p. 517; am. 2010, ch. 256, § 11, p. 649.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 256, rewrote the section, revising requirements relating to coordinates shown on certain maps and plats.

§ 55-1908. When record of survey not required.

A record of survey is not required of any survey when:

  1. It is of a preliminary nature;
  2. A map is in preparation for recording or has been recorded under any other section of the Idaho Code, or pursuant to the laws of the United States;
  3. A survey is performed for a mineral claim location, amendment or relocation; or
  4. None of the conditions contained in section 55-1904, Idaho Code, exist and the principal purpose of the survey is to depict information other than the points of lines that define boundaries including, but not limited to, topographic surveys and construction surveys, staking and layout.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-1908, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 1, p. 221; am. 2011, ch. 136, § 19, p. 383.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 136, added subsection (4).

§ 55-1909. Filing fee.

A fee of five dollars ($5.00) per page shall be charged for filing any record of survey.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1909, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 1, p. 221; am. 1979, ch. 289, § 1, p. 768.

§ 55-1910. Duties of county recorder.

The record of survey filed with the county recorder of any county shall be assigned an instrument number and shall be bound or filed with other plats of like character in a book or file or through an approved electronic storage system designated as “Records of Surveys.”

Proper indexes or electronic segregated searchable and retrieval files shall be kept of such record of survey by section, township and range.

The survey map transparency shall be stored for safekeeping in a reproducible condition. It shall be proper for the recorder to maintain for public reference a set of counter maps that are prints of the transparencies. The transparencies shall be produced for comparison upon demand, and full scale copies shall be made available to the public, at direct cost, by the county recorder.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1910, as added by 1978, ch. 107, § 1, p. 221; am. 2005, ch. 243, § 10, p. 756.

§ 55-1911. Error of closure.

Any survey of land involving property boundaries including, but not limited to, public land survey lines, shall be conducted in such a manner as to produce an unadjusted mathematical error of closure of each area bounded by property lines within the survey of not more than one (1) part in five thousand (5,000).

History.

I.C.,§ 55-1911, as added by 1984, ch. 263, § 1, p. 637; am. 2011, ch. 136, § 20, p. 383.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 136, inserted “each area bounded by property lines within the survey of” and substituted “not more than one” for “not less than one.”

Chapter 20 MANUFACTURED HOME RESIDENCY ACT

Sec.

§ 55-2001. Short title.

This chapter shall be known as and may be cited as the “Manufactured Home Residency Act.”

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2001, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 2, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, substituted “Manufactured Home Residency Act’” for “Mobile Home Park Landlord Tenant Act’”.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

Liability of owner or operator of trailer camp or park for injury or death from condition of premises. 41 A.L.R.3d 546.

Landlord supplying electricity, gas, water, or similar facilities to tenant as subject to utility regulation. 75 A.L.R.3d 1204.

Landlord’s fraud, deceptive trade practices, and the like, in connection with mobile home owner’s lease or rental of land site. 39 A.L.R.4th 859.

Landlord’s liability to third person for injury resulting from attack on leased premises by dangerous animal kept by tenant. 87 A.L.R.4th 1004.

§ 55-2002. Good faith.

Every duty under this chapter and every act which must be performed as a condition precedent to the exercise of a right or remedy under this chapter imposes an obligation of good faith in its performance or enforcement.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2002, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375.

CASE NOTES

Nonwritten Rental Agreements.

In order to give force and effect to the requirement of a written rental agreement in the case of mobile home parks, nonwritten rental agreements, including implied at-law-contracts, are unenforceable. Fuhrman v. Wright, 125 Idaho 421, 871 P.2d 838 (Ct. App. 1994).

Prerequisite to Benefits.

A written rental agreement signed by both parties is a prerequisite to claiming benefits under this chapter but this chapter does not require a tenant to sign the agreement within the time allotted by the landlord; instead it imposes a duty of good faith upon the tenant and the landlord to sign a written rental agreement. Post Falls Trailer Park v. Fredekind, 131 Idaho 634, 962 P.2d 1018 (1998).

§ 55-2003. Definitions.

For purposes of this chapter, unless the provisions or context otherwise requires, the following definitions shall govern:

  1. “Abandoned home” means a home that:
    1. Is located in a community on a lot for which no rent has been paid for the preceding sixty (60) days; and
    2. The landlord reasonably believes under all the circumstances, by absence, words or actions, that the resident has left the home upon the lot with no intention of asserting any further claim to the lot or the home; or
    3. Is unoccupied or uninhabitable because of its total or partial destruction.
  2. “Community” means any real property that is rented or held out for rent to others for the placement of two (2) or more homes for the primary purpose of production of income.
  3. “Department” means the Idaho department of transportation.
  4. “Fees” means financial obligations incidental to a resident’s tenancy including, but not limited to, charges for late payments, pets, the storage of recreational vehicles and the use of community facilities.
  5. “Home” means a mobile home, a manufactured home or, for purposes of this chapter only, a park model recreational vehicle.
  6. “Landlord” means the owner, lessor, sublessor or operator, or any combination thereof, of a community and includes the agents of the landlord.
  7. “Lot” means a specific area or portion of land in a community for rent, designated and designed to accommodate one (1) home and its appurtenances and intended for the exclusive use as a residence by the approved occupants of that home.
  8. “Manager” means the person in charge of operations or in control of a community, whether or not he or she is the owner. “Manager” includes any company chosen by the landlord to administer or supervise the affairs of the community.
  9. “Manufactured home” or “manufactured house” means a structure as defined in subsection (8) of section 39-4105, Idaho Code.
  10. “Mobile home” means a structure as defined in subsection (9) of section 39-4105, Idaho Code.
  11. “Other charges” means fees, service charges, utility charges or any other financial obligations specified in the rental agreement, but not including rent.
  12. “Park model recreational vehicle” means a vehicle as defined in section 49-117, Idaho Code.
  13. “Recreational vehicle” means a vehicular type unit as defined in subsection (2) of section 39-4201, Idaho Code.
  14. “Rent” means periodic payments to be made in consideration for occupying a lot.
  15. “Rental agreement” means a lease or agreement between the landlord and the resident embodying the terms and conditions concerning the use and occupancy of a lot and includes month to month tenancies that arise out of the expiration of a fixed term rental agreement.
  16. “Resident” means a person lawfully entitled under a rental agreement or lease to occupy a lot in a community to the exclusion of others. “Resident” also means a tenant as that term is defined and used in other applicable state and federal laws. (17) “Security” or “security deposit” means any refundable money or property given to assure payment or performance under a rental agreement.
  17. “Security” or “security deposit” means any refundable money or property given to assure payment or performance under a rental agreement.
  18. “Service charges” means separate charges paid for the use of electrical and gas service improvements that exist at a lot, or for trash removal, sewage and water, or any combination of the foregoing.
  19. “Transient” means a person who rents a lot for a period of less than one (1) month.
  20. “Utility” means a public utility that provides electricity, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, cable television, sewer services, garbage collection or water.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2003, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 1, p. 369; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 3, p. 523; am. 2017, ch. 134, § 10, p. 312.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Department of transportation,§ 40-501 et seq.

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

The 2017 amendment, by ch. 134, substituted “for purposes of this chapter only, a park model recreational vehicle” for “a park model” in subsection (5); deleted former subsection (11), which defined “park model,” and redesignated former subsection (12) as present subsection (11); and inserted present subsection (12).

Compiler’s Notes.

The abbreviation enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

§ 55-2004. Chapter governs.

This chapter shall regulate and determine legal rights, remedies and obligations arising from any rental agreement between a landlord and a resident regarding a lot, except in those instances in which: (i) the landlord is renting both the lot and the home to the resident; or (ii) the lot is rented or held out for rent to a recreational vehicle or travel trailer, not including a park model recreational vehicle. All such rental agreements shall be unenforceable to the extent of any conflict with any provision of this chapter. This chapter does not abrogate any rights the landlord or resident has under the laws and constitution of the United States or the state of Idaho.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2004, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 2, p. 369; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 4, p. 523; am. 2017, ch. 134, § 11, p. 312.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, in the first sentence, substituted “resident regarding a lot” for “tenant regarding a mobile home lot,” added the clause (i) designation, and substituted “home to the resident” for “mobile home to the tenant,” and added clause (ii); and, in the last sentence, substituted “landlord or resident” for “park owner or tenant.”

The 2017 amendment, by ch. 134, added “recreational vehicle” at the end of the first sentence.

CASE NOTES

Nonwritten Rental Agreements.

In order to give force and effect to the requirement of a written rental agreement in the case of mobile home parks, nonwritten rental agreements, including implied at-law-contracts, are unenforceable. Fuhrman v. Wright, 125 Idaho 421, 871 P.2d 838 (Ct. App. 1994).

Cited

Post Falls Trailer Park v. Fredekind, 131 Idaho 634, 962 P.2d 1018 (1998); Connolly v. Powell, 141 Idaho 844, 118 P.3d 1232 (Ct. App. 2005).

§ 55-2005. Rental agreement.

  1. A written rental agreement or lease shall be executed in duplicate by the landlord and the prospective resident, each to receive a copy. The landlord shall provide a copy of the community rules when the prospective resident submits an application for residency and prior to the execution of the rental agreement. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all such agreements and to all other rental agreements to the extent applicable as set forth in this chapter.
  2. The requirement of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply if:
    1. The community or part thereof has been acquired by eminent domain or condemnation for a public works project; or
    2. An employer-employee relationship exists between a landlord and resident.
  3. The provisions of this section shall apply to any tenancy in existence on the effective date of this act, but only after expiration of the term of any oral or written rental agreement governing such tenancy, not to exceed twelve (12) months from the date of enactment of this section. Existing contracts may be perpetuated by agreement of both parties. If a resident fails to sign and return to the landlord, who has acted in good faith, any new or amended rental agreement following the written notice provided in accordance with the provisions of section 55-2006, Idaho Code, and the resident continues to hold the premises after the expiration of the notice period, then the notice shall of itself operate and be effectual to create and establish, as part of the rental agreement, the terms, rent, conditions and rules specified in the notice.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2005, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 3, p. 369; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 5, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, rewrote the first two sentences in subsection (1), which formerly read: “From and after the effective date of this chapter, any landlord offering mobile home lot for rent shall provide the prospective tenant a written rental agreement. This agreement must be executed by both parties”; substituted “community” for “mobile home park” at the beginning of paragraph (2)(a); substituted “resident” for “tenant” at the end of paragraph (2)(b); and added the last sentence in subsection (3).

Compiler’s Notes.

The phrase “the effective date of this act” in subsection (3) refers to the effective date of S.L. 1980, ch. 177, which was July 1, 1980.

The phrase “the date of the enactment of this section” in subsection (3) was added to the section by S.L. 1988, ch. 185, § 5, but probably refers to the original enactment of this section by S.L. 1980, ch. 177, effective July 1, 1980.

CASE NOTES

Landlord’s Duty.

The landlord’s duty is not complete once it provides a tenant with a written rental agreement; this chapter clearly requires the rental agreement be executed by both parties. Post Falls Trailer Park v. Fredekind, 131 Idaho 634, 962 P.2d 1018 (1998).

Nonwritten Rental Agreements.

In order to give force and effect to the requirement of a written rental agreement in the case of mobile home parks, nonwritten rental agreements, including implied at-law-contracts, are unenforceable. Fuhrman v. Wright, 125 Idaho 421, 871 P.2d 838 (Ct. App. 1994).

Prerequisite to Benefits.

A written rental agreement signed by both parties is a prerequisite to claiming benefits under this chapter but this chapter does not require a tenant to sign the agreement within the time allotted by the landlord; instead it imposes a duty of good faith upon the tenant and the landlord to sign a written rental agreement. Post Falls Trailer Park v. Fredekind, 131 Idaho 634, 962 P.2d 1018 (1998).

Cited

Connolly v. Powell, 141 Idaho 844, 118 P.3d 1232 (Ct. App. 2005).

§ 55-2006. Adjustments to rent, services, utilities or rules.

  1. A landlord may increase or decrease rents after expiration of the lease term, but only with ninety (90) days’ written notice to the residents. Such written notice shall be sent by first class mail, certified mail or personal delivery.
  2. Rental increases shall be uniform throughout the community. When rents within a community are structured by reason of lot or home size, amenities, lot location or otherwise, rental increases shall be uniform among all homes in the same rent tier.
  3. A landlord shall give written notice of such change to each affected home owner at least ninety (90) days prior to any amendment to the rental agreement. The landlord may not amend the rental agreement or rules more frequently than once in a six (6) month period.
  4. Rents in communities are governed by the provisions of subsection (2) of section 55-307, Idaho Code, which provides that a local governmental unit shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential property.
  5. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, a rental agreement may include an escalation clause for a pro rata share of any increase or decrease in the community’s ad valorem taxes, utility assessments, or other services as included in the monthly rental charge, after the effective date of such a change. Issues of public safety, health or property degradation may also be included in this section. The landlord shall give thirty (30) days’ written notice to a resident before such an increase or decrease.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2006, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 4, p. 369; am. 1993, ch. 380, § 1, p. 1394; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 6, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, in subsection (1), in the first sentence, inserted “after expiration of the lease term, but” and substituted “with ninety (90) days’ written notice to the residents” for “after ninety (90) days’ written notice to the tenants,” and added the last sentence; in subsection (2), twice substituted “community” for “mobile home park”; rewrote subsection (3), which formerly read: “A landlord shall give written notice of such change to each affected mobile home owner at least ninety (90) days prior to any increase in lot rental amount, reduction in services or utilities provided by the landlord or changes in rules or regulations not to exceed one (1) change in each category per six (6) month period”; added subsection (4); and redesignated former subsection (4) as subsection (5), and therein substituted “community’s ad valorem taxes” for “mobile home park’s ad valorem taxes” in the first sentence and substituted “resident” for “tenant” in the last sentence.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Fuhrman v. Wright, 125 Idaho 421, 871 P.2d 838 (Ct. App. 1994).

§ 55-2007. Required rental agreement provisions and exclusions — Disclosures.

  1. Any rental agreement executed between the landlord and resident shall contain:
    1. The terms for the payment of rent, including the time and place for payment, and a description of any other charges to be paid to the landlord by the resident. Other charges that occur less frequently than monthly shall be itemized in a billing to the resident;
    2. A description of the utilities and services which are included in the monthly rent;
    3. The rules of the community;
    4. The names and addresses of the manager of the community and the owner of the community or a person who resides in the state who is authorized to act as agent for the owner; and
    5. The terms and conditions under which any deposit or portion thereof may be withheld by the landlord upon termination of the rental agreement if any moneys are paid to the landlord by the resident as a deposit or as security for performance of the resident’s obligations in a rental agreement.
  2. Any rental agreement executed between the landlord and resident shall not contain:
    1. Any provision by which the resident agrees to waive or forgo rights or remedies under this chapter;
    2. Any provision allowing the landlord to charge an “entrance fee” or an “exit fee.” The expense of repairs or maintenance required by the landlord as a condition of the landlord’s approval of a rental application shall not constitute an “entrance fee” or “exit fee” as those terms are used herein; or
    3. Any provision which unreasonably restricts access to the community by invitees of the resident.
  3. The following terms and conditions shall be an implicit part of any rental agreement between the landlord and resident:
    1. The landlord shall provide a base upon which the home is to be located and, in the case of a mobile or manufactured home, the base shall be prepared in accordance with the provisions of section 44-2201, Idaho Code.
    2. The landlord shall, prior to removal of the wheels and axles, approve the positioning of the home upon the lot.
    3. The landlord shall not permit any portion of the home, including the tongue, to extend into a roadway.
    4. The landlord shall maintain street lights, entry lights and common area lighting, if any, in good working condition.
    5. The landlord shall have the right of entry upon the lot for maintenance of utilities, protection of the community and periodic inspection of the premises, but shall not, except in the case of emergency or suspected abandonment by the resident, otherwise have the right of entry to such lot without the consent of the resident.
    6. The landlord shall notify each resident within fifteen (15) days after a petition has been filed by the landlord for a change in the zoning of the land upon which the community is situated.
  4. Upon request, the landlord shall, prior to the execution of a rental agreement, provide the resident with a written statement containing the following information: (a) The name, address and telephone number of the owner or manager of the community.
    1. The name, address and telephone number of the owner or manager of the community.
    2. A general description of the types of homes which may be brought into the community.
    3. A general description of the boundaries of the lot to be provided.
    4. A description of the utilities and services which are included in the rent.
    5. A description of other utilities and services which are available within the community.
    6. A description of the zoning under which the community operates, and the governmental entity having zoning jurisdiction.
    7. The date and amount of the most recent rent increase.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2007, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 5, p. 369; am. 1993, ch. 380, § 2, p. 1394; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 7, p. 523; am. 2017, ch. 134, § 12, p. 312.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, inserted “rental agreement” in the section heading; throughout the section, substituted “resident” for “tenant” and “community” for “mobile home park,” or similar language; in paragraph (1)(d), deleted “where the mobile home park is located” following “state”; in paragraphs (3)(a) through (3)(c), deleted “mobile” preceding “home”; and in paragraphs (3)(b) and (3)(e), deleted “mobile home” preceding “lot.”

The 2017 amendment, by ch. 134, inserted “and, in the case of a mobile or manufactured home, the base shall be” in paragraph (3)(a).

CASE NOTES

Written Rental Agreement.

Rental agreement terms, required by this section, were not allowed to be provided by supplemental oral agreements; the landlord did not satisfy his burden of showing, as an essential element of his eviction claim, a valid written rental agreement in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Connolly v. Powell, 141 Idaho 844, 118 P.3d 1232 (Ct. App. 2005).

§ 55-2008. Rules.

  1. A written rule of the community is enforceable against the resident if it is part of the rental agreement signed by the resident.
  2. A rule adopted or amended after the resident enters into the rental agreement is not enforceable unless the resident consents to it or is given ninety (90) days’ notice in writing except as provided in section 55-2006(5), Idaho Code. A rule change restricting the type or size of a home permitted in the community shall not apply to a resident whose home was in compliance with community rules prior to the adoption or amendment.
  3. Rules shall be fairly and uniformly enforced and contain the effective date.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2008, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 6, p. 369; am. 2010, ch. 168, § 1, p. 344; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 8, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2010 amendment, by ch. 168, added the subsection designations; and added the last sentence in subsection (2).

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, throughout the section, substituted “community” for “park” and “resident” for “tenant”; and, in subsection (2), updated the section reference in the first sentence and deleted “mobile” preceding “home” in the last sentence.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Fuhrman v. Wright, 125 Idaho 421, 871 P.2d 838 (Ct. App. 1994).

§ 55-2009. Sales of homes and transfer of lots.

  1. No landlord shall deny any resident who owns his home the right to sell the home on a rented lot or require the resident to remove the home from the lot solely on the basis of the sale.
  2. The landlord shall not exact a commission or fee for the sale of a home on a rented space unless the landlord has acted as agent for the seller pursuant to a written agreement. The landlord may act as agent for the seller only upon the voluntary agreement of the seller and only if the landlord is licensed if licensure is required by law.
  3. A new rental agreement must be signed between the landlord and a prospective resident prior to the sale, transfer, assignment or subletting of the home if the home is to remain in the community. From the date of sale, assignment, transfer or subletting the new resident shall be bound by the terms of the agreement.
  4. The landlord shall approve or disapprove of the transfer, assignment or subletting of the home lot on the same basis that the landlord approves or disapproves of any new resident. Notice of approval or disapproval shall be given in writing within five (5) working days of receiving a written application.
  5. No home shall be removed from any community until the rent, including the month when the home is moved, together with all other charges specified in the rental agreement, are paid, or the provisions of section 55-2009A, Idaho Code, have been fully complied with and the landlord notified of date and time of removal.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2009, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1981, ch. 207, § 1, p. 372; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 7, p. 369; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 9, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, in the section heading, deleted “mobile” preceding “homes” and substituted “lots” for “mobile home spaces”; throughout the section, substituted “resident” for “tenant” or similar language and deleted “mobile” preceding “home”; throughout subsections (1) and (4), substituted “lot” for “space”; in the last sentence in subsection (2), added “and only if the landlord is licensed if licensure is required by law”; in subsections (3) and (5), substituted “community” for “park”; and, in subsection (5), substituted “rent” for “rental payments” and inserted “together with all other charges specified in the rental agreement.”

§ 55-2009A. Notice of lienholder — Limit on back rent — Abandonment.

  1. Any lienholder or legal owner of a home who wants to be protected under this section must so notify the landlord in writing of his secured or legal interest.
  2. If the resident becomes sixty (60) days in arrears in his rent or at the time of suspected abandonment by the resident on a lot, it is incumbent upon the landlord to notify in writing the lienholder and legal owner of the home and to communicate to the lienholder and legal owner the liability for any rent and other charges specified in the rental agreement. The lienholder shall be responsible for utilities from the date of notice. However, the landlord shall be entitled to a maximum of sixty (60) days rent due prior to notice to lienholder. Any and all costs shall then become the responsibility of the legal owner or lienholder of the home. The home may not be removed from the lot without a signed written agreement from the landlord or manager showing clearance for removal, showing all moneys due and owing paid in full, or an agreement reached with the legal owner and the landlord.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2009A, as added by 1981, ch. 207, § 2, p. 372; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 10, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, added “Abandonment” in the section heading; in subsection (1), deleted “mobile” preceding “home”; in subsection (2), in the first sentence, twice substituted “resident” for “tenant” and substituted “lot” for “mobile home space” and substituted “notify in writing the lienholder and legal owner of the home and to communicate to the lienholder and legal owner the liability for any rent and other charges specified in the rental agreement” for “notify the lienholder or legal owner of the mobile home unit and to communicate to him his liability for any costs incumbered for the mobile home space for such mobile home unit, including rent owing,” in the third sentence, deleted “mobile” preceding “home,” and, in the last sentence, substituted “home” for “mobile home unit” and “lot” for “mobile home space” and deleted “mobile home park” preceding “landlord” and “owner” preceding “or manager.”

§ 55-2009B. Sale to satisfy liens.

  1. When a home has been abandoned, the landlord, as the possessory lienholder, may proceed to conduct a sale of the abandoned home to satisfy the lien and costs of sale, if an authorization to conduct a lien sale has been issued by the department or a judgment has been entered in favor of the landlord on the claim which gives rise to the lien or the legal owner of the home and any lienholder have signed a release of any interest in the home.
  2. A possessory lienholder may apply to the department for the issuance of an authorization to conduct a lien sale. The application shall include all of the following information:
    1. A description of the abandoned home including the year and make and the vehicle identification number;
    2. The names and addresses of the legal owners of the abandoned home, if known, and the names and addresses of other persons whom the lienholder knows or reasonably should know to claim an interest in the home;
    3. A statement of the amount of the lien and the facts concerning the claim that give rise to the lien; and
    4. A statement that the lienholder has no information or belief that there is a valid defense to the claim that gives rise to the lien.
  3. Upon receipt of an application, the department shall send a copy of the application to the legal owners at their addresses of record with the department and to any other interested persons listed in the application. The department shall also send a notice which shall include the following information:
    1. That an application has been made with the department for the issuance of an authorization to conduct a lien sale;
    2. That the person has a legal right to a hearing in court;
    3. That if a hearing in court is desired, an enclosed declaration of opposition must be signed and returned;
    4. That if the declaration is signed and returned, the possessory lienholder will be allowed to sell the abandoned home only if he obtains a judgment in court or obtains a release from the legal owners;
    5. That the department will issue the authorization to conduct a lien sale unless the person signs and returns the declaration of opposition within ten (10) days after the date the notice was mailed; and
    6. That the person may be liable for costs if the lienholder brings an action and if a judgment is entered in favor of the lienholder.
  4. If the department receives a timely mailed declaration of opposition, it shall notify the possessory lienholder that he or she may not conduct a lien sale unless:
    1. A judgment has been entered in his or her favor on the claim which gives rise to the lien; or
    2. The legal owners of the abandoned home have signed a release of any interest in the home. (5) An applicant shall include with his application for lien sale a fee of ten dollars ($10.00), which shall be deposited in the abandoned vehicle trust account. The fee shall be recoverable as a cost by the lienholder.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2009B, as added by 2011, ch. 184, § 11, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Abandoned vehicle trust account,§ 49-1818.

§ 55-2009C. Notice of sale.

Prior to any sale pursuant to the provisions of section 55-2009B, Idaho Code, the possessory lienholder shall give at least ten (10) days’ notice of the sale by advertising in one (1) issue of a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the abandoned home is located. Prior to the sale of any home to satisfy a lien, twenty (20) days’ notice by certified mail shall be given to the legal owner and to the department. All notices shall specify the make, the vehicle identification number and the date, time and place of the sale.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2009C, as added by 2011, ch. 184, § 12, p. 523.

§ 55-2009D. Release of owner’s interest in abandoned home.

  1. A legal owner of an abandoned home in the possession of a person holding a lien under the provisions of this chapter may release any interest in the home after the lien has attached.
  2. The release shall contain the following information:
    1. A description of the abandoned home, including the year, make and vehicle identification number;
    2. The names and addresses of the legal owners of record;
    3. A statement of the amount of the lien and the facts concerning the claim which give rise to the lien; and
    4. A statement that the person releasing the interest understands that he or she has a legal right to a hearing in court prior to the sale of the abandoned home and that he or she waives the right to contest the claim.
  3. A copy of the release shall be filed with the department in connection with the transfer of interest in an abandoned home under the provisions of this section.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2009D, as added by 2011, ch. 184, § 13, p. 523.

§ 55-2009E. Inspection prior to sale.

No lien sale conducted pursuant to this chapter shall be undertaken unless the landlord has permitted access for public inspection of the exterior of the abandoned home for at least one (1) hour prior to the sale. Sealed bids shall not be accepted. The possessory lienholder shall conduct the sale in a commercially reasonable manner.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2009E, as added by 2011, ch. 184, § 14, p. 523.

§ 55-2009F. Disposition of proceeds.

  1. The proceeds of a lien sale shall be disbursed as follows:
    1. To discharge the lien; then to actual costs of selling the property. The cost of selling shall be the actual cost, not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200), for each abandoned home;
    2. The balance, if any, shall be forwarded to the department within five (5) days of the sale for payment to the legal owner of any unpaid obligation or for deposit in the abandoned vehicle trust account.
  2. Any person claiming an interest in the abandoned home may file a claim with the department for any portion of the funds from the lien sale that were forwarded to the department. Upon determination by the department that the claimant is entitled to some amount, the department shall pay an amount that in no case shall exceed the amount forwarded to the department in connection with the sale of the abandoned home. The department shall not honor any claim not filed within two (2) years of the sale.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2009F, as added by 2011, ch. 184, § 15, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Abandoned vehicle trust account,§ 49-1818.

§ 55-2010. Terminations.

  1. Tenancy during the term of a rental agreement may be terminated by the landlord only for one (1) or more of the following reasons:
    1. Substantial or repeated violation of the rental agreement or the written rules of the community. The resident shall be given written notice to comply. If the resident does not comply within three (3) days, the resident may be given notice of a twenty (20) day period in which to vacate. In the case of periodic rather than continuous violation, said notice shall specify that the same violation repeated shall result in the termination.
    2. Nonpayment of rent or other charges specified in the rental agreement. The resident shall be given written notice. If the resident does not pay within three (3) days the resident may be given notice of a thirty (30) day period in which to vacate.
    3. Closure of the community or any portion thereof by order of a federal, state or local authority. The resident shall be given the notice required by such order.
    4. In the event of a taking of the community or any portion thereof by eminent domain or cessation of the lot rental operation or a portion thereof, the landlord shall give the affected resident and any subtenant not less than one hundred eighty (180) days’ notice in writing prior to the date designated in the notice of termination. After the date notice of termination has been given as provided in this subsection, the landlord shall provide a copy of such notice to any prospective resident or purchaser if the home is to remain in the community. The landlord may not increase the rent during the notice period. This section does not limit a landlord’s right to terminate a tenancy for nonpayment of rent or for other causes under this chapter during the closure period.
    5. Abandonment.
  2. Except when a rental agreement is terminated for the reason provided in paragraph (e) of subsection (1) of this section, a landlord shall give the resident no less than ninety (90) days’ written notice of an intention not to renew the rental agreement.
  3. A resident shall notify the landlord in writing thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of a rental agreement of an intention not to renew the rental agreement.
  4. Any resident who is a member of the armed forces, including the national guard and armed forces reserves, may, without penalty, terminate a rental agreement with less than thirty (30) days’ notice if he receives reassignment or deployment orders which do not allow greater notice.
  5. The resident may terminate the rental agreement upon thirty (30) days’ written notice whenever a change in the location of the resident’s employment requires a change in his residence.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2010, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 8, p. 369; am. 2004, ch. 276, § 1, p. 766; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 16, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, rewrote the section, revising and providing additional provisions relating to the termination of a rental agreement.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Fuhrman v. Wright, 125 Idaho 421, 871 P.2d 838 (Ct. App. 1994).

§ 55-2011. Renewals.

Rental agreements shall be automatically renewed for the original term, except as provided in section 55-2010, Idaho Code.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2011, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375.

§ 55-2012. Improvements.

  1. The landlord shall not restrict the resident’s freedom of choice in purchasing goods or services but may reserve the right to approve or disapprove any exterior improvements on a lot. Any request for lot improvements or changes must be submitted in writing. The approval or disapproval must be given in writing, be reasonable and be uniformly applied.
  2. Improvements, except those fixed to the soil, the removal of which would significantly damage the landscape of the lot, shall remain the property of the resident. In removing improvements on termination of the rental agreement, the resident shall leave the lot in better or substantially the same condition as upon taking possession.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2012, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 9, p. 369; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 17, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, in subsections (1) and (2), deleted “mobile home” preceding “lot”; in subsection (1), substituted “resident’s freedom of choice” for “tenant’s freedom of choice”; and, in subsection (2), twice substituted “resident” for “tenant.”

§ 55-2013. Deposits — Security.

  1. Any payment, deposit, fee or other charge which is required by the landlord in addition to periodic rent, utility charges or service fees, and is collected as prepaid rent or a sum to compensate for any resident default is a deposit governed by the provisions of this section.
  2. The landlord shall maintain a separate record of the deposits.
  3. Upon termination of the landlord’s interest in the community, the landlord shall either transfer to his successor in interest that portion of the deposit remaining after making any deductions allowed under this section or return such portion to the resident.
  4. The claim of the resident to any deposit to which he is entitled by law takes precedence over the claims of any other creditor of the landlord.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2013, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 18, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, throughout the section, substituted “resident” for “tenant”; deleted former subsection (3), which read: “The provisions of sections 6-320 and 6-321, Idaho Code, shall apply to landlords and tenants governed by this chapter”; redesignated former subsections (4) and (5) as present subsections (3) and (4); and, in subsection (3), substituted “community” for “mobile home park.”

§ 55-2013A. Community resident associations.

  1. The residents in a community have the right to organize a resident or homeowner’s association to further their mutual interest and to conduct any other business and programs which the association shall determine. Community residents have the right to peacefully assemble and freely associate. Subject to reasonable notice and community facility rules, an association shall have the right to use the facilities of the community to conduct its business and programs including forums for or speeches by public officials or candidates for public office. When an association is organized it shall notify the landlord.
  2. A community resident association formed for the purpose of purchasing a community may give written notification to the landlord of the association’s interest in purchasing the community.
  3. For the purpose of notification, the community resident association shall provide the names and addresses of the three (3) designated members or officers of their community association to the landlord annually.
  4. A community resident association that has notified the landlord of its interest to purchase the community may request in writing that it be notified by the landlord if the owner or agent of the owner enters into a listing agreement with a licensed real estate broker to affect the sale of all or part of the community. The landlord shall provide such notification to the three (3) members designated under subsection (3) of this section within fifteen (15) days of the owner entering into the listing agreement.
  5. This section shall not apply to any of the following:
    1. A governmental entity taking by eminent domain;
    2. A forced sale pursuant to foreclosure or a deed given in lieu of foreclosure;
    3. Transfer by gift, devise or operation of law;
    4. A transfer by a corporation to an affiliate;
    5. A conveyance incidental to financing the community;
    6. An exchange of the community for other real property;
    7. A transfer by a partnership to one (1) or more of its partners;
    8. A sale or transfer to a person who would be an heir, or to a trust the beneficiaries of which would be heirs, of the community owner if the community owner were to die intestate.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2013A, as added by 1988, ch. 196, § 10, p. 369; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 19, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, substituted “Community resident” for “Tenant” in the section heading; and rewrote the section, which formerly read: “The tenants in a mobile home park have the right to organize a tenant or homeowner’s association to further their mutual interest and to conduct any other business and programs which the association shall determine. An association shall have the right to use the facilities of the park to conduct its business and programs. When an association is organized it shall notify the landlord.”

§ 55-2014. Resident action for damages — Specific performance.

  1. A resident of a community may file an action against a landlord for damages and specific performance for:
    1. Failure to maintain in good working order, to the terminal point of service, electrical, water or sewer services supplied by the landlord;
    2. Maintaining the premises in a manner hazardous to the health or safety of the resident, including, but not limited to, a continuing violation of any of the following:
      1. Any rule adopted by the department of environmental quality governing public drinking water systems;
      2. Any rule adopted by the department of environmental quality governing hazardous waste;
      3. Any rule adopted by the public health district in which the community is located governing wastewater and onsite sewage treatment systems;
      4. Any provision of the international fire code, as amended by the provisions of any fire code adopted by the county or municipality in which the community is located;
      5. Any provision of the uniform building code, as amended by the provisions of any building code adopted by the county or municipality in which the community is located.
    3. Failure to return a security deposit as and when required by law;
    4. Breach of any term or provision of the lease or rental agreement materially affecting the health and safety of the resident, whether explicitly or implicitly a part thereof.
  2. Upon filing the complaint, a summons must be issued, served and returned as in other actions; provided however, that in an action exclusively for specific performance, at the time of issuance of the summons, the court shall schedule a trial within twelve (12) days from the filing of the complaint, and the service of the summons, complaint and trial setting on the defendant shall be not less than five (5) days before the day of trial appointed by the court. If the plaintiff brings an action for damages under this section, or combines this action for damages with an action for specific performance, the early trial provision shall not be applicable, and a summons must be issued returnable as in other cases upon filing the complaint.
  3. In an action under this section, the plaintiff, in his complaint, must set forth the facts on which he seeks to recover, describe the premises, and set forth any circumstances which may have accompanied the failure or breach by the landlord.
  4. If, upon the trial, the verdict of the jury, or, if the case be tried without a jury, the finding of the court, be in favor of the plaintiff against the defendant, judgment shall be entered for such special damages as may be proven. General damages may be awarded but shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500). Judgment may also be entered requiring specific performance for any breach of agreement shown by the evidence, and for costs and disbursements.
  5. Before a resident shall have standing to file an action under this section, he or she must give his or her landlord three (3) days’ written notice, listing each failure or breach upon which his action will be premised and written demand requiring performance or cure. If, within three (3) days after service of the notice, any listed failure or breach has not been performed or cured by the landlord, the resident may proceed to commence an action for damages and specific performance. (6) The notice required in subsection (5) of this section shall be served either:
    1. By delivering a copy to the landlord or his agent personally; or
    2. If the landlord or his agent is absent from his usual place of business, by leaving a copy with an employee at the usual place of business of the landlord or his agent; or
    3. By sending a copy of the notice to the landlord or his agent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

Nothing contained in the provisions of this subsection is intended to extend the application of any such rule or code provision to a previously existing condition which, as of July 1, 1993, was exempt from the enforcement of such rule or code provision.

(7) The landlord is not liable if the maintenance condition was caused by the deliberate or negligent act or omission of the resident, a member of the resident’s family or other person on the premises with the resident’s consent.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2014, as added by 1993, ch. 380, § 4, p. 1394; am. 2001, ch. 103, § 95, p. 243; am. 2002, ch. 86, § 11, p. 195; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 20, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Department of environmental quality,§ 39-104.

Local adoption of international building code,§ 39-4116.

Prior Laws.

Former§ 55-2014, which comprised I.C.,§ 55-2014, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 11, p. 369, was repealed by S.L. 1993, ch. 380, § 3, effective July 1, 1993.

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, in the section heading and throughout the section, substituted “resident” for “tenant”; throughout subsection (1), substituted “community” for “mobile home park”; and added subsection (7).

Compiler’s Notes.

The international fire code is promulgated by the international code council, which is dedicated to building safety and fire prevention. See http://www.iccsafe.org .

§ 55-2015. Retaliatory conduct by landlord prohibited.

The landlord shall not terminate a tenancy, refuse to renew a tenancy, increase rent or decrease services he normally supplies, or threaten to bring an action for repossession of a lot as retaliation against the resident because the resident has:

  1. Complained in good faith about a violation of a building, safety or health code or regulation pertaining to a community to the governmental agency responsible for enforcing the code or regulation.
  2. Complained to the landlord concerning the maintenance or condition of the community, rent charged or rules.
  3. Organized, become a member of or served as an official in a community resident association, or similar organization, at a local, regional, state or national level.
  4. Retained counsel or an agent to represent his interests.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2015, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. 1988, ch. 196, § 12, p. 369; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 21, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, in the introductory paragraph, twice substituted “resident” for “tenant” and deleted “mobile home” preceding “lot”; redesignated the subsections numerically; in subsections (1) and (2), substituted “community” for “mobile home park” or similar language; in subsection (2), deleted “and regulations” from the end; and in subsection (3), substituted “community resident association” for “homeowner’s association.”

CASE NOTES

Applicability.

Tenant presented evidence and argument that the landlord was seeking his eviction because of the tenant’s complaints to the landlord about excessive electrical rate charges and late fees; thus, the tenant raised the defense of a violation of subsection (b), and the magistrate erred by not referencing this code section or making any findings on the defense in his oral ruling at trial or in his subsequent written judgment. Connolly v. Powell, 141 Idaho 844, 118 P.3d 1232 (Ct. App. 2005).

Legislative Intent.

The enactment of this section indicated legislative intent to provide protection to a tenant who seeks enforcement of housing laws and the legislature’s failure to amend unrelated code sections did not necessarily imply its intent to exclude the principles contained in the new legislation from application elsewhere in the code. Wright v. Brady, 126 Idaho 671, 889 P.2d 105 (Ct. App. 1995).

§ 55-2016. Arbitration and mediation.

The landlord and resident may agree in writing to submit any dispute arising under the provisions of this chapter, or under the terms, conditions or performance of the rental agreement or under the rules of the community, to mediation or binding arbitration by an independent third party.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2016, as added by 1993, ch. 380, § 5, p. 1394; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 22, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, added “and mediation” in the section heading; and rewrote the section, which formerly read: “The landlord and tenant may agree in writing to submit a controversy arising under the provisions of this chapter to arbitration through the better business bureau, or similar private association, or as elsewhere provided in Idaho law.”

Compiler’s Notes.

Former§ 55-2016 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-2017 by § 6 of S.L. 1993, ch. 380.

§ 55-2017. Penalties.

If upon the trial of any action brought under the provisions of section 55-2014, Idaho Code, or those of section 6-302 or 6-303, Idaho Code, the court shall find that the defendant acted with malice, wantonness or oppression, judgment may be entered for three (3) times the amount at which actual damages are assessed.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2016, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. and redesig. 1993, ch. 380, § 6, p. 1394.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-2016.

Former§ 55-2017 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-2019 by § 8 of S.L. 1993, ch. 380.

§ 55-2018. Attorney’s fees.

In any action brought under the provisions of this chapter, or those of section 6-302 or 6-303, Idaho Code, except in those cases where treble damages are awarded, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of attorney’s fees.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2018, as added by 1993, ch. 380, § 7, p. 1394.

CASE NOTES

Specific Findings Not Required.

The court is not required to make specific findings demonstrating how it employed any of the factors in Idaho R. Civ. P. 54 in reaching the award amount; therefore such failure does not by itself constitute an abuse of discretion. Post Falls Trailer Park v. Fredekind, 131 Idaho 634, 962 P.2d 1018 (1998).

§ 55-2019. Venue.

Venue for any action arising under this chapter shall be in the district court of the county in which the lot is located.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2017, as added by 1980, ch. 177, § 1, p. 375; am. and redesig. 1993, ch. 380, § 8, p. 1394; am. 2011, ch. 184, § 23, p. 523.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2011 amendment, by ch. 184, deleted “mobile home” preceding “lot.”

Compiler’s Notes.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-2017.

Section 2 of S.L. 1980, ch. 177 read: “The provisions of this act are hereby declared to be severable and if any provision of this act or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of remaining portions of this act.”

§ 55-2020. Service of notice.

  1. Any three (3) day notice to the resident as required by the provisions of this chapter may be served either:
    1. By delivering a copy to the resident personally; or
    2. If the resident be absent from the lot, by leaving a copy with someone of suitable age and discretion at the lot and sending a copy through the mail addressed to the resident at the lot. If a person of suitable age or discretion cannot be found at the lot, then by affixing a copy in a conspicuous place on the lot and sending a copy by certified mail return receipt requested addressed to the resident at the lot.
  2. Unless otherwise provided, any notice to the resident in excess of three (3) days as required by the provisions of this chapter may be served either:
    1. By delivering a copy to the resident personally; or
    2. By sending a copy by certified mail return receipt requested addressed to the resident at the lot.
  3. Service upon a subtenant may be made in the manner as provided in this section.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2020, as added by 2011, ch. 184, § 24, p. 523.

Chapter 21 UNIFORM CONSERVATION EASEMENT ACT

Sec.

§ 55-2101. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Conservation easement” means a nonpossessory interest of a holder in real property imposing limitations or affirmative obligations the purposes of which include retaining or protecting natural, scenic, or open-space values of real property, assuring its availability for agricultural, forest, recreational, or open-space use, protecting natural resources, maintaining or enhancing air or water quality, or preserving the historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural aspects of real property.
  2. “Holder” means:
    1. A governmental body empowered to hold an interest in real property under the laws of this state or the United States; or
    2. A charitable corporation, charitable association, or charitable trust, the purposes or powers of which include retaining or protecting the natural, scenic, or open-space values of real property, assuring the availability of real property for agricultural, forest, recreational, or open-space use, protecting natural resources, maintaining or enhancing air or water quality, or preserving the historical, architectural, archaeological, or cultural aspects of real property.
  3. “Third-party right of enforcement” means a right provided in a conservation easement to enforce any of its terms granted to a governmental body, charitable corporation, charitable association, or charitable trust, which, although eligible to be a holder, is not a holder.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2101, as added by 1988, ch. 222, § 1, p. 422.

§ 55-2102. Conservation easement created — Conveyance — Acceptance — Duration.

  1. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a conservation easement may be created, conveyed, recorded, assigned, released, modified, terminated, or otherwise altered or affected in the same manner as other easements.
  2. No right or duty in favor of or against a holder and no right in favor of a person having a third-party right of enforcement arises under a conservation easement before its acceptance by the holder and a recordation of the acceptance.
  3. Except as provided in subsection (2) of section 55-2103, Idaho Code, a conservation easement is unlimited in duration unless the instrument creating it otherwise provides.
  4. An interest in real property in existence at the time a conservation easement is created is not impaired by it unless the owner of the interest is a party to the conservation easement or consents to it.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2102, as added by 1988, ch. 222, § 1, p. 422.

§ 55-2103. Persons who may bring actions — Powers of the court.

  1. An action affecting a conservation easement may be brought by:
    1. An owner of an interest in the real property burdened by the easement;
    2. A holder of the easement;
    3. A person having a third-party right of enforcement; or
    4. A person authorized by other law.
  2. This chapter does not affect the power of a court to modify or terminate a conservation easement in accordance with the principles of law and equity.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2103, as added by 1988, ch. 222, § 1, p. 422.

§ 55-2104. Validity of conservation easements.

A conservation easement is valid even though:

  1. It is not appurtenant to an interest in real property;
  2. It can be or has been assigned to another holder;
  3. It is not of a character that has been recognized traditionally at common law;
  4. It imposes a negative burden;
  5. It imposes affirmative obligations upon the owner of an interest in the burdened property or upon the holder;
  6. The benefit does not touch or concern real property; or
  7. There is no privity of estate or of contract.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2104, as added by 1988, ch. 222, § 1, p. 422.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

§ 55-2105. Applicability of this chapter.

  1. This chapter applies to any interest created after its effective date which complies with this chapter, whether designated as a conservation easement or as a covenant, equitable servitude, restriction, easement, or otherwise. The instrument creating the conservation easement shall state it was created under the provisions of this chapter.
  2. This chapter applies to any interest created before its effective date if it would have been enforceable had it been created after its effective date unless retroactive application contravenes the constitution or laws of this state or the United States.

This chapter does not invalidate any interest, whether designated as a conservation or preservation easement or as a covenant, equitable servitude, restriction, easement, or otherwise, that is enforceable under other law of this state.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2105, as added by 1988, ch. 222, § 1, p. 422.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

As enacted the section heading of this section read, “Applicability of the act.”

This chapter was enacted by S.L. 1988, ch. 222, the effective date of which was July 1, 1988.

§ 55-2106. Uniformity of application and construction.

This chapter shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the laws with respect to the subject of the chapter among states enacting it.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2106, as added by 1988, ch. 222, § 1, p. 422.

§ 55-2107. Eminent domain.

A conservation easement pursuant to this chapter shall not be created through eminent domain proceedings pursuant to chapter 7, title 7, Idaho Code.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2107, as added by 1988, ch. 222, § 1, p. 422.

§ 55-2108. Other interests not impaired by conservation easements.

No interest in real property cognizable under the statutes, common law or custom in effect in this state prior to the effective date of this chapter shall be impaired, invalidated, or in any way adversely affected by reason of any provision of this chapter. No provision of this chapter shall be construed to mean that conservation easements were not lawful estates in land prior to the effective date of this chapter. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed so as to impair the rights of any entity with eminent domain authority pursuant to chapter 7, title 7, Idaho Code, with respect to right-of-way, easements or other property rights upon which facilities, plants, highway systems or other systems of that entity are located or are to be located. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed so as to impair or conflict with the provisions of chapter 46, title 67, Idaho Code, relating to the preservation of historic sites, or with the provisions of chapter 43, title 67, Idaho Code, relating to the preservation of recreational places.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2108, as added by 1988, ch. 222, § 1, p. 422.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

This chapter was enacted by S.L. 1988, ch. 222, the effective date of which was July 1, 1988.

§ 55-2109. Taxation.

The granting of a conservation easement across a piece of property shall not have an effect on the market value of property for ad valorem tax purposes and when the property is assessed for ad valorem tax purposes, the market value shall be computed as if the conservation easement did not exist.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2109, as added by 1988, ch. 222, § 1, p. 422.

Chapter 22 UNDERGROUND FACILITIES DAMAGE PREVENTION

Sec.

§ 55-2201. Legislative intent.

It is the intent of the legislature in enacting this chapter to create a system of stakeholder-driven education and enforcement addressing the prevention of damage to underground facilities, to assign responsibilities for locating and keeping accurate records of underground facility locations, for preventing and repairing damage to existing underground facilities, for collecting, storing, analyzing and disseminating data related to underground facility damage and excavator downtime events, and for protecting the public health and safety from great personal harm including death, property damage and interruption in vital services caused by damage to existing underground facilities. It is further the intent of the legislature that the state of Idaho, by adopting this chapter, reaffirms its primacy over underground facility damage prevention programs that protect the health, safety and property of its citizens and that, by adopting this chapter, Idaho precludes the pipeline and hazardous materials safety administration of the United States department of transportation from determining that Idaho’s damage prevention enforcement is inadequate pursuant to 49 CFR part 198, as adopted on July 9, 2015, and effective on January 1, 2016, and prevents any subsequent federal administrative enforcement actions that would result from such a formal determination.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2201, as added by 1990, ch. 351, § 1, p. 939; am. 2016, ch. 325, § 1, p. 894.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 325, rewrote the section, which formerly read: “It is the intent of the legislature in enacting this chapter to assign responsibilities for locating and keeping accurate records of underground facility locations, for protecting and repairing damage to existing underground facilities, and for protecting the public health and safety from interruption in services caused by damage to existing underground facilities”.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

ALR.

§ 55-2202. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Administrator” means the administrator of the division of building safety.
  2. “Board” means the damage prevention board.
  3. “Business day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday, or a legal, local, state, or federal holiday.
  4. “Damage” means any impact or exposure that results in the substantial weakening of structural or lateral support of an underground facility, or the penetration, impairment, or destruction of any underground protective coating, housing, or other protective device, or the partial or complete destruction of the facility, or the severance, partial or complete, of any underground facility to the extent that the project owner or the affected underground facility owner determines that repairs are required.
  5. “Emergency” means any sudden or unforeseen condition constituting a clear and present danger to life, health or property, or a customer service outage, or the blockage of roads or transportation facilities that requires immediate action.
  6. “End user” means any customer or consumer of any utility service or commodity provided by an underground facility owner.
  7. “Excavation” means any operation in which earth, rock, or other material in the ground is moved or otherwise displaced by any means including, but not limited to, explosives.
  8. “Excavator” means any person who engages directly in excavation.
  9. “Excavator downtime” means lost time for an excavation project due to failure of one (1) or more stakeholders to comply with applicable damage prevention regulations.
  10. “Hand digging” means any excavation involving nonmechanized tools or equipment that when used properly will not damage underground facilities. Hand digging includes, but is not limited to, hand shovel digging, manual posthole digging, vacuum excavation, and soft digging.
  11. “Identified but unlocatable underground facility” means an underground facility that has been identified but cannot be located with reasonable accuracy.
  12. “Identified facility” means any underground facility that is indicated in the project plans as being located within the area of proposed excavation.
  13. “Locatable underground facility” means an underground facility that can be field-marked with reasonable accuracy.
  14. “Locator” means a person who identifies and marks the location of an underground facility owned or operated by an underground facility owner.
  15. “Marking” means the use of stakes, paint, or other clearly identifiable materials to show the field location of underground facilities, in accordance with the current color code standard of the American public works association. Markings shall include identification letters indicating the specific type of the underground facility.
  16. “One-number notification service” means a service through which a person can notify owners of underground facilities and request field-marking of their underground facilities.
  17. “Person” means an individual, partnership, association, corporation, a state, a city, a county, or any subdivision or instrumentality of a state, and its employees, agents, or legal representatives.
  18. “Public right-of-way” means the area on, below, or above a public roadway, highway, street, lane, path, sidewalk, alley, or other right-of-way dedicated for compatible uses. (19) “Reasonable accuracy” or “reasonably accurate” means location within twenty-four (24) inches horizontally of the outside dimensions of each side of an underground facility.

(20) “Rural underground facility owner” means an underground facility owner that is a public utility or a member-owned cooperative that serves fewer than five thousand (5,000) total customers in a county or counties with populations that do not exceed fifty thousand (50,000) people.

(21) “Service lateral” means any underground facility located in a public right-of-way or underground facility easement that is used to convey water (unless being delivered primarily for irrigation), stormwater, or sewage and connects an end user’s building or property to an underground facility owner’s main utility line.

(22) “Soft digging” means any excavation using tools or equipment that utilize air or water pressure as the direct means to break up soil or earth for removal by vacuum excavation.

(23) “Stakeholder” means any party with an interest in protecting underground facilities including, but not limited to, persons, property owners, underground facility owners, excavators, contractors, cities, counties, highway districts, railroads, public entities that deliver irrigation water and those engaged in agriculture.

(24) “Underground facility” means any item buried or placed below ground for use in connection with the storage or conveyance of water (unless being delivered primarily for irrigation), stormwater, sewage, electronic, telephonic or telegraphic communications, cable television, electric energy, petroleum products, gas, gaseous vapors, hazardous liquids, or other substances and including, but not limited to, pipes, sewers, conduits, cables, valves, lines, wires, manholes, attachments, and those parts of poles or anchors belowground.

(25) “Underground facility easement” means a nonpossessory right to operate, control, bury, install, maintain, or access an underground facility.

(26) “Underground facility owner” means any person who owns or operates an underground facility or who provides any utility service or commodity to an end user via an underground facility.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2202, as added by 1990, ch. 351, § 1, p. 939; am. 1991, ch. 170, § 1, p. 409; am. 2016, ch. 325, § 2, p. 894; am. 2019, ch. 182, § 1, p. 586; am. 2019, ch. 256, § 1, p. 763; am. 2020, ch. 82, § 35, p. 174.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 325, added subsections (1), (2), (8), (16) and (17), and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; in present subsection (4), substituted “means any impact or exposure that results in” for “includes” near the beginning and inserted “or the partial or complete destruction of the facility” near the middle; in subsection (5), inserted “sudden or unforeseen” and “health” and added “or the blockage of roads or transportation facilities that requires immediate action”; and substituted “notification” for “locator” near the beginning of present subsection (13).

This section was amended by two 2019 acts which appear to be compatible and have been compiled together. The 2019 amendment, by ch. 182, inserted present subsections [(10)](9), [(15)](13) and [(22)]19, and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly.

The 2019 amendment, by ch. 256, inserted present subsections (6), [(18)](16), [(21)](19), and [(25)](22), and redesignated the remaining subsections accordingly; inserted “stormwater” near the middle of present subsection [(24)](21); and added “or who provides any utility service or commodity to an end user via an underground facility” at the end of subsection [(26)](23).

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 82, corrected the designation issue in this section, created by the multiple 2019 amendments.

Compiler’s Notes.

For more on the American public works association, referred to in subsection (15), see https://www.apwa.net .

The words enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

§ 55-2203. Damage prevention board.

  1. The Idaho damage prevention board is hereby created and made a part of the division of building safety. The principal purpose of the board is to reduce damages to underground facilities and to promote safe excavation practices through education directed toward excavators, underground facility owners and the public at large. The board also shall review complaints of alleged violations of this chapter. It shall be the responsibility and duty of the administrator to administer this chapter, and the administrator shall exercise such powers and duties as are reasonably necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
  2. The board shall consist of eleven (11) members, each of whom shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor. All members of the board shall be qualified by experience, knowledge and integrity in formulating rules, reviewing complaints referred to it and assessing penalties, and properly performing the functions of the board. Of the eleven (11) members, one (1) each shall represent the interests of the following designated groups and be:
    1. A city official or a county official;
    2. An employee or elected official of a highway district;
    3. An employee of the Idaho public utilities commission;
    4. An employee or officer of a one-number notification service entity or a member of the Idaho utility coordinating council or similar cooperative statewide nonprofit organization created to coordinate the protection of underground facilities in specific geographic portions of the state;
    5. An employee or officer of an underground facility owner;
    6. An employee or officer of an underground pipeline facility owner;
    7. An employee or officer of a rural underground facility owner;
    8. An employee or officer of a contractor;
    9. An employee or officer of a building contractor;
    10. An employee or officer of an excavator; and
    11. An employee or owner of an agricultural enterprise, a representative of the agriculture industry, or an employee or an official of a public entity that delivers water for irrigation.
  3. Each member of the board shall serve a term of four (4) years, and such terms shall be staggered. The initial board shall have three (3) members whose terms expire July 1, 2018; four (4) members whose terms expire July 1, 2019; and four (4) members whose terms expire July 1, 2020. Thereafter, each board member shall be appointed for a term of four (4) years. No member of the board may be appointed to more than two (2) consecutive terms. A member may continue to serve until a successor is appointed. A successor must represent the same designated group that his predecessor was appointed to represent.
  4. The board shall meet within thirty (30) days after the appointment of all its members and thereafter at such other times as may be expedient and necessary for the proper performance of its duties, but the board shall hold at least two (2) regular meetings per year. At the board’s first meeting, the members shall elect one (1) of their number to be chairman and one (1) to serve as the vice chairman. The chairman may serve in such capacity for a one (1) year term and may not serve in such capacity for more than two (2) consecutive terms. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The administrator shall serve as the secretary to the damage prevention board.
  5. Each member of the board shall be compensated as provided by section 59-509(n), Idaho Code.
  6. Each member of the board who is a contractor shall be registered in accordance with chapter 52, title 54, Idaho Code, and shall be in good standing.
  7. The activities of the board shall be funded by a fee established by the board and promulgated in rule. Such fee shall be adopted by the board by no less than eight (8) affirmative votes at a meeting duly called for such purpose at which a quorum is present and shall be imposed uniformly upon all of the underground facility owners required by the provisions of this chapter to participate in and cooperate with the one-number notification service. The fee shall be assessed upon an underground facility owner each time such owner receives notice from a one-number notification service as required by section 55-2205, Idaho Code. The fee is established to defray the expenses of the board and the division in supervising, regulating and administering the provisions of this chapter, and the provision of services hereunder. The fee assessed upon an underground facility owner shall be collected by a one-number notification service and payable to the board in accordance with a schedule and in a manner established by the board in rule. All fees collected by the board shall be deposited with the state treasurer to be credited to the damage prevention board fund established pursuant to section 55-2204, Idaho Code.
  8. The board shall cause educational materials regarding safe digging practices and the dangers of failing to provide notice prior to excavating to be prepared and distributed statewide on an ongoing basis. The board may enter into agreements with other entities for this purpose.
  9. The board, by rule, may adopt or create training programs on all pertinent underground damage prevention topics, which may include, but are not limited to, safe excavation, locating and marking of facilities, determining facility damage, emergency procedures, excavator downtime, pre-marking of intended excavation areas, and procedures used when encountering unmarked facilities, for general use or for remedial training that may be ordered by the board pursuant to section 55-2211, Idaho Code.
  10. The board shall periodically review the effectiveness of the methods used for maintaining effective communications among stakeholders from receipt of an excavation notification until successful completion of the excavation and may adopt, by rule, methods to maintain or improve these communications among stakeholders.
  11. The board shall review complaints alleging violations of this chapter by any party against any other party subject to the jurisdiction of the board involving practices related to public safety and underground facilities damage prevention including, but not limited to, notification procedures, pre-marking of areas to be excavated, marking of facilities, excavation practices, excavator downtime, inaccurate location of facilities, untimely location of facilities, untimely commencement of excavation, failure of a permitting entity to reinstate a permit in a timely manner, failure of an underground facility owner to participate in a one-number notification service as required, or failure by a party to report damage data when required, and may impose appropriate training requirements or enforcement discipline as authorized by this chapter. The proceedings shall be governed by the provisions of section 55-2211 and chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code. Any party aggrieved by the action of the board shall be entitled to judicial review thereof in accordance with the provisions of chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code.
  12. To continually evaluate and improve program effectiveness, the board shall analyze the data collected pursuant to section 55-2208, Idaho Code, including the number of reported damage and downtime events and trends, the causes of such damage and any recommendations to further reduce the number of damage or downtime events annually. The board shall make its analysis publicly available. (13) The board shall adopt, by rule, a process for reviewing the adequacy of underground facility owners’ use of internal performance measures for those locating underground facilities and recommending changes to improve such performance.
    1. Hold meetings and attend or be represented at such meetings, prepare and publish rules pertaining to this section, make investigation or inquiry, conduct hearings, report findings and enter orders in matters over which the board has authority;
    2. Summon witnesses to appear and testify before it on any matter within the provisions of this chapter. No person shall be required to testify outside the county wherein he resides or where his principal place of business is located. A summons to testify shall be issued and served in like manner as a subpoena of a witness issued from the district court, or in any other manner consistent with the procedures of the division of building safety;
    3. Administer oaths and take affirmations of witnesses appearing before the board and appoint competent persons to issue subpoenas, administer oaths and take testimony, and appoint hearing officers;
    4. Impose civil penalties and conduct hearings related thereto for violations of this chapter or the rules of the board;
    5. Enter into agreements with any vendor or contractor to provide services or administer any obligation imposed on the board or the administrator by law, as well as the authority to make expenditures, and to make purchases in accordance with chapter 57, title 67, Idaho Code, to effectuate such agreements; and
    6. Delegate to the administrator the power to perform ministerial functions, conduct investigations, recommend and collect civil penalties on its behalf and appoint hearing officers.

(14) The board shall adopt, by rule, a process for reviewing and promoting the use, by all appropriate stakeholders, of improving technologies that may enhance communications, underground facility locating capability and the gathering and analysis of appropriate data.

(15) The board is authorized and directed to promulgate rules consistent with this act for the administration of this chapter and to effectuate the purpose thereof, except as may be limited or prohibited by law and the provisions of this chapter.

(16) The board may exercise such powers and duties as are reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The board is authorized to, and may among other activities:

(17) The board may establish by administrative rule the fines to be paid for penalties issued for violations of this chapter. In no case shall the penalty exceed the limits prescribed in section 55-2211, Idaho Code.

(18) The board may receive contributions, gifts and grants on behalf of and in aid of the program. Such contributions, gifts and grants shall be deposited in the damage prevention board fund established pursuant to section 55-2204, Idaho Code.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2203, as added by 2016, ch. 325, § 3, p. 894.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Division of building safety,§ 67-2601A.

Idaho public utilities commission,§ 61-201 et seq.

Compiler’s Notes.

Former§ 55-2203 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-2205 by S.L. 2016, ch. 325, § 5, effective July 1, 2016.

For further information on the Idaho utility coordinating council, referred to in paragraph (4)(d), see http://www.iducc.org .

The term “this act” in subsection (15) refers to S.L. 2016, Chapter 325, which is codified as§§ 55-2201 to 55-2212 and 67-2601A.

§ 55-2204. Damage prevention board fund established — Use of funds.

  1. All moneys received by the administrator under the terms and provisions of this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury as directed by the provisions of section 59-1014, Idaho Code, and shall be held by the state treasurer in a dedicated fund to be known as the damage prevention board fund and, other than as prescribed in subsection (2) of this section, all such moneys placed in said fund shall be set aside and appropriated to the division of building safety to carry into effect the provisions of this chapter.
  2. All moneys received from civil penalties collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be deposited into the damage prevention board fund and shall be spent exclusively in support of board activities to develop and disseminate educational programming designed to improve worker and public safety relating to excavation and underground facilities.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2204, as added by 2016, ch. 325, § 4, p. 894.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

Former§ 55-2204 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-2206 by S.L. 2016, ch. 325, § 6, effective July 1, 2016.

§ 55-2205. Permit compliance — Notice of excavation — Response to notice — Compensation for failure to comply — Exemptions.

  1. Before commencing excavation, the excavator shall:
    1. Comply with other applicable law or permit requirements of any public agency issuing permits;
    2. Pre-mark on-site the path of excavation with white paint or, as the circumstances require, other reasonable means that will set out clearly the path of excavation. An excavator need not pre-mark as required in this subsection if:
      1. The underground facility owner or its agent can determine the location of the proposed excavation by street address or lot and block by referring to a locate ticket; or
      2. The excavator and underground facility owner have had a meeting prior to the beginning of the proposed excavation at the excavation site for the exchange of information required under this subsection.
    3. Provide notice of the scheduled commencement of excavation to all underground facility owners through a one-number notification service. If no one-number notification service is available, notice shall be provided individually to those owners of underground facilities known to have or suspected of having underground facilities within the area of proposed excavation. The notice shall be communicated by the excavator to the one-number notification service or, if no one-number notification service is available, to the owners of underground facilities not less than two (2) business days nor more than ten (10) business days before the scheduled date for commencement of excavation, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties.
  2. Upon receipt of the notice provided for in this section, the underground facility owner or the owner’s agent shall locate and mark its locatable underground facilities with reasonable accuracy, as defined in section 55-2202, Idaho Code, by surface-marking the location of the facilities. If there are identified but unlocatable underground facilities, the owner of such facilities or the owner’s agent shall locate and mark the underground facilities in accordance with the best information available to the owner of the underground facilities. The owner of the underground facility or the owner’s agent providing the information shall respond no later than two (2) business days after the receipt of the notice or before the excavation time set forth in the excavator’s notice, at the option of the underground facility owner, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties. Excavators shall not excavate until all known facilities have been marked. Once marked by the owner of the underground facility, or the owner’s agent, the excavator is responsible for maintaining the markings. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties, maintained markings shall be valid for purposes of the notified excavation for a period of no longer than three (3) consecutive weeks following the date of notification as long as it is reasonably apparent that site conditions have not changed so substantially as to invalidate the markings. If excavation has not commenced within three (3) weeks from the original notice to underground facility owners through the one-number notification service, the excavator shall reinitiate notice in accordance with this section.
    1. Excavators shall have the right to receive compensation from the owner of the underground facility for costs incurred if the owner of the underground facility does not locate its facilities in accordance with this chapter. (b) The owner of the underground facility shall have the right to receive compensation for costs incurred in responding to excavation notices given less than two (2) business days prior to the excavation except for notices given for discovered facilities after the owner has identified facilities.
  3. An end user shall not be required to locate or mark any service lateral. An underground facility owner who provides any utility service or commodity via a service lateral shall locate and mark the service lateral in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to impose an indemnification obligation prohibited by law on any public agency as defined in section 67-2327, Idaho Code, or to alter the liability of any public agency as provided by law, including article VIII of the constitution of the state of Idaho.
  4. Emergency excavations are exempt from the time requirements for notification provided in this section.
  5. If the excavator, while performing the excavation, discovers underground facilities (whether active or abandoned) which are not identified or were not located in accordance with subsection (2) of this section, the excavator shall cease excavating in the vicinity of the facility and immediately notify the owner or operator of such facilities, or the one-number notification service. The excavator shall have the right to receive compensation from the underground facility owner for standby cost (based on standby rates made publicly available) incurred as a result of waiting for the underground facility owner or the owner’s agent to arrive at the work site to identify the unidentified facilities and provided that if the underground facility owner or the owner’s agent supplies the locate information required under subsection (2) of this section within eight (8) hours of the time that the excavator notifies the underground facility owner of facilities not previously located, the excavator’s compensation for delay of the excavation project shall be limited to actual costs or two thousand dollars ($2,000), whichever is less.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2203, as added by 1990, ch. 351, § 1, p. 939; am. 1991, ch. 170, § 2, p. 409; am. 2002, ch. 351, § 1, p. 1001; am. and redesig. 2016, ch. 325, § 5, p. 894; am. 2019, ch. 182, § 2, p. 586; am. 2019, ch. 256, § 2, p. 763.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 325, redesignated the section from§ 55-2203 and substituted “one-number notification” for “one-number locator” throughout the section; in the introductory paragraph of subsection (2), updated the statutory reference to reflect the 2016 amendment of§ 55-2202 in the second sentence, deleted “to the excavator” preceding “that site conditions” in the fourth sentence, and added the present last sentence; and, in subsection (4), inserted “or were not located with reasonable accuracy” in the first sentence and substituted “two thousand dollars ($2,000)” for “one thousand dollars ($1,000)” in the last sentence.

This section was amended by two 2019 acts which appear to be compatible and have been compiled together.

The 2019 amendment, by ch. 182, in subsection (2), inserted “with reasonable accuracy, as defined in section 55-2202, Idaho Code” in the first sentence and deleted “and with reasonable accuracy as defined in section 55-2202(15), Idaho Code” at the end of the second sentence; and, in subsection (5), substituted “in accordance with subsection (2) of this section” for “with reasonable accuracy” in the first sentence and substituted “the locate information required under subsection (2) of this section” for “reasonably accurate locate information” in the last sentence. The 2019 amendment, by ch. 256, inserted present subsection (3) and redesignated the subsequent subsections accordingly.

Compiler’s Notes.

The words enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-2203.

Former§ 55-2205 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-2207 by S.L. 2016, ch. 325, § 7, effective July 1, 2016.

§ 55-2206. One-number notification service — Establishment — Participation required — Funding.

Two (2) or more persons who own or operate underground facilities in a county may voluntarily establish or contract with a third person to provide a one-number notification service to maintain information concerning underground facilities within a county. Upon the establishment of the first such one-number notification service, all others operating and maintaining underground facilities within said county shall participate and cooperate with the service, and no duplicative service shall be established pursuant to this chapter. The activities of the one-number locator service shall be funded by all of the underground facility owners or operators required by the provisions of this section to participate in and cooperate with the service. All underground facility owners or operators who are required to participate in a one-number notification service are subject to the jurisdiction of the damage prevention board established in section 55-2203, Idaho Code.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2204, as added by 1990, ch. 351, § 1, p. 939; am. and redesig. 2016, ch. 325, § 6, p. 894; am. 2019, ch. 256, § 3, p. 763.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 325, redesignated the section from§ 55-2204 and substituted “notification” for “locator” in the section heading and first sentence; inserted “notification” in the second sentence; and added the last sentence.

The 2019 amendment, by ch. 256, substituted “owners or operators” for “owner/ooperators” in the last two sentences.

Compiler’s Notes.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-2204.

Former§ 55-2206 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-2208 by S.L. 2016, ch. 325, § 8, effective July 1, 2016.

§ 55-2207. Excavation contracts — Limitations — Precautions to avoid damage — Liability for damage.

  1. Project owners shall indicate in bid or contract documents the existence of underground facilities known by the project owner to be located within the proposed area of excavation.
  2. An excavator shall use reasonable care to avoid damaging underground facilities. An excavator shall:
    1. Determine by hand digging, in the area twenty-four (24) inches or less from the facilities, the precise actual location of underground facilities which have been marked;
    2. Plan the excavation to avoid damage to or minimize interference with underground facilities in and near the excavation area; and
    3. Provide such support for underground facilities in and near the construction area, including during backfill operations, as may be reasonably necessary for the protection of such facilities.
  3. If an underground facility is damaged and such damage is the consequence of the failure to fulfill an obligation under this chapter, the party failing to perform that obligation shall be liable for any damages to the underground facility owner. Nothing in this chapter prevents the parties to an excavation contract from contracting with respect to the allocation of risk for changed or differing site conditions.
  4. In any action brought under this section, the prevailing party is entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2205, as added by 1990, ch. 351, § 1, p. 939; am. and redesig. 2016, ch. 325, § 7, p. 894.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 325, redesignated the section from§ 55-2205.

Compiler’s Notes.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-2205.

Former§ 55-2207 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-2209 by S.L. 2016, ch. 325, § 9, effective July 1, 2016.

§ 55-2208. Damage to underground facilities — Duties of excavator and owner — Reporting of data.

  1. An excavator who, in the course of excavation, contacts or damages an underground facility shall notify the underground facility owner and the one-number notification service. If the damage causes an emergency condition or an actual breach of an underground facility that releases gas or hazardous liquids into the surrounding environment, the excavator causing the damage shall also alert the appropriate local public safety agencies by, at a minimum, calling 911, and take all appropriate steps to ensure the public safety. No damaged underground facility may be buried until it is repaired or relocated.
  2. The owner of the underground facilities damaged shall arrange for repairs or relocation as soon as is practical or may permit the excavator to do necessary repairs or relocation at a mutually acceptable price.
  3. Any party responsible for damages to an underground facility shall be liable for the cost of repairs.
  4. The board shall adopt by rule a procedure for the processing of claims related to damages to underground facilities.
  5. Underground facility owners who observe or suffer damage to an underground facility and excavators who observe or suffer excavator downtime related to a failure of one (1) or more stakeholders to comply with applicable damage prevention regulations shall report such information to the board in accordance with the rules promulgated by the board. Reporting of such data does not constitute a complaint provided for in section 55-2211, Idaho Code.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2206, as added by 1990, ch. 351, § 1, p. 939; am. 2002, ch. 351, § 2, p. 1001; am. and redesig. 2016, ch. 325, § 8, p. 894; am. 2019, ch. 182, § 3, p. 586.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 325, redesignated the section from§ 55-2206 and added “— Reporting of data” in the section heading; in subsection (1), substituted “notification” for “locator” in the first sentence, and rewrote the second sentence, which formerly read: “If the damage causes an emergency condition, the excavator causing the damage shall also alert the appropriate local public safety agencies and take all appropriate steps to ensure the public safety”; and added subsections (3) through (5).

The 2019 amendment, by ch. 182, substituted “who observe or suffer damage to an underground facility and excavators who observe or suffer excavator downtime” for “and excavators who observe, suffer or cause damage to an underground facility or observe, suffer or cause excavator downtime” in the first sentence of subsection (5).

Compiler’s Notes.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-2206.

Former§ 55-2208 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-2210 by S.L. 2016, ch. 325, § 10, effective July 1, 2016.

§ 55-2209. Duties of public agency issuing excavation, building or other similar permits.

  1. Any public agency, as defined in section 67-2327, Idaho Code, that has the authority to issue excavation, building or other similar permits shall notify persons seeking such permits of the existence of this chapter and the one-number notification service telephone number.
  2. A permit shall not be valid for excavation until or unless the notice provisions of this section have been complied with, and the portion of the permit directly relating to excavation may be suspended by the issuing public agency if the permit holder violates any provisions of this chapter. The issuing public agency shall reinstate the permit at no charge within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving evidence of compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2207, as added by 1990, ch. 351, § 1, p. 939; am. 1991, ch. 170, § 3, p. 409; am. and redesig. 2016, ch. 325, § 9, p. 894.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 325, redesignated the section from§ 55-2207; inserted “building or other similar” in the section heading; and rewrote the section, which formerly read: “(1) Any public agency issuing permits authorizing excavation operations shall notify persons seeking such permits of the existence of this chapter and the one-call locator service telephone number. (2) A permit shall not be valid for excavation until or unless the notice provisions of this section have been complied with”.

Compiler’s Notes.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-2207.

Former§ 55-2209 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-2211 by S.L. 2016, ch. 325, § 11, effective July 1, 2016.

§ 55-2210. Excavations exempt from notice requirement.

Unless facts exist which would reasonably cause an excavator to believe that an underground facility exists within the depth of the intended excavation, the following excavations shall not require notice of the excavation pursuant to section 55-2205(1)(c), Idaho Code:

  1. An excavation of less than fifteen (15) inches in vertical depth outside the boundaries of an underground facility easement of public record on private property.
  2. The tilling of soil to a depth of less than fifteen (15) inches for agricultural practices.
  3. The extraction of minerals within recorded mining claims or excavation within material sites legally located and of record, unless such excavation occurs within the boundaries of an underground facility easement.
  4. Normal maintenance of roads, streets and highways, including cleaning of roadside drainage ditches and clear zones, to a depth of fifteen (15) inches below the grade established during the design of the last construction of which underground facility owners were notified and which excavation will not reduce the authorized depth of cover of an underground facility.
  5. Replacement of highway guardrail posts, sign posts, delineator posts, culverts, and traffic control device supports in the same approximate location and depth of the replaced item within public highway rights-of-way.
  6. Normal maintenance of railroad rights-of-way, except where such rights-of-way intersect or cross public roads, streets, highways, or rights-of-way adjacent thereto, or recorded underground facility easements.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2208, as added by 1990, ch. 351, § 1, p. 939; am. 1991, ch. 170, § 4, p. 409; am. 2002, ch. 351, § 3, p. 1001; am. and redesig. 2016, ch. 325, § 10, p. 894.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 325, redesignated the section from§ 55-2208.

Compiler’s Notes.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-2208.

Former§ 55-2210 was amended and redesignated as§ 55-2212 by S.L. 2016, ch. 325, § 12, effective July 1, 2016.

§ 55-2211. Violation — Civil penalty — Duties of the board and the administrator — Other remedies unimpaired.

  1. The damage prevention board established in section 55-2203, Idaho Code, may hear, but may not initiate, contested cases of alleged violations of this chapter involving practices related to underground facilities as set forth in rules by the board. Persons who violate the provisions of this chapter are subject to civil penalties in accordance with this section. Complaints regarding an alleged violation of this chapter may be made by any individual and shall be made to the administrator. Complaints shall include the name and address of the complainant and the alleged violator, and the violation alleged. If the alleged violation involves facility damage or a downtime event, the complaint must be submitted on such forms and contain such information as required by the board in rule. Upon review of the complaint, and any investigation conducted therewith, the administrator shall notify the person making the complaint and the alleged violator, in writing, of the administrator’s recommended course of action to the board. The administrator shall recommend that a training course adopted by the board, by rule, be successfully completed for a first violation of this chapter, except that if the complaint is for a first violation of this chapter wherein a residential homeowner or residential tenant excavating on the lot of his residency failed to provide notice as required in section 55-2205, Idaho Code, and caused damage to underground facilities, the board shall direct the administrator to deliver to the violator a written warning and educational materials to prevent a future violation. The administrator may recommend the imposition of a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a second violation of this chapter and in addition may recommend successful completion of a training course adopted by the board, by rule, and issue a notice of intent to impose such penalty on behalf of the board. If the administrator recommends the imposition of a civil penalty, the violator may pay the fine to the board upon receipt of such notice. If, upon the expiration of twenty-one (21) days, the violator has not responded in writing to the division, the board may impose the penalty provided for in the notice. A violator shall also have the right to contest the imposition of a civil penalty to the board and the opportunity to produce evidence in his behalf. Notice of the time and place of such hearing shall be provided by the board, and such proceeding shall be governed by the provisions of chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code.
  2. In the event the board determines that a person has violated the provisions of this chapter a subsequent time within eighteen (18) months from an earlier violation, and where facility damage has occurred, the board may impose a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each separate violation in accordance with the process described in subsection (1) of this section. (3) All civil penalties recovered shall be deposited in the underground facility damage prevention board fund and used pursuant to section 55-2204(2), Idaho Code.

(4) The penalties provided in this section are in addition to any other remedy at law or equity available to any party subject to the jurisdiction of the damage prevention board established in section 55-2203, Idaho Code.

(5) Unless expressly provided herein, nothing in this chapter eliminates, alters or otherwise impairs common law, statutory or other preexisting rights and duties of persons affected by the provisions of this chapter; nor does anything in this chapter, unless expressly so provided, eliminate, alter or otherwise impair other remedies, state or federal, including those at common law, of an underground facility owner whose facility is damaged; nor do the provisions of this chapter affect any civil remedies for personal injury or property damage except as expressly provided for herein. The court in its discretion may award attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2209, as added by 1990, ch. 351, § 1, p. 939; am. 2002, ch. 351, § 4, p. 1001; am. and redesig. 2016, ch. 325, § 11, p. 894.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

General fund,§ 67-1205.

Amendments.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 325, redesignated the section from§ 55-2209 and rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

Compiler’s Notes.

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-2209.

§ 55-2212. Waiver permitted by owner of underground facility.

The notification and marking provisions of this chapter may be waived for one or more designated persons by an underground facility owner with respect to all or part of that underground facility owner’s own underground facilities.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2210, as added by 1990, ch. 351, § 1, p. 939; am. and redesig. 2016, ch. 325, § 12, p. 894.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2016 amendment, by ch. 325, redesignated the section from§ 55-2210.

Compiler’s Notes.

Section 2 of S.L. 1990, ch. 351 read: “The provisions of this act are hereby declared to be severable and if any provision of this act or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of remaining portions of this act.”

This section was formerly compiled as§ 55-2210.

Effective Dates.

Section 3 of S.L. 1990, ch. 351 provided that the act would become effective July 1, 1991.

Chapter 23 SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITIES

Sec.

§ 55-2301. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Default” means the failure by the lessee to perform, on time, any obligation or duty set forth in the rental agreement or the provisions of this chapter.
  2. “Last known address” means that address provided by the lessee in the rental agreement or the address provided by the lessee to the operator in a subsequent written notice of a change of address.
  3. “Leased space” means the individual storage space at the self-service storage facility that is or may be rented to a lessee pursuant to a rental agreement. The leased space may be enclosed, covered, or open storage.
  4. “Lessee” means a person, sublessee, successor, or assignee entitled to the use of a leased space at a self-service storage facility under the terms of a rental agreement.
  5. “Operator” means the owner, operator, lessor, or sublessor of a self-service storage facility or an agent or another person authorized to manage the facility or to receive rent from a lessee under a rental agreement. The term does not include a warehouse operator if the warehouse operator issues a warehouse receipt, bill of lading, or other document of title for the personal property stored.
  6. “Personal property” means those items placed within the leased space and includes, but is not limited to, goods, wares, merchandise, motor vehicles, watercraft and household items and furnishings.
  7. “Rental agreement” means a signed, written agreement or contract that establishes or modifies conditions or rules concerning the use and occupancy by a lessee of leased space at a self-service storage facility and includes any signed, written amendment to such an agreement.
  8. “Self-service storage facility” means any real property used for renting or leasing individual storage space in which the lessees themselves store and remove their own personal property on a “self-service” basis.
  9. “Vehicle” is as defined in section 49-123, Idaho Code, and “trailer” is as defined in section 49-121, Idaho Code. Should the operator choose to proceed with a lien sale of a vehicle, the operator must comply with the provisions of chapter 17, title 49, Idaho Code.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2301, as added by 1990, ch. 381, § 1, p. 1055; am. 2020, ch. 144, § 1, p. 443.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 144, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

§ 55-2302. Restrictive use of terms.

A self-service storage facility is not a warehouse or a public utility.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2302, as added by 1990, ch. 381, § 1, p. 1055.

§ 55-2303. Restrictions on use of leased space.

  1. An operator may not knowingly permit a leased space to be used for residential purposes.
  2. A lessee may not use a leased space for residential purposes.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2303, as added by 1990, ch. 381, § 1, p. 1055.

§ 55-2304. Rental agreement.

  1. From and after July 1, 1990, any operator offering storage spaces in a self-service storage facility for rent shall provide a written rental agreement which shall be executed by the operator and the lessee. The operator of a self-service storage facility shall provide a lessee with a copy of the rental agreement at the time of the rental by delivery at that time or as provided for in the rental agreement.
  2. The rental agreement shall contain a conspicuous statement advising the lessee:
    1. Of the existence of the operator’s lien;
    2. That the property in the leased space may be sold to satisfy the lien if the lessee is in default;
    3. That the personal property stored in a leased space will not be insured unless the lessee obtains insurance on his property;
    4. Of the amount of any late fee and the conditions for imposing the fee; and
    5. That all notices and correspondence may be sent as provided for in the rental agreement.
  3. In the absence of a notice provision in the rental agreement, notices to the lessee pursuant to section 55-2306, Idaho Code, shall be sent by certified mail. The absence of a notice provision in the rental agreement does not affect the validity of the rental agreement or the operator’s lien.
  4. The rental agreement shall contain a provision requiring the lessee to disclose any lienholders or secured parties who have an interest in property that is stored in the leased space.
  5. If the rental agreement specifies a limit on the value of personal property that the lessee may store in the leased space, the limit must be deemed to be the maximum value of the personal property in the leased space and the maximum liability on the part of the operator to the lessee for any loss of or damage to the personal property. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to create any liability on the part of the operator to the lessee for any loss of or damage to the lessee’s personal property, regardless of cause.
  6. All notices sent as provided for in the rental agreement or by certified mail shall be constructive and conclusive notice under the rental agreement and this chapter.
  7. A reasonable late fee may be imposed and collected by an operator for each period that a lessee does not pay rent, fees, or other charges when due under the rental agreement, if the amount of the late fee and the conditions for imposing the fee are stated in the rental agreement. A late fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) or twenty percent (20%) of the monthly rent, whichever is greater, is a reasonable fee and will not be considered a penalty.
  8. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed in any manner as impairing or affecting the right of parties to create additional rights, duties, and obligations in and by virtue of a rental agreement. In addition to the rights and remedies set forth in this chapter, the operator has the same rights and remedies available to a creditor or landlord under Idaho law.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2304, as added by 1990, ch. 381, § 1, p. 1055; am. 2020, ch. 144, § 2, p. 443.

STATUTORY NOTES
Amendments.

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 144, rewrote the section to the extent that a detailed comparison is impracticable.

§ 55-2305. Lien created.

The operator of a self-service storage facility, his heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns shall have a lien on all personal property stored within each leased space located at the self-service storage facility for rent, labor, fees, or other charges, present or future, and for expenses reasonably incurred in enforcing the lien. Self-service storage facility liens shall be brought exclusively under the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the exclusive care, custody, and control of the personal property stored within each leased space remains with the lessee until the property has been sold or disposed of pursuant to this chapter.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2305, as added by 1990, ch. 381, § 1, p. 1055; am. 2020, ch. 144, § 3, p. 443.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 144, rewrote the section, which formerly read: “The owner of a self-storage facility, his heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns shall have a lien on all personal property stored within each leased space located at the self-service storage facility for rent, labor, or other charges, present or future, and for expenses reasonably incurred in enforcing the lien. Self-storage facility liens shall be brought exclusively under the provisions of this chapter.”

§ 55-2306. Enforcement of lien.

  1. A sale of personal property to enforce a lienholder’s claim that has become due against a lessee and that is secured by the operator’s lien may be conducted after the lessee has been in default continuously for a period of sixty (60) days.
  2. The operator shall send notice by certified mail or as provided for in the rental agreement to the lessee at his last known address and by mail to all persons disclosed by the lessee as claiming a security interest in the stored property. The notice shall include:
    1. The name, address and telephone number of the person claiming the lien;
    2. An itemized statement of the lienholder’s claim showing the sum due at the time of the notice and the date when the sum became due;
    3. A demand for payment within a time specified, not less than ten (10) days after sending of the notice;
    4. A statement that unless the claim is paid within the time stated in the notice, the personal property shall be advertised for sale and sold at a specified time and place, but not sooner than ten (10) days after the first publication;
    5. A brief and general description of the goods subject to the lien; and
    6. Notification that the operator has denied or may deny access by the lessee to his personal property until the lien has been satisfied.
  3. Upon expiration of the time specified in subsection (2)(c) of this section, an advertisement of the sale shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the self-service storage facility is located. The advertisement shall include:
    1. The location, date, time, and manner of the sale of the property stored in the leased space at the self-service storage facility;
    2. A brief and general description of the personal property; and
    3. The name and last known address of the lessee.
  4. At any time before the advertised sale of the personal property has been conducted or the vehicle or trailer has been towed, the lessee or any other person may pay the amount necessary to satisfy the lien, including all documented and verifiable labor and expenses incurred in enforcing the lien, and be permitted to remove the personal property, vehicle, or trailer from the leased space.
  5. In the event of a sale, the operator shall:
    1. Ensure that the sale is conducted in conformance with the terms of the published notice;
    2. Identify the specific properties and disclose the names and addresses provided by the lessee of persons claiming a security interest in the specified properties; and
    3. Comply with the provisions of chapter 17, title 49, Idaho Code, when foreclosing on titled vehicles.
  6. The proceeds of the sale must be applied to the discharge of the lien and costs. The remainder, if any, shall be paid over to the lessee or any other person authorized in writing by the lessee to claim the balance.
  7. The operator may dispose of the personal property without liability to any person if the operator has complied with the provisions of subsections (1) through (5) of this section, and the personal property has not been purchased.
  8. The operator may conduct the lien sale without obtaining an auctioneer’s license and may offer the personal property for sale as a unit or in parcels on a publicly accessible website that regularly offers personal property for auction or sale, at the self-service storage facility, or at another location determined by the operator.
  9. A purchaser in good faith of any personal property sold pursuant to this section to satisfy the lien shall take the property free and clear of any rights of persons against whom the lien was valid, even if the operator has not complied with the provisions of this chapter or the rental agreement.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2306, as added by 1990, ch. 381, § 1, p. 1055; am. 2020, ch. 144, § 4, p. 443.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2020 amendment, by ch. 144, rewrote subsection (1), which formerly read: “Action to enforce a lienholder’s claim which has become due against a lessee and which is secured by the owner’s lien may be taken by the owner or operator after the lessee has been in default of the rental agreement continuously for a period of sixty (60) days”; in subsection (2), in the introductory paragraph, inserted “or as provided for in the rental agreement” near the beginning and inserted “by mail” near the middle, substituted “sending” for “mailing” in paragraph (c), substituted “sale and sold at a specified time and place, but not sooner than” for “sale and shall be sold at a specified time and place, but which shall not be sooner” near the end of paragraph (d), and inserted “has denied” near the beginning of paragraph (f); in subsection (3), deleted “a week for two (2) consecutive weeks” following “published once” near the middle of the introductory paragraph and rewrote paragraph (a), which formerly read: “The location, date, time and manner of the sale of the property stored in the self-service facility”; in subsection (4), inserted “or the vehicle or trailer has been towed” near the beginning and added “and be permitted to remove the personal property, vehicle, or trailer from the leased space” at the end; and added subsections (7) to (9).

§ 55-2307. Severability.

The provisions of this act are hereby declared to be severable and if any provision of this act or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of remaining portions of this act.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2307, as added by 1990, ch. 381, § 1, p. 1055.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1990, ch. 381, which is compiled as§§ 55-2301 to 55-2307.

§ 55-2308. Lessee in default — Vehicle or trailer removal.

  1. If a lessee is in default of the rental agreement for sixty (60) days or more and the personal property stored in the leased space is a vehicle or trailer, the operator may have the vehicle or trailer towed from the self-service storage facility by an independent towing company. Prior to having the vehicle or trailer towed, the operator shall send notice to the lessee as provided for in the rental agreement or by certified mail to the last known address stating:
    1. A demand for payment within a time specified, no less than ten (10) days after sending of the notice;
    2. That unless the claim is paid within the time stated in the notice, the vehicle or trailer may be towed; and
    3. The name, address, and telephone number of the towing company.
  2. The operator shall send a copy of the notice by United States mail with certificate of mailing to any lienholder of the vehicle or trailer that is listed in the rental agreement, no less than ten (10) days prior to having the vehicle or trailer towed.
  3. The operator has no liability to any person regarding the vehicle or trailer once the towing company takes possession of the vehicle or trailer.
  4. Should the operator choose to proceed with a lien sale of a vehicle, the operator must comply with the provisions of chapter 17, title 49, Idaho Code. The towing company that tows the vehicle must comply with the provisions of either chapter 17 or 18, title 49, Idaho Code, as applicable, prior to conducting a sale of the vehicle.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2308, as added by 2020, ch. 144, § 5, p. 443.

§ 55-2309. Access restriction.

The operator has the right to deny the lessee access to the leased space by overlocking or other means if:

  1. The rent or other charges due from the lessee are delinquent and unpaid;
  2. The leased space is being used for residential or other unlawful purposes; or
  3. The lessee fails to vacate the leased space after the rental agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2309, as added by 2020, ch. 144, § 6, p. 443.

Chapter 24 ACTIVITIES IN PROXIMITY TO HIGH VOLTAGE OVERHEAD LINES

Sec.

§ 55-2401. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Authorized person” means:
    1. An employee of a public utility, or a contractor or subcontractor or employee of a contractor or subcontractor of a public utility, which produces, transmits or delivers electricity, while the employee is working within the scope of his employment with or for the public utility;
    2. An employee of a public utility which provides and whose work relates to communication services or an employee of a state, county or municipal agency which has authorized circuit construction on or near the poles or structures of a public utility, while the employee is working within the scope of his employment;
    3. An employee of an industrial plant whose work relates to the electrical system of the industrial plant, while the employee is working within the scope of his employment;
    4. An employee of a cable television or communication services company or an employee of a contractor of a cable television or communication services company, if specifically authorized by the owner of the poles to make cable television or communication services attachments, while the employee is working within the scope of his employment; or
    5. An employee or agent of a state, county or municipal agency which has or whose work relates to overhead electrical lines or circuit construction or conductors on poles or structures of any type, while the employee is working within the scope of his employment.
  2. “Contractor” means any person, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, corporation, or other business entity doing business in the state of Idaho which contracts, subcontracts or otherwise agrees or undertakes to perform any function or activity upon any land, building, highway, waterway or other premises.
  3. “High voltage” means voltage in excess of six hundred (600) volts measured between conductors or between a conductor and the ground.
  4. “Overhead line” means all electrical conductors installed above ground.
  5. “Person” means any individual or business entity of any kind.
  6. “Public utility” means any publicly, cooperatively or privately owned utility which owns or operates a high voltage overhead line.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2401, as added by 1992, ch. 177, § 1, p. 559; am. 2000, ch. 319, § 1, p. 1076.

§ 55-2402. Activity near overhead line — Safety restrictions.

Unless danger against contact with high voltage overhead lines has been effectively guarded against as provided in section 55-2403, Idaho Code, a contractor, individually or through an agent or employee or as an agent or employee, shall not:

  1. Perform or require any other person to perform any function or activity upon any land, building, highway, waterway or other premises if at any time during the performance of such function or activity it is possible that the contractor or the person or any part of any tool or material used by the contractor or the person could move or be placed or brought closer to any high voltage overhead line than the following clearances:
    1. For lines nominally rated at fifty (50) kilovolts or less, ten (10) feet of clearance;
    2. For lines nominally rated at over fifty (50) kilovolts, ten (10) feet plus four-tenths (.4) of an inch for each kilovolt over fifty (50) kilovolts.
  2. Operate any mechanical or hoisting equipment or any load of such equipment, any part of which is capable of vertical, lateral or swinging motion closer to any high voltage overhead lines than the clearances specified in subsections (1)(a) and (b) of this section.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2402, as added by 1992, ch. 177, § 1, p. 559.

§ 55-2403. Activity in close proximity to lines — Clearance arrangements with public utility — Payment.

  1. If any contractor desires to temporarily carry on any function, activity, work or operation in closer proximity to any high voltage overhead line than permitted in this chapter, or in such proximity that the function, activity, work or operation could possibly come within closer proximity than permitted in this chapter, the contractor responsible for performing the work shall promptly notify the public utility owning or operating the high voltage overhead line in writing. The contractor may perform the work only after making mutually agreeable arrangements with the public utility owning or operating the line, including coordination of work and construction schedules. Arrangements may include placement of temporary mechanical barriers to separate and prevent contact between material, equipment or persons and the high voltage overhead lines, temporary deenergization and grounding, or temporary relocation or raising of the high voltage overhead lines. A written agreement identifying the arrangements and the payment to be made therefor, if any, as provided in subsection (2) of this section shall be executed by the parties.
  2. The public utility may, in conformance with its then current practice, require the contractor responsible for performing the work in the vicinity of the high voltage overhead lines to pay any actual expenses of the public utility in providing arrangements for work in close proximity to the overhead lines. The public utility is not required to provide the arrangements for work in close proximity to the overhead lines until a written agreement for payment has been made. The public utility may require payment in advance. Any surplus amounts paid to the utility shall be refunded.
  3. The public utility shall make arrangements to accommodate activity in proximity to overhead lines in accordance with the agreement of the parties. Where a date certain for completion of the clearance arrangements is not otherwise specified in the agreement, the arrangements must be completed within a reasonable time with consideration to all existing circumstances. However, any delay in completing the arrangement shall not excuse nor authorize the person, contractor or subcontractor to undertake to perform work in closer proximity to high voltage overhead lines than is provided herein, until such time as the arrangements have been completed.
  4. The public utility may deny any request for clearances which in the judgment of the utility may jeopardize the performance, integrity, reliability or stability of the utility’s electrical system or any electrical system with which it is interconnected.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2403, as added by 1992, ch. 177, § 1, p. 559; am. 2000, ch. 319, § 2, p. 1076.

§ 55-2404. Violations.

  1. Any contractor or agent thereof violating the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) to be imposed by the court in favor of the state and deposited in the state general account [fund].
  2. If a violation of the provisions of this chapter results in physical or electrical contact with any high voltage overhead line, the contractor committing the violation shall be liable to the public utility owning or operating the high voltage overhead line for all damages to the facilities and all costs and expenses, including damages to third persons, incurred by the public utility as a result of the contact.
  3. County prosecuting attorneys and the attorney general are authorized to prosecute violations of the provisions of this chapter.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2404, as added by 1992, ch. 177, § 1, p. 559.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Attorney general,§ 67-1401 et seq.

Compiler’s Notes.

The bracketed insertion in subsection (1) was added by the compiler to correct the name of the referenced fund. See§ 67-1205.

§ 55-2405. Exemptions.

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:

  1. Construction, reconstruction, operation or maintenance by an authorized person of overhead electrical or communication circuits or conductors and their supporting structures, or to electrical generating, transmission or distribution systems, or to communication systems;
  2. Agreements between public agencies to perform any work or undertaking which each public agency entering into the agreement is authorized by law to perform, provided that any such agreement shall be authorized by the governing body of each party to the agreement; or
  3. Fire, police or other emergency service workers while engaged in emergency operations, or highway districts or other governmental entities performing routine or emergency maintenance in their rights of way.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2405, as added by 1992, ch. 177, § 1, p. 559.

Chapter 25 PROPERTY CONDITION DISCLOSURE ACT

Sec.

§ 55-2501. Short title.

This chapter may be cited as the “Idaho Property Condition Disclosure Act.”

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2501, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

§ 55-2502. Legislative intent.

In order to promote the public health, safety and welfare and to protect consumers; it is the purpose of the provisions of this chapter to require sellers of residential real property as defined in this chapter to disclose certain defects in the residential real property to a prospective buyer.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2502, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

§ 55-2503. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Political subdivision” has the same meaning as provided in section 7-1303, Idaho Code.
  2. “Residential real property” means real property that is improved by a building or other structure that has one (1) to four (4) dwelling units or an individually owned unit in a structure of any size. This also applies to real property which has a combined residential and commercial use.
  3. “Seller” means the owner of residential real property as defined in this chapter.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2503, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172; am. 1997, ch. 229, § 1, p. 668.

§ 55-2504. Property condition disclosure required.

Any person who intends to transfer any residential real property, including nonowner occupied rental property, on or after July 1, 1994, by any of the methods as set forth herein shall complete all applicable items in a property disclosure form prescribed under section 55-2508, Idaho Code. Except as provided in section 55-2505, Idaho Code, this chapter applies to any transfer by sale, exchange, installment sale contract, a lease with an option to purchase, any other option to purchase, or ground lease coupled with improvements, of real property improved with or consisting of not less than one (1) nor more than four (4) dwelling units.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2504, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172; am. 1997, ch. 229, § 2, p. 668.

CASE NOTES

Need for Disclosure.

Summary judgment was properly awarded to sellers in an action by a buyer for violation of the Idaho property condition disclosure act, because the fact that the pavement running along the east side of the property was a public right-of-way, rather than a private driveway, could not reasonably be considered a problem concerning the property that needed to be disclosed. James v. Mercea, 152 Idaho 914, 277 P.3d 361 (2012).

§ 55-2505. Exemptions.

The provisions of this chapter do not apply to any transfer of residential real property that is any of the following:

  1. A transfer pursuant to court order including, but not limited to, a transfer ordered by a probate court during the administration of a decedent’s estate, a transfer pursuant to a writ of execution, a transfer by a trustee in bankruptcy, a transfer as a result of the exercise of the power of eminent domain, and a transfer that results from a decree for specific performance of a contract or other agreement between persons;
  2. A transfer to a mortgagee by a mortgagor by deed in lieu of foreclosure or in satisfaction of the mortgage debt;
  3. A transfer to a beneficiary of a deed of trust by a trustor in default;
  4. A transfer by a foreclosure sale that follows a default in the satisfaction of an obligation secured by a mortgage;
  5. A transfer by a sale under a power of sale following a default in the satisfaction of an obligation that is secured by a deed of trust or another instrument containing a power of sale occurring within one (1) year of foreclosure on the default;
  6. A transfer by a mortgagee, or a beneficiary under a deed of trust, who has acquired the residential real property at a sale conducted pursuant to a power of sale under a mortgage or a deed of trust or who has acquired the residential real property by a deed in lieu of foreclosure;
  7. A transfer by a fiduciary in the course of the administration of a decedent’s estate, a guardianship, a conservatorship, or a trust;
  8. A transfer from one (1) co-owner to one (1) or more other co-owners;
  9. A transfer made to the transferor’s spouse or to one (1) or more persons in the lineal line of consanguinity of one (1) or more of the transferors;
  10. A transfer between spouses or former spouses as a result of a decree of divorce, dissolution of marriage, annulment, or legal separation or as a result of a property settlement agreement incidental to a decree of divorce, dissolution of marriage, annulment, or legal separation;
  11. A transfer to or from the state, a political subdivision of the state, or another governmental entity;
  12. A transfer that involved newly constructed residential real property that previously has not been inhabited, except that disclosure of annexation and city service status shall be declared by the sellers of such newly constructed residential real property in accordance with the provisions of section 55-2508, Idaho Code;
  13. A transfer to a transferee who has occupied the property as a personal residence for one (1) or more years immediately prior to the transfer;
  14. A transfer from a transferor who both has not occupied the property as a personal residence within one (1) year immediately prior to the transfer and has acquired the property through inheritance or devise;
  15. A transfer by a relocation company to a transferee within one (1) year from the date that the previous owner occupied the property;
  16. A transfer from a decedent’s estate.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2505, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172; am. 1997, ch. 229, § 3, p. 668; am. 2002, ch. 333, § 4, p. 939.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The probate court has been abolished. Section 1-103 of the Idaho Code provides that wherever the words “probate court” are used they shall mean the district court or the magistrate’s division of the district court.

§ 55-2506. Disclosure information.

The information required in this chapter shall be set forth on the form set out in section 55-2508, Idaho Code. Alternative forms may be substituted for those set out in section 55-2508, Idaho Code, provided that alternative forms include the disclosure information as set forth in section 55-2506, Idaho Code, and the mandatory disclosure statements set forth in section 55-2507, Idaho Code. The form must be designed to permit the transferor to disclose material matters relating to the physical condition of the property to be transferred including, but not limited to, the source of water supply to the property; the nature of the sewer system serving the property; the condition of the structure of the property including the roof, foundation, walls and floors; the known presence of hazardous materials or substances.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2506, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Lindberg v. Roseth, 137 Idaho 222, 46 P.3d 518 (2002).

§ 55-2507. Mandatory required disclosure statements.

To comply with the provisions of this chapter, a form shall set forth a statement of purpose of the form, including statements substantially similar to the following:

  1. The form constitutes a statement of the conditions of the property and of information concerning the property actually known by the transferor.
  2. That unless the transferee is otherwise advised in writing, the transferor, other than having lived at or owning the property possesses no greater knowledge than that which could be obtained by a careful inspection of the property by a potential transferee.
  3. That the statement is not a warranty of any kind by the transferor or by any agent or subsequent agent representing the transferor in this transaction.
  4. That the statement is not a substitute for any inspections.
  5. That the transferor is familiar with the particular residential real property and each act that may be performed in making a disclosure of an item of information shall be made and performed in good faith.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2507, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Lindberg v. Roseth, 137 Idaho 222, 46 P.3d 518 (2002).

§ 55-2508. Disclosure form.

The disclosures required by the provisions of this article [chapter] pertaining to the property proposed to be transferred are set forth in and shall be made on a copy of the following disclosure form or an alternative form as provided in section 55-2506, Idaho Code:

SELLER PROPERTY DISCLOSURE FORM

SELLER’S NAME AND ADDRESS: ...............................

Section 55-2501, et seq., Idaho Code, requires Sellers of residential real property to complete a property condition disclosure form.

PURPOSE OF STATEMENT: This is a statement of the conditions and information concerning the property known by the Seller. Unless otherwise advised, the Seller does not possess any expertise in construction, architectural, engineering or any other specific areas related to the construction or condition of the improvements on the property. Other than having lived at or owning the property, the Seller possesses no greater knowledge than that which could be obtained upon a careful inspection of the property by the potential buyer. Unless otherwise advised, the Seller has not conducted any inspection of generally inaccessible areas such as the foundation or roof. It is not a warranty of any kind by the Seller or by any agent representing any Seller in this transaction. It is not a substitute for any inspections. Purchaser is encouraged to obtain his/her own professional inspections. Notwithstanding that transfer of newly constructed residential real property that previously has not been inhabited is exempt from disclosure pursuant to section 55-2505, Idaho Code, Sellers of such newly constructed residential real property shall disclose information regarding annexation and city services in the form as prescribed in questions 1., 2. and 3.

  1. Is the property located in an area of city impact, adjacent or contiguous to a city limits, and thus legally subject to annexation by the city? ..... Yes ..... No
  2. Does the property, if not within city limits, receive any city services, thus making it legally subject to annexation by the city? ..... Yes ..... No
  3. Does the property have a written consent to annex recorded in the county recorder’s office, thus making it legally subject to annexation by the city? ..... Yes ..... No
  4. All appliances and service systems included in the sale, (such as refrigerator/freezer, range/oven, dishwasher, disposal, hood/fan, central vacuum, microwave oven, trash compactor, smoke detectors, tv antenna/dish, fireplace/wood stove, water heater, garage door opener, pool/hot tub, etc.) are functioning properly except: (please list and explain) ...............................
  5. Specify problems with the following:
  6. Describe any conditions that may affect your ability to clear title (such as encroachments, easements, zoning violations, lot line disputes, etc.): ............................... ...............................
  7. Are you aware of any hazardous materials or pest infestations on the property? ...............................
  8. Have any substantial additions or alterations been made without a building permit? ...............................
  9. Any other problems, including legal, physical or other not listed above that you know concerning the property: ...............................

...............................

...............................

Basement water ...............................

Foundation ...............................

Roof condition and age ...............................

Well (type) ..................      problem ...............................

Septic system (type) .......      problem ...............................

Plumbing ...............................

Drainage ............................... Electrical ...............................

Heating ...............................

The Seller certifies that the information herein is true and correct to the best of Seller’s knowledge as of the date signed by the Seller. The Seller is familiar with the residential real property and each act performed in making a disclosure of an item of information is made and performed in good faith.

I/we acknowledge receipt of a copy of this statement.

Seller:      Buyer:

........................      ........................

Date: .................      Date: .................

........................      ........................

Date: .................      Date: .................

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2508, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172; am. 2002, ch. 333, § 5, p. 939.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The bracketed insertion in the introductory paragraph was added by the compiler to correct the internal statutory reference.

The words enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

CASE NOTES

Need for Disclosure.

Summary judgment was properly awarded to sellers in an action by a buyer for violation of the Idaho property condition disclosure act, because the fact that the pavement running along the east side of the property was a public right-of-way, rather than a private driveway, could not reasonably be considered a problem concerning the property that needed to be disclosed. James v. Mercea, 152 Idaho 914, 277 P.3d 361 (2012).

§ 55-2509. Delivery of disclosure form and acceptance.

Every transferor shall deliver, in accordance with section 55-2510, Idaho Code, a signed and dated copy of the completed disclosure form to each prospective transferee or his agent within ten (10) days of transferor’s acceptance of transferee’s offer. Every prospective transferee of residential real property who receives a signed and dated copy of a completed property disclosure form as prescribed under section 55-2508, Idaho Code, shall acknowledge receipt of the form by doing both of the following:

  1. Signing and dating a copy of the form;
  2. Delivering a signed and dated copy of the form to the transferor or his agent or subagent.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2509, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

§ 55-2510. Delivery requirements.

The transferor’s delivery under section 55-2509, Idaho Code, of a property disclosure form as described under section 55-2508, Idaho Code, and the prospective transferee’s delivery under section 55-2509, Idaho Code, of an acknowledgement of his receipt of that form shall be made by personal delivery to the other party or his agent or subagent by ordinary mail or certified mail, return receipt requested or by facsimile transmission. For the purposes of the delivery requirements of this section, the delivery of a property disclosure form to a prospective cotransferee of residential real property or his or her agent shall be deemed considered delivered to other prospective transferees unless otherwise provided by contract.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2510, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

§ 55-2511. Errors, inaccuracies or omissions — Liability of transferor — Delivery of information by public agency — Delivery by experts.

  1. Neither the transferor or transferor’s agents shall be liable for any error, inaccuracy or omission of any information delivered pursuant to this chapter if the error, inaccuracy or omission was not within the personal knowledge of the transferor or was based upon information timely provided by public agencies or other persons specified in subsection (3) of this section that is required to be disclosed pursuant to this chapter and ordinary care was exercised in obtaining and transmitting it.
  2. The delivery of any information required to be disclosed by this chapter to a prospective transferee by a public agency or other person providing information required to be disclosed pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of this chapter and shall relieve the transferor or transferor’s agent of any further duty under this chapter with respect to that item of information.
  3. The delivery of a report or opinion prepared by any person or professional who has been hired to perform an inspection of the subject property in connection with the proposed sale shall be sufficient compliance for application of the exemption provided in subsection (1) of this section if the information is provided to the prospective transferee pursuant to a request therefore [therefor], written or oral. In responding to such a request, an expert may indicate, in writing, an understanding that the information provided will be used in fulfilling the requirements of sections 55-2506 and 55-2507, Idaho Code, and if so, shall indicate the required disclosure or parts thereof to which the information being furnished is applicable. Where such a statement is furnished, the provider shall not be responsible for any items of information or parts thereof other than those expressly set forth in the statement.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2511, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The bracketed insertion in subsection (3) was added by the compiler to supply the probable intended term.

CASE NOTES

Act Not Applicable.

Because the act provided a non-exclusive cause of action for willfully or negligently violating its provisions, the exemption from liability provided by this section only applied to the cause of action created by the act; and where the buyers based their lawsuit upon common-law fraud and breach of warranty in the contract, and did not base their lawsuit upon the act, the exemption from liability provided in this section did not apply. Lindberg v. Roseth, 137 Idaho 222, 46 P.3d 518 (2002).

§ 55-2512. Information subsequently rendered inaccurate — Required information unknown or not available.

If information disclosed in accordance with this chapter is subsequently rendered inaccurate as a result of any act, occurrence or agreement subsequent to the delivery of the required disclosures, the inaccuracy resulting therefrom does not constitute a violation of this chapter. If at the time the disclosures are required to be made, an item of information required to be disclosed is unknown or not available to the transferor, and the transferor’s agent has made a reasonable effort to ascertain it, the transferor may use an approximation of the information provided the approximation is clearly identified as such, is reasonable, is based on the best information available to the transferor or transferor’s agent and is not used for the purpose of circumventing or evading this chapter.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2512, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

§ 55-2513. Amendment to form.

Any disclosure of an item of information in the property disclosure form described in section 55-2508, Idaho Code, may be amended in writing by the transferor of the residential real property at any time following the delivery of the form in accordance with section 55-2510, Idaho Code. Transferor shall amend the disclosure statement prior to closing if transferor discovers any of the [the] information on the original statement has changed. In the event of amendments to the statement, transferee’s right to rescind is strictly limited to the amendments to the disclosure statement. The amendment shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2513, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172; am. 1997, ch. 229, § 4, p. 668.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The word “the” in the second sentence was enclosed in brackets by the compiler to indicate surplusage in the 1997 amendment of this section.

§ 55-2514. Chapter does not relieve seller or his agent of obligation to disclose other information.

Specification of items of information that must be disclosed in the property disclosure form as prescribed under sections 55-2506 and 55-2507, Idaho Code, does not limit and shall not be construed as limiting any obligation to disclose an item of information that is created by any other section of the Idaho Code or the common law of the state of Idaho. The disclosure requirements of this chapter do not bar and shall not be construed as barring the application of any legal equitable defense that a transferor of residential real property may assert in a civil action commenced against the transferor by a prospective or actual transferee of the property.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2514, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Lindberg v. Roseth, 137 Idaho 222, 46 P.3d 518 (2002).

§ 55-2515. Rescission by transferee.

Subject to section 55-2504, Idaho Code, if a transferee of residential real property receives a property disclosure form or an amendment of that form as described in section 55-2508, Idaho Code, after the transferee has entered into a transfer agreement with respect to the property, the transferee, after his receipt of the form or amendment may rescind the transfer agreement in a written, signed and dated document that is delivered to the transferor or his agents in accordance with section 55-2510, Idaho Code. Transferee’s rescission must be based on a specific objection to a disclosure in the disclosure statement. The notice of rescission shall specifically identify the disclosure objected to by the transferee. Transferee incurs no legal liability to the transferor because of the rescission including, but not limited to, a civil action for specific performance of the transfer agreement. Upon the rescission of the transfer agreement the transferee is entitled to the return of, and the transferor shall return, any deposits made by the transferee in connection with the proposed transfer of the residential real property.

Subject to the provisions of section 55-2505, Idaho Code, a rescission of a transfer agreement may only occur if the transferee’s written, signed and dated document of rescission is delivered to the transferor or his agent or subagent within three (3) business days following the date on which the transferee or his agent receives the property disclosure form prescribed under section 55-2508, Idaho Code. If no signed notice of rescission is received by the transferor within the three (3) day period, transferee’s right to rescind is waived.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2515, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172; am. 1997, ch. 229, § 5, p. 668.

CASE NOTES

Untimely Request.

Buyer of residential real property was not entitled to rescission for failure to disclose because the buyer did not request rescission promptly. White v. Mock, 140 Idaho 882, 104 P.3d 356 (2004).

§ 55-2516. Good faith required.

Each disclosure required in this chapter and each act which may be performed in making the disclosure shall be made in good faith. For the purposes of this chapter, good faith means honesty in fact, in the conduct of the transaction.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2516, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

§ 55-2517. Failure to comply.

No transfer, subject to this chapter, shall be invalidated solely because of the failure of any person to comply with any provision of this chapter. However, any person who willfully or negligently violates or fails to perform any duties prescribed by any provision of this chapter shall be liable in the amount of actual damages suffered by the transferee.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2517, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Lindberg v. Roseth, 137 Idaho 222, 46 P.3d 518 (2002).

§ 55-2518. Duties of real estate licensees unchanged.

Nothing contained in this chapter shall in any way limit or reduce the duties that a real estate licensee owes to his or her client or to the general public.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2518, as added by 1994, ch. 366, § 1, p. 1172.

Chapter 26 SPORT SHOOTING RANGES

Sec.

§ 55-2601. Sport shooting range — Liability for noise pollution.

  1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a person who operates or uses a sport shooting range in this state shall not be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution in any matter relating to noise or noise pollution resulting from the operation or use of the range if the range was established, constructed or operated prior to the implementation of any noise control laws, ordinances, rules or regulations, or if the range is in compliance with any noise control laws, ordinances, rules or regulations that applied to the range and its operation at the time of establishment, construction or initial operation of the range subject to the limitations in section 55-2605, Idaho Code.
  2. Rules or regulations adopted by a state or local department or agency for limiting levels of noise in terms of decibel level which may occur in the outdoor atmosphere shall not apply to a sport shooting range exempted from liability under this act.
  3. A municipal noise control ordinance may not require or be applied so as to require a sport shooting range to limit or eliminate shooting activities that have occurred on a regular basis at the range prior to the enactment date of the ordinance.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2601, as added by 1996, ch. 339, § 1, p. 1139; am. 2008, ch. 318, § 1, p. 879.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2008 amendment, by ch. 318, added “subject to the limitations in section 55-2605, Idaho Code” in subsection (1).

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1996, ch. 339, which is compiled as§§ 55-2601 to 55-2604.

§ 55-2602. Sport shooting range — Nuisance action — Limitations.

  1. Except as provided in this section, a person may not maintain a nuisance action for noise against a shooting range located in the vicinity of that person’s property if the shooting range was established as of the date the person acquired the property. If there is a substantial change in use of the range after the person acquires the property, the person may maintain a nuisance action if the action is brought within three (3) years from the beginning of the substantial change.
  2. A person who owns property in the vicinity of a shooting range that was established after the person acquired the property may maintain a nuisance action for noise against that shooting range only if the action is brought within five (5) years after establishment of the range or three (3) years after a substantial change in use of the range.
  3. If there has been no shooting activity at a range for a period of three (3) years, resumption of shooting is considered establishment of a new shooting range for purposes of this section.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2602, as added by 1996, ch. 339, § 1, p. 1139.

§ 55-2603. Local regulation of sport shooting range.

  1. Except as otherwise provided in this act, this act does not prohibit a local unit of government from regulating the location and construction of a sport shooting range after the effective date of this act.
  2. A local unit of government may regulate noise produced as a result of a substantial change in the use of the range.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2603, as added by 1996, ch. 339, § 1, p. 1139; am. 2008, ch. 318, § 2, p. 880.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2008 amendment, by ch. 318, substituted “A local unit of government may regulate noise” for “Nothing in this act limits the ability of a local unit of government to regulate noise” in subsection (2).

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1996, ch. 339, which is compiled as§§ 55-2601 to 55-2604.

The phrase “effective date of this act”, at the end of subsection (1), refers to the effective date of S.L. 1996, chapter 339, which was July 1, 1996.

§ 55-2604. Definitions.

As used in this act:

  1. “Local unit of government” means a county, city or a town.
  2. “Person” means an individual, proprietorship, partnership, corporation, club, or other legal entity.
  3. “Sport shooting range” or “range” means an area designed and operated for the use of rifles, shotguns, pistols, silhouettes, skeet, trap, black powder, archery, or any other similar sport shooting.
  4. “Outdoor sport shooting range” means any range described in subsection (3) of this section, including any range operated exclusively for the use of law enforcement, with the exception of:
    1. Any totally enclosed facility that is designed to offer a totally controlled shooting environment that includes impenetrable walls, floors, and ceilings, adequate ventilation, lighting systems and acoustical treatment for sound attenuation; or
    2. Any range described in chapter 91, title 67, Idaho Code.
  5. “Substantial change in use” means that the current primary use of the range no longer represents the activity previously engaged in at the range. The following actions shall not constitute a substantial change in use:
    1. Expanding or increasing membership or opportunities for public or law enforcement participation related to the primary activity as a shooting range;
    2. Making repairs or improvements to enhance safety or noise abatement;
    3. Increasing events and activities related to the primary activity as a shooting range;
    4. Acquiring additional lands to be used for buffer zones or noise mitigation efforts;
    5. Establishing or expanding range use hours between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.;
    6. Establishing or expanding law enforcement agency range use hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2604, as added by 1996, ch. 339, § 1, p. 1139; am. 2008, ch. 318, § 3, p. 880.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2008 amendment, by ch. 318, added subsections (4) and (5).

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act” refers to S.L. 1996, ch. 339, which is compiled as§§ 55-2601 to 55-2604.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Hom v. Idaho Fish & Game Dep’t (Citizens Against Range Expansion), 153 Idaho 630, 289 P.3d 32 (2012).

§ 55-2605. Preemption of local authority — Noise standards — Zoning.

Local governmental law is herein preempted and local governments shall not have authority to establish or enforce noise standards for outdoor sport shooting ranges, not otherwise exempted from local regulation by this chapter, more restrictive than any standards established for state outdoor shooting ranges in chapter 91, title 67, Idaho Code, nor shall a local government have the authority to make any action described in section 55-2604(5), Idaho Code, a violation of a local zoning ordinance nor shall the undertaking of any such action cause an outdoor sport shooting range to be in violation of any zoning ordinance.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2605, as added by 2008, ch. 318, § 4, p. 881.

CASE NOTES

Cited

Hom v. Idaho Fish & Game Dep’t (Citizens Against Range Expansion), 153 Idaho 630, 289 P.3d 32 (2012).

§ 55-2606. Severability.

The provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable and if any provision of this chapter or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2606, as added by 2008, ch. 318, § 5, p. 881.

Chapter 27 FLOATING HOMES RESIDENCY ACT

Sec.

§ 55-2701. Short title.

This chapter shall be known as and may be cited as “The Floating Homes Residency Act.”

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2701, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

Chapters 194 and 335 of S.L. 1998 each purported to enact a new chapter 27 in title 55. Chapter 194 was codified as title 55, chapter 27 (§§ 55-2701 to 55-2720) and chapter 335 was codified as title 55, chapter 28 through the use of brackets. The redesignation of the sections enacted by S.L. 1998, ch. 335 was made permanent by S.L. 2005, ch. 25.

§ 55-2702. Legislative policy.

The legislature finds and declares that, because of current governmental policy limiting the availability of moorage sites both within and outside a floating home marina, the historic value of existing floating homes moored on the waters of the state, the investment in these floating homes and floating home marinas, and the cost of relocating a floating home, it is necessary that the owners of floating homes within a floating home marina be provided with the unique protection from actual or constructive eviction and the other protections afforded by the provisions of this chapter.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2702, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2703. Good faith.

Every duty under this chapter and every act which must be performed as a condition precedent to the exercise of a right or remedy under this chapter imposes an obligation of good faith in its performance or enforcement.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2703, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2704. Definitions.

  1. “Floating home” means a floating structure which is designed and built to be used, or is modified to be used, as a stationary waterborne residential dwelling, has no mode or power of its own, is dependent for utilities upon a continuous utility linkage to a source originating on shore, and has a permanent continuous connection to a sewage system on shore.
  2. “Floating home moorage marina” or “moorage” means a waterfront facility for the moorage of one (1) or more floating homes and the land and water premises on which such facility is located.
  3. “Landlord” means the owner of a floating home marina and includes the agent of the landlord.
  4. “Moorage site” means a part of a floating home marina located over water and designed to accommodate one (1) floating home.
  5. “Resident organization” means a tenant or homeowner’s association, whether or not incorporated, the membership of which is made up of tenants of the floating home marina and/or owners of a floating home.
  6. “Tenant” means any person who rents a floating home moorage site or the person’s agent of record.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2704, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2705. This chapter governs.

This chapter shall regulate and determine legal rights, remedies and obligations arising from any rental agreement between a landlord and tenant regarding a floating home moorage, except in those instances in which the landlord is renting both the moorage site and the floating home to the tenant. All such rental agreements shall be unenforceable to the extent of any conflict with any provision of this chapter. This chapter does not abrogate any rights the landlord or tenant has under the laws and constitution of the United States and the state of Idaho.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2705, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2706. Rental agreement.

  1. From and after the effective date of this chapter, any landlord offering a moorage site for rent shall provide the prospective tenant with a written agreement. This agreement must be executed by both parties. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all such agreements to the extent applicable as set forth in this chapter.
  2. The requirements of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply if:
    1. The floating home marina or a part thereof has been acquired by eminent domain or condemnation for a public works project; or
    2. An employer-employee relationship exists between a landlord and tenant.
  3. The provisions of this section shall apply to any tenancy in existence on the effective date of this act, but only after expiration of the term of any oral or written rental agreement governing such tenancy, not to exceed twelve (12) months from the effective date of this act. Existing contracts may be perpetuated by agreement of both parties.
  4. A floating home owner shall be offered a rental agreement for:
    1. A term of twelve (12) months;
    2. A lesser period as mutually agreed upon by both the floating home owner and the landlord; or
    3. A longer period as mutually agreed upon by both the floating home owner and the landlord.
  5. A rental agreement may not contain a provision by which the tenant waives his rights under this law.
  6. The rental agreement shall identify a specific moorage site. The moorage site occupied by a floating home shall remain site specific as set forth in the rental agreement unless any moorage site change is agreed upon by the tenant and the landlord.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2706, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The phrase “the effective date of this chapter” in subsection (1) and the phrase “the effective date of this act” in subsection (3) refer to the effective date of S.L. 1998, ch. 194, which was July 1, 1998.

§ 55-2707. Floating home marina — Rules and regulations.

  1. Subject to the provisions of this chapter and to the terms of the rental agreement, the landlord may establish reasonable rules and regulations governing the use and occupancy of a floating home marina. A rule or regulation may be amended at any time with the consent of the tenants or without their consent upon written notice of not less than six (6) months. Written notice of a proposed amendment to a new tenant whose tenancy commences within the required period of notice shall constitute compliance with this subsection where the written notice is given to the tenant before the inception of this tenancy.
  2. The landlord may enter a floating home in case of an apparent or actual emergency, when the tenant has abandoned the floating home, or as otherwise provided in the rental agreement.
  3. Management must disclose the name and address of the marina owner upon the request of the tenant.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2707, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2708. Adjustments to rent, services, utilities or rules — Fees.

  1. A landlord may increase or decrease rents only after ninety (90) days’ written notice to the tenants.
  2. Rental rates shall at all times be reasonable. Factors to be considered in determining whether a change in rent is reasonable are as follows:
    1. The rent provided in previous and current rental agreements between the landlord and tenant;
    2. The rent charged by comparable marinas, taking into account such factors as location, facilities, condition, services and other relevant factors;
    3. The landlord’s costs associated with owning, controlling and maintaining the marina, including the uplands, to the extent reasonably necessary to support the marina facilities which serve the floating home, moorage area and the landlord’s need for realizing a reasonable rate of return over such costs;
    4. The availability and costs of alternative long-term float home moorage sites;
    5. The need to maintain price stability in a market restricted by state regulation of navigable waters and limited availability of float home moorage sites;
    6. The opportunity costs, if any, borne by the landlord by not converting the floating home marina, including uplands, to other uses; and
    7. Any other circumstances justifying a rental rate.
  3. If twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the tenants within a marina, or the [the] marina owner, assert that a moorage rental increase is unreasonable under any circumstances, the dispute shall be resolved by arbitration. The tenants must appoint a single party to act as their agent in the arbitration proceeding.
    1. The tenants’ agent and the marina owner shall mutually agree upon one (1) or more arbitrators. If the parties cannot mutually agree upon one (1) or more arbitrators, the parties may petition the district court in the judicial district in which the marina in question is situated, which shall appoint an arbitrator or panel of arbitrators for the parties.
    2. In determining what constitutes a reasonable increase in a moorage rental rate the arbitrator shall consider and make written findings on each of the factors set forth in subsection (2) of this section.
    3. The arbitrator shall afford any party to the arbitration an opportunity to be heard, if requested, as provided herein.
      1. A hearing may be requested by a party requesting arbitration by including the request for hearing in the request for arbitration;
      2. Other parties to the arbitration may request a hearing within five (5) business days after service upon them of the request for arbitration;
      3. The hearing may be informal in nature provided the arbitrator adopts a hearing procedure that reasonably affords each party to the arbitration an opportunity to be heard;
      4. The arbitrator shall issue written findings and conclusions within sixty (60) days of the appointment of the arbitrator, unless such time is extended by the written stipulation of the parties or upon a finding by the arbitrator that additional time is reasonably required;
      5. The costs of arbitration and the fees of the arbitrator shall be paid one-half (1/2) by the tenants and one-half (1/2) by the marina owner. (4) Except as provided herein, rental increases shall be uniform throughout the floating home marina. Notwithstanding the foregoing provision:

(a) When rents within a floating home marina are structured by reason of slip or floating home size, amenities, slip location or otherwise, rental increases shall be uniform among all floating homes in the same rent tier; and

(b) A rental agreement may include an escalation clause for a pro rata share of any increase or decrease in the floating home marina’s property taxes, utility assessments or other services as included in the monthly rental charge, after the effective date of such a change.

(5) No fees may be charged except for rent, services and utilities actually provided.

(6) No fees can be charged for services unless the services are listed in the rental agreement or unless ninety (90) days’ notice is given.

(7) A tenant shall not be charged a fee for the enforcement of any of the rules and regulations of the floating home marina, except as provided in the rental agreement or rules and regulations of the floating home marina.

(8) Unless the tenant specifically requests the service from the landlord in writing, a tenant shall not be charged a fee for entry, installation, hookup or improvements as a condition of tenancy except for an actual fee or cost imposed by a local governmental ordinance or requirement directly related to the occupancy of the specific moorage site where the floating home is located and incurred as a portion of the development of the floating home marina as a whole. However, reasonable improvements and maintenance requirements may be included in the floating home marina rules and regulations. The landlord shall not require a tenant or prospective tenant to purchase, rent or lease goods or services for improvements from any person, company or corporation.

(9) Where the landlord provides master meter utilities to a tenant, the cost of the utilities must be separately stated each billing period along with the opening and closing meter readings. The landlord must also post the current rates charged by the utility in at least one (1) conspicuous place in the floating home marina.

(10) The landlord shall maintain year round facilities for garbage and trash disposal from the floating home marina.

(11) The landlord shall maintain entry lights and common area lighting, if any, in good working order.

(12) The landlord shall not prevent the ingress or egress to watercraft moorage contained within a floating home.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2708, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698; am. 2008, ch. 303, § 1, p. 842.

STATUTORY NOTES

Amendments.

The 2008 amendment, by ch. 303, added subsections (2) and (3), and redesignated the subsequent subsections accordingly.

Compiler’s Notes.
Effective Dates.

Brackets were placed around the repeating instance of “the” in the introductory paragraph in subsection (3), as the word was inadvertently repeated in S.L. 2008, ch. 303, § 1. Effective Dates.

Section 2 of S.L. 2008, ch. 303 declared an emergency. Approved March 28, 2008.

§ 55-2709. Eviction from marina.

The landlord shall not terminate or refuse to renew a tenancy, except for a reason specified in this chapter and upon the giving of not less than ninety (90) days’ written notice to the tenant in the manner prescribed by this section, to remove the floating home from the floating home marina within a period of not less than ninety (90) days, which period shall be specified in the notice. A copy of this notice shall be served upon the legal owner of the floating home either by:

  1. Personally serving a copy of the notice upon the legal owner; or
  2. Mailing a copy of the notice to the last known address of the legal owner and posting the notice conspicuously upon the floating home residence.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2709, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2710. Reasons for eviction — Statement of eviction reasons in notice.

  1. The grounds for which a tenancy may be terminated and a tenant evicted shall be:
    1. Conduct by tenant or tenant’s guest which constitutes a nuisance to other floating home owners, marina tenants or marina owner;
    2. Substantial or repeated violation of the reasonable rules and regulations of the marina;
    3. Nonpayment of rent;
    4. Other material breach of a rental agreement; or
    5. Condemnation of the marina.
  2. The landlord shall set forth in a notice of termination the reason relied upon for the termination with sufficient specificity to permit determination of the date, place, witnesses, if any, and circumstances concerning such reason. Reference to a section or subsection or a recital of the language of this chapter shall not constitute compliance with this section.
  3. In the case of termination of the tenancy and eviction for the reasons set out in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) or (d) of subsection (1) of this section, the tenant shall be given written notice to comply which notice may be given by personal service upon a tenant, or if the tenant cannot be found at the marina, then by mailing a copy of the notice by certified mail to the last mailing address provided by the tenant. In the case of personal service, service of the notice shall be deemed effected three (3) days after deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid by registered mail, return receipt requested. If the tenant does not comply within fifteen (15) days following service, landlord may give notice of termination as provided in this chapter.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2710, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2711. Eviction to make space for floating home owned by landlord.

No tenancy shall be terminated for the purpose of making a moorage site available for the landlord or a person who purchases a floating home from the owner of the floating home marina or his agent.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2711, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2712. Sale, transfer, or removal of a floating home.

  1. No landlord shall deny any tenant who owns his floating home the right to sell a floating home on a rented moorage site or require the tenant to remove the floating home for the moorage site solely on the basis of the sale.
  2. The landlord shall not exact a commission or a fee for the sale of a floating home on a rented moorage site unless the landlord has acted as an agent for the seller pursuant to a written agreement. The landlord may act as an agent for the seller only upon the voluntary agreement of the seller.
  3. The new rental agreement must be signed by the landlord and a prospective tenant prior to the sale, transfer, assignment or subletting of the floating home if the floating home is to remain at the floating home marina. From the date of sale, assignment, transfer or subletting, the new tenant shall be bound by the agreement.
  4. No floating home shall be removed from any floating home marina until the rental payment, including the month when the floating home is removed, is paid, or until the provisions of section 55-2713, Idaho Code, have been fully complied with and the landlord notified of the date and time of removal.
  5. A tenant shall notify the landlord in writing ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of a rental agreement of an intention not to renew the rental agreement.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2712, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2713. Notice to owner.

  1. Any legal owner of a floating home in order to be protected under this section must notify the landlord in writing of his secured or other legal interest.
  2. If the tenant becomes sixty (60) days in arrears in his rent or at the time of the suspected abandonment by the tenant of a moorage site, the landlord shall notify the legal owner of the floating home of his liability for any costs incurred for the floating home site for such floating home, including rent owing. The legal owner shall be responsible for utilities from the date of notice. Any and all costs shall, after the giving of such notice, become the responsibility of the legal owner of the floating home. The floating home may not be removed from the moorage site without a signed written receipt or agreement from the landlord, owner, or manager showing payment of charges due or agreement with the legal owner for removal of the floating home.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2713, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2714. Tenant action for damages — Specific performance.

  1. A tenant of a floating home marina may file an action against a landlord for damages and specific performance for:
    1. Failure to maintain in good working order, to the terminal point of service, electrical, water or sewer services supplied by the landlord;
    2. Maintaining those portions of the premises open to use by the tenant in a manner hazardous to the health or safety of the tenant including, but not limited to, a continuing violation of any of the following:
      1. Any rule adopted by the department of environmental quality governing public drinking water systems;
      2. Any rule adopted by the department of environmental quality governing hazardous waste;
      3. Any rule adopted by the public health district in which the floating home marina is located governing wastewater and on-site sewage treatment systems;
      4. Any provisions of the international fire code, as amended by the provisions of a fire code adopted by the county or municipality in which the floating home marina is located;
      5. Any provisions of the uniform building code, as amended by the provisions of any building code adopted by the state, county or municipality in which the floating home marina is located.
    3. Material breach of any specific term of a rental agreement.
  2. Upon filing the complaint, a summons must be issued, served and returned as in other actions. Provided however, that in an action exclusively for specific performance, at the time of issuance of the summons, the court shall schedule a trial within twelve (12) days from the filing of the complaint, and the service of the summons, complaint and trial setting on the defendant shall be not less than five (5) days before the day of trial appointed by the court. If the plaintiff brings an action for damages with an action for specific performance, the early trial provision shall not be applicable, and a summons must be issued returnable as in other cases upon filing the complaint.
  3. In an action under this section, the plaintiff, in his complaint, must set forth facts on which he seeks to recover, describe the premises, and set forth any circumstances which may have accompanied the failure or breach by the landlord.
  4. If upon the trial, the verdict of the jury, or, if the case be tried without a jury, the finding of the court, be in favor of the plaintiff against the defendant, judgment shall be entered for such special damages as may be proven. General damages may be awarded but shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500). Judgment may also be entered requiring specific performance for any breach of agreement shown by the evidence and for costs and disbursements.
  5. Before a tenant shall have standing to file an action under this section, he must give his landlord three (3) days’ written notice, listing each failure or breach upon which his action will be premised and written demand requiring performance or cure. If, within three (3) days after service of the notice, any listed failure or breach has not been performed or cured by the landlord, or in the event of damage to the premises or other default not capable of cure within three (3) days and the landlord has not provided written assurance to the tenant that a cure will be effected within a reasonable time, the tenant may proceed to commence an action for damages and specific performance. (6) The notice required in subsection (5) of this section shall be served either:
    1. By delivering a copy to the landlord or his agent personally; or
    2. By leaving a copy with an employee at the usual place of business of the landlord or his agent if the landlord or his agent is absent from his usual place of business; or
    3. By sending a copy of the notice to the landlord or his agent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(7) Nothing in this section shall bar either the landlord or the tenant from bringing such civil action for relief to which said party is otherwise entitled.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2714, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698; am. 2001, ch. 103, § 96, p. 243; am. 2002, ch. 86, § 12, p. 195.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Department of environmental quality,§ 39-104.

Local adoption of international building code,§ 39-4116.

Compiler’s Notes.

The international fire code is promulgated by the international code council, which is dedicated to building safety and fire prevention. See http://www.iccsafe.org .

§ 55-2715. Retaliatory conduct by landlord prohibited.

The landlord shall not terminate a tenancy, refuse to renew a tenancy, increase rent or decrease service he normally supplies, or threaten to bring an action for repossession of a floating home site as retaliation against the tenant because the tenant has:

  1. Complained in good faith about a violation of a building, safety or health code or regulation pertaining to a floating home marina to the governmental agency responsible for enforcing the code or regulation.
  2. Complained to the landlord concerning the maintenance or condition of the marina, rent charged, or rules and regulations.
  3. Organized, became a member of or served as an official in a homeowner’s association, or similar organization, at a local, regional, state or national level.
  4. Retained counsel or an agent to represent his interests.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2715, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2716. Tenant associations.

  1. The tenants in a floating home marina have the right to organize a tenant or homeowner’s association to further their mutual interests and to conduct any other business and programs which the association shall determine. When an association is organized it shall notify the landlord.
  2. The landlord must meet and confer with homeowners or their representatives, including any persons designated by a resident organization, within thirty (30) days of a request concerning:
    1. Rule changes;
    2. Maintenance of facilities;
    3. Addition or deletion of services or facilities; or
    4. Rental agreements.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2716, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2717. Arbitration.

The landlord and tenant may agree in writing to submit a controversy under the provisions of this chapter to arbitration through the better business bureau, or similar private association or as otherwise provided in Idaho law.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2717, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

To find a better business bureau serving Idaho, see http://snake-river.bbb.org/find-a-bbb .

§ 55-2718. Penalties.

If upon the trial of any action brought under the provisions of section 55-2714, Idaho Code, or those of section 6-303, Idaho Code, the court shall find that the defendant acted with malice, wantonness, or oppression, judgment may be entered for three (3) times the amount at which actual damages are assessed.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2718, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2719. Attorney’s fees.

In any action brought under the provisions of this chapter, or those of section 6-302 or 6-303, Idaho Code, except in those cases where treble damages are awarded, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of attorney’s fees.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2719, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

§ 55-2720. Venue.

Venue for any action arising under this chapter shall be in the district court of the county in which the floating home marina is located.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2720, as added by 1998, ch. 194, § 1, p. 698.

Chapter 28 PSYCHOLOGICALLY IMPACTED REAL PROPERTY

Sec.

§ 55-2801. Psychologically impacted defined.

As used in this chapter, “psychologically impacted” means the effect of certain circumstances surrounding real property which include, but are not limited to, the fact or suspicion that real property might be or is impacted as a result of facts or suspicions including, but not limited to the following:

  1. That an occupant or prior occupant of the real property is or was at any time suspected of being infected or has been infected with a disease which has been determined by medical evidence to be highly unlikely to be transmitted through the occupancy of a dwelling place; or
  2. That the real property was at any time suspected of being the site of suicide, homicide or the commission of a felony which had no effect on the physical condition of the property or its environment or the structures located thereon; or
  3. That a registered or suspected sex offender occupied or resides near the property.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2701, as added by 1998, ch. 335, § 1, p. 1080; am. and redesig. 2005, ch. 25, § 109, p. 82.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

Chapters 194 and 335 of S.L. 1998 each purported to enact a new chapter 27 in title 55. Accordingly, chapter 194 was codified as title 55, chapter 27 (§§ 55-2701 to 55-2720) and chapter 335 was codified as title 55, chapter 28 through the use of brackets. The redesignation of the sections enacted by S.L. 1998, ch. 335 was made permanent by S.L. 2005, ch. 25.

CASE NOTES

Property Not Psychologically Impacted.

Buyer of residential real property was not entitled to recover damages from the sellers for failure to disclose water intrusion that led to mold growth where stigma damages were not available under this chapter for non-toxic mold. White v. Mock, 140 Idaho 882, 104 P.3d 356 (2004).

§ 55-2802. No cause of action.

No cause of action shall arise against an owner of real property or a representative of the owner for a failure to disclose to the transferee of the real property or a representative of the transferee that the real property was psychologically impacted.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2702, as added by 1998, ch. 335, § 1, p. 1080; am. and redesig. 2005, ch. 25, § 110, p. 82.

CASE NOTES

No Remedy Available.

Buyer of residential real property was not entitled to recover damages from the sellers for failure to disclose water intrusion that led to mold growth where stigma damages were not available under this chapter for non-toxic mold. White v. Mock, 140 Idaho 882, 104 P.3d 356 (2004).

§ 55-2803. Request for disclosure.

In the event that a purchaser who is in the process of making a bona fide offer advises the owner’s representative in writing that knowledge of whether the property may be psychologically impacted is an important factor in the purchaser’s decision to purchase the property, the owner’s representative shall make inquiry of the owner and, with the consent of the owner and subject to and consistent with the applicable laws of privacy, shall report any findings to the purchaser. If the owner refuses disclosure, the owner’s representative shall advise the purchaser or the purchaser’s representative that the information will not be disclosed.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2703, as added by 1998, ch. 335, § 1, p. 1080; am. and redesig. 2005, ch. 25, § 111, p. 82.

Chapter 29 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PRESERVATION

Sec.

§ 55-2901. Short title.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as “The Emergency Communications Preservation Act.”

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2901, as added by 2001, ch. 316, § 1, p. 1125.

§ 55-2902. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to preserve the capability of amateur radio operators within the state of Idaho to provide radio communications in times of emergency and disaster.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2902, as added by 2001, ch. 316, § 1, p. 1125.

§ 55-2903. Definitions.

When used in this act:

  1. “Antenna” means any array of wires, tubing or similar materials used for the transmission and reception of radio waves.
  2. “Antenna support structure” or “tower” means a structure or framework that is designed to elevate an antenna above the ground for the purpose of increasing the effective communications range and reliability of an amateur radio station.
  3. “Amateur radio” means the use of amateur and amateur-satellite radio frequencies and services used by licensed, qualified persons of any age who are interested in radio technique without pecuniary remuneration. These services present an opportunity for public service, emergency communications, self-training, intercommunication and technical investigations.
  4. “Amateur radio operator” means any person who has been duly examined and licensed by the federal communications commission or its designee for the operation of transmitting and receiving apparatus on radio frequencies internationally agreed upon for the use of the amateur radio service.
  5. “Local unit of government” means a county, city or town.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-2903, as added by 2001, ch. 316, § 1, p. 1125.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The term “this act”, in the introductory paragraph, refers to S.L. 2001, chapter 316, which is codified as§§ 55-2901 to 55-2904.

For more on licensing of amateur radio service, see http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing&id=amateur .

§ 55-2904. Antenna support structures — Antennas — Restrictions on local units of government.

Any rule or ordinance of a local unit of government involving the placement, screening or height of antennas and towers based on health, safety or aesthetic considerations must be crafted to reasonably accommodate amateur radio communications and to represent the minimum practicable regulation to accomplish a legitimate purpose of the local unit of government.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-2904, as added by 2001, ch. 316, § 1, p. 1125.

Chapter 30 UNIFORM ENVIRONMENTAL COVENANTS ACT

Sec.

§ 55-3001. Short title.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Uniform Environmental Covenants Act.”

History.

I.C.,§ 55-3001, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

PREFATORY NOTE

Environmental covenants — whether called “institutional controls”, “land use controls” or some other term — are increasingly being used as part of the environmental remediation process for contaminated real property. An environmental covenant typically is used when the real property is to be cleaned up to a level determined by the potential environmental risks posed by a particular use, rather than to unrestricted use standards. Such risk-based remediation is both environmentally and economically preferable in many circumstances, although it will often allow the parties to leave residual contamination in the real property. An environmental covenant is then used to implement this risk-based cleanup by controlling the potential risks presented by that residual contamination.

Two principal policies are served by confirming the validity of environmental covenants. One is to ensure that land use restrictions, mandated environmental monitoring requirements, and a wide range of common engineering controls designed to control the potential environmental risk of residual contamination will be reflected on the land records and effectively enforced over time as a valid real property servitude. This Act addresses a variety of common law doctrines — the same doctrines that led to adoption of the Uniform Conservation Easement Act — that cast doubt on such enforceability.

A second important policy served by this Act is the return of previously contaminated property, often located in urban areas, to the stream of commerce. The environmental and real property legal communities have often been unable to identify a common set of principles applicable to such properties. The frequent result has been that these properties do not attract interested purchasers and therefore remain vacant, blighted and unproductive. This is an undesirable outcome for communities seeking to return once important commercial sites to productive use.

Large numbers of contaminated sites are unlikely to be successfully recycled until regulators, potentially responsible parties, affected communities, prospective purchasers and their lenders become confident that environmental covenants will be properly drafted, implemented, monitored and enforced for so long as needed. This Act should encourage transfer of ownership and property re-use by offering a clear and objective process for creating, modifying or terminating environmental covenants and for recording these actions in recorded instruments which will be reflected in the title abstract of the property in question.

Of course, risk-based remediation must effectively control the potential risk presented by the residual contamination that remains in the real property and thereby protect human health and the environment. When risk-based remediation imposes restrictions on how the property may be used after the cleanup, requires continued monitoring of the site, or requires construction of permanent containment or other remedial structures on the site, environmental covenants are crucial tools to make these restrictions and requirements effective. Yet environmental covenants can do so only if their legal status under state property law and their practical enforceability are assured, as this proposed Uniform Act seeks to do. At the time this Act was promulgated, approximately half the states had laws providing for land use restrictions in conjunction with risk-based remedies. Those existing laws vary greatly in scope — some simply note the need for land use restrictions, while others create tools similar to many of the legal structures envisioned by this Act. Most such acts apply only to cleanups under a state program.

In contrast, this Act includes a number of provisions absent from most existing state laws, including the Act’s applicability to both federal and state-led cleanups. For example, this Act expressly precludes the application of traditional common law doctrines that might hinder enforcement. It ensures that a covenant will survive despite tax lien foreclosure, adverse possession, and marketable title statutes. The Act also provides detailed provisions regarding termination and amendment of older covenants, and includes important provisions on dealing with recorded interests that have priority over the new covenant. Further, it offers guidance to courts confronted with a proceeding that seeks to terminate such a covenant through eminent domain or the doctrine of changed circumstances.

This Act benefitted greatly during the drafting process from broad stakeholder input. As a result, the Act contains unique provisions designed to protect a variety of interests commonly absent in existing state laws. For example, the Act confers on property owners that grant an environmental covenant the right to enforce the covenant and requires their consent to any termination or modification. This should mitigate an owner’s future liability concerns for residual contamination and encourage the sale and reuse of contaminated properties. And, following traditional real property principles, the Act validates the interests of lenders who hold a prior mortgage on the contaminated property, absent voluntary subordination.

It is important to emphasize that environmental covenants are but one tool in a larger context of environmental remediation regulation; remediation is typically overseen by a government agency enforcing substantial statutory and regulatory requirements. The covenant should be the crucial end result of that process — it may be used to ensure that the activity and use limitations imposed in the agency’s remedial decision process remain effective, and thus protect the public from residual contamination that remains, while also permitting re-use of the site in a timely and economically valuable way.

Environmental remediation projects may be done in a widely diverse array of contamination fact patterns and regulatory contexts. For example, the remediation may be done at a large industrial operating or waste disposal site. In such a situation, the cleanup could be done under federal law and regulation, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”). Generally speaking, CERCLA and RCRA would also apply to remediation done at Department of Defense or Department of Energy sites that are anticipated to be transferred out of federal ownership.

In other situations, state law and regulation will be an effective regulatory framework for remediation projects. State law is given a role to play in the federal environmental policy discussed above. Beyond this, state law may be the primary source of regulatory authority for many remediation projects. These may include larger sites and will often include smaller, typically urban, sites. In addition, many states authorize and supervise voluntary cleanup efforts, and these also may find environmental covenants a useful policy tool. With both state and federal environmental remediation projects, the applicable cleanup statutes and regulations will provide the basis for the restrictions and controls to be included in the resulting environmental covenants. This Act does not supplant or impose substantive clean-up standards, either generally or in a particular case. The Act assumes those standards will be developed in a prior regulatory proceeding. Rather, the Act is intended to validate site-specific, environmental use restrictions resulting from an environmental response project that proposes to leave residual contamination in the ground in any of the different situations described above. Once the governing regulatory authority and the property owner have determined to use a risk-based approach to cleanup to protect the public from residual contamination, this Act supplies the legal infrastructure for creating and enforcing the environmental covenant under state law.

This Act does not require issuance of regulations. However, many state and federal agencies have developed implementation tools, including model covenants, statements of best practices, and advisory groups that include members of the real property and environmental practice bars as well as business and environmental groups. Developing and sharing such implementation tools and the advice of such advisory groups should support the effective implementation of the Act and is encouraged.

This Act does not address or change the larger context of environmental remediation regulation discussed above, and a number of aspects of that regulation should be noted here.

First, many contaminated properties are subject to the concurrent regulatory jurisdiction of both federal and state agencies. This Act does not address the exercise of such concurrent jurisdiction, and it is not intended to limit the jurisdiction of any state agency.

A specific issue arises with federal property that is not anticipated to be transferred to a non-federal owner. This Act takes no position regarding the question of whether remediation of such property is subject to State regulatory jurisdiction. In contrast, where federal property is transferred to a non-federal owner, state agencies will clearly have jurisdiction over environmental covenants on the transferred property where state environmental law so provides.

Second, potential purchasers of property subject to an environmental covenant should be aware that both state and federal environmental law other than this Act may authorize reopening the environmental remediation determination, even after the relevant statutory standards have been met on that site. While such reopeners are rare, they may be possible to respond either to newly-discovered contamination or new scientific knowledge of the risk posed by existing contamination. As a consequence, under existing environmental law, the then-current owner may have remediation liability. While the dampening effect of such potential liability on the willingness of potential purchasers to buy contaminated property is clear, the issue remains important in the eyes of some interest groups. Federal law now provides protection for bona fide purchasers of such property under specified circumstances, and the law of some states may also afford some protection. However, this Act does not provide any such bona fide purchaser protection.

For these and other reasons, it is important that prospective purchasers of contaminated properties — particularly those successors who may buy some years after a clean-up has been completed — have actual knowledge of covenants at the time of purchase. Environmental covenants recorded pursuant to this Act will provide constructive notice of the covenant and in many circumstances recording will provide actual notice. However, to ensure that such persons have actual notice, a state or a local recording authority may wish to highlight the existence of environmental covenants in their communities with maps showing the location of properties subject to environmental covenants, similar to the kinds of maps commonly found in local land records offices to show the location of zoning districts or flood plains.

LEGISLATIVE NOTES

Non Participating Owner. This Act contemplates a situation where a risk based clean-up is agreed to by the regulatory agency and the parties responsible for the clean-up, potentially including the fee owner and the owners of other interests in the property. As a consequence of that agreement, the Act assumes those parties will each negotiate the terms of and then sign the covenant.

The Act assumes the owners of appropriate interests in contaminated property will be willing to sign the covenant. Cooperation is not always possible, however. State and federal regulatory systems make a number of parties, in addition to the current owner of a fee simple or some other interests, potentially liable for the cost of remediation of contaminated real property. As a result, a remediation project may proceed even though an owner is no longer present or interested in the property. In those circumstances, the remediation project would be conducted pursuant to regulatory orders and could be financed either by other liable parties or by public funds. However, an environmental covenant may still be a useful tool in implementing the remediation project even in these situations.

When an owner is either unavailable or unwilling to participate in the environmental response project, it may be appropriate to condemn and take a partial interest in the real property in order to be able to record a valid servitude on it. Under the law of some states, states have the power to take that owner’s interest by condemnation proceedings, paying the value of the interest taken, and then enter an environmental covenant as an owner. Where there is substantial contamination, the property may have little or no market value. In some states the court would take the cost of remediation into account in establishing the fair market value of the interest taken. See, e.g., Northeast Ct. Economic Alliance, Inc. v. ATC Partnership, 256 Conn. 813, 776 A.2d 1068 (2001). Although effective implementation of this Act may require that the state have a power of condemnation, this Act does not provide a substantive statutory basis for that power, and the state must therefore rely on other state law. Each state considering adoption of this Act should ensure that such a condemnation power is available for this purpose.

Similarly, while this Act provides substantive law governing creation, modification, and termination of environmental covenants, it does not include special administrative procedures for these and does not change the remedial decision making process. Rather, the Act presumes that the state’s general administrative law or any specific procedure governing the environmental response project would apply to these activities.

“Actual” versus “Constructive” Notice of Contamination. The primary goal of the Act is to present to the states a statute that fully integrates environmental covenants into the traditional real property system. It seeks to ensure the long-term viability of those covenants by, among other means, providing constructive notice of those covenants to the world through resort to the land recording system.

Beyond that goal, it is very important to provide actual knowledge of the remaining contaminated conditions that the environmental covenants are designed to control. A broad range of stakeholders — children and adults that might inadvertently gain access to the contamination, tenants on the property, owners, abutting neighbors, prospective buyers, lenders, government officials, title insurance companies, public health providers and others — will have a real personal and financial stake in knowing what properties in their communities suffer from contamination and the extent of the risks they confront. The fact that this law may provide legally sufficient knowledge of those conditions is no substitute for real information regarding those conditions. The challenge of providing that information is beyond the scope of this Act. However, in analogous situations — the location of zoning districts, flood plain boundaries, utility easements, and dangerous street conditions, for example — governments have devised techniques to make the public aware of those conditions on a continuing basis. Techniques such as maps in recorders’ offices, on-site signage and monuments and, increasingly, computer databases accessible to the public are examples of possible solutions. All such devices have fiscal implications and are best addressed on a local basis. Over the long term, however, the public will likely be well served by innovative solutions to these issues.

Legislative Policy. Finally, this Act does not include a section of policy and legislative findings, although some states may choose to use such a section. If such a section is desired, the Colorado Statute, CRS§25-15-317, may be an appropriate model.

§ 55-3002. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

  1. “Activity and use limitations” means restrictions or obligations created under this chapter with respect to real property.
  2. “Agency” means the Idaho department of environmental quality or any other state or federal agency that determines or approves the environmental response project pursuant to which the environmental covenant is created.
  3. “Common interest community” means a condominium, cooperative, or other real property with respect to which a person, by virtue of the person’s ownership of a parcel of real property, is obligated to pay property taxes or insurance premiums, or for maintenance, or improvement of other real property described in a recorded covenant that creates the common interest community.
  4. “Environmental covenant” means a servitude arising under an environmental response project that imposes activity and use limitations.
  5. “Environmental response project” means a plan or work performed for environmental remediation of real property and conducted:
    1. Under a federal or state program governing environmental remediation of real property;
    2. Incident to closure of a solid or hazardous waste management unit, if the closure is conducted with approval of an agency; or
    3. Under an authorized state voluntary cleanup program.
  6. “Holder” means the grantee of an environmental covenant as specified in section 55-3003(1), Idaho Code.
  7. “Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity.
  8. “Record,” used as a noun, means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
  9. “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3002, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Department of environmental quality,§ 39-104.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

  1. The following are examples of subsection (1) activity and use limitations: (1) a prohibition or limitation of one or more uses of or activities on the real property, including restrictions on residential use, drilling for or pumping groundwater, or interference with activity and use limitations or other remedies,
  2. The governmental body with responsibility for the environmental response project in question is the agency under this Act. Generally, this agency will supply the public supervision necessary to protect human health and the environment in creating and modifying the environmental covenant.
  3. The agency, for purposes of this Act, may be either a federal government entity or the appropriate state regulatory agency for environmental protection.
  4. Section 4 [§ 55-3004] of the Act makes clear that an environmental covenant is valid if only one agency signs it. However, in many circumstances, both a federal and a state agency may have jurisdiction over the environmental contamination that led to the environmental response project. In this situation, the best practice may be for both federal and state agencies with jurisdiction over the contaminated property to sign the environmental covenant.
  5. Definition (4) states that an environmental covenant is a “servitude”; the term generally refers to either a burden or restriction on the use of real property, or to a benefit that flows from the ownership of land, that in either case “runs with the land” — that is, the benefit or the burden passes to successive owners of the real property. The law of servitudes is a long established body of real property law. The term is defined in §1.1 of the Restatement (3d) of Servitudes as follows: “(1) A servitude is a legal device that creates a right or an obligation that runs with land or an interest in land.” The Restatement goes on to provide that the forms of servitudes which are subject to that Restatement are “easements, profits, and covenants.”
  6. The definition of “environmental covenant” also provides that the servitude is created to implement an environmental response project. An environmental response project may determine, in some circumstances, to leave some residual contamination on the real property. This may be done because complete cleanup is technologically impossible, or because it is either ecologically or economically undesirable. In this situation, the environmental response project may impose activity and use limitations to control residual risk that results from contamination remaining in real property. An environmental covenant is then recorded on the land records as required by Section 8 [§ 55-3008] to ensure that the activity and use limitations are both legally and practically enforceable.
  7. An “environmental response project” covered by definition (5) may be undertaken pursuant to authorization by one of several different statutes. Definition (5)(a) specifically covers remediation projects required under state law. However, the definition is written broadly to also encompass both current federal law, future amendments to both state and federal law, as well as new environmental protection regimes should they be developed. Without limiting this breadth and generality, the Act intends to reach environmental response projects undertaken pursuant to any of the following specific federal statutes:
  8. Definition (5)(c) extends the Act’s coverage to voluntary remediation projects that are undertaken under state law. Environmental covenants that are part of voluntary remediation projects may serve both the goal of environmental protection and the goal of facilitating reuse of the real property. However, approval of these projects by a governmental body or other authorized party ensures that the project serves these goals. Even though preparation of the clean-up plan and supervision of the work may be undertaken by private parties, this Act requires that covenants undertaken as part of a formal voluntary clean-up program must be approved by the agency as evidenced by the agency’s signature on the covenant, in order to be effective under this Act. 9. Some states authorize properly certified private parties to supervise remediation to pre-existing standards and certify the cleanup. For example, in Connecticut and Massachusetts, these are “licensed site professionals”. See , e.g., M.G.L. ch. 21A §19; 310 CMR 40.1071; C.G.S. §§22a-133o, 22a-133y. Supervision and certification by statutorily-authorized parties is intended to accomplish the same public function as supervision and certification by the governmental entity. Thus, these environmental response projects are also covered by this definition.

(2) an activity required to be conducted on the real property, including monitoring, reporting, or operating procedures and maintenance for physical controls or devices,

(3) any right of access necessary to implement the activity and use limitations, and

(4) any physical structure or device required to be placed on the real property.

The specific activity and use limitations in any covenant will depend on the nature of the proceeding in the environmental response project that led to the covenant. For example, in a major environmental response project where the administrative process was conducted by either a state or federal agency, the activity and use limitations would generally be identified in the record of decision and then implemented in the environmental covenant pursuant to this Act. In contrast, in a voluntary clean-up supervised by privately licensed professionals, as authorized in some states, the activity and use limitations would not be developed by the agency during an administrative proceeding but by the parties themselves and their contracted professionals.

Nothing in this Act prevents the use of privately negotiated use restrictions which are recorded in the land records, without agency involvement: the validity of such covenants, however, is not governed by this Act but by other law of the enacting state. See Section 5(d) [§ 55-3005(4)].

In addition, as noted in Comment 1, the definition of “environmental response project” contemplates the possibility that the project may be undertaken pursuant to a voluntary clean-up program, where the actual determination of the sufficiency of the proposed clean-up is made by a private professional party, rather than an agency. In this case, the definition contemplates that an agency — typically, the state environmental agency — will nevertheless be asked to consent to the environmental covenant by signing it. Section 4 [§ 55-3004] of the Act makes clear that the covenant is not valid under this Act unless an agency signs it. Section 3 [§ 55-3003] of the Act makes clear that the mere signature of the agency, without more, means only that the agency has “approved” the covenant in order to satisfy the definitional requirements of definition (2) and the mandated contents of Section 4 [§ 55-3004]. That signature imposes no duties or obligations on the agency.

Further, in some cases, the appropriate federal agency may be the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Defense as ‘lead agency’ under federal law, or another body.

This Act emphasizes that an environmental covenant is a servitude in order to implicate this full body of real property law and to sustain the validity and enforceability of the covenant. By first characterizing the environmental covenant as a servitude, the Act expressly avoids the argument that an environmental covenant is simply a personal common law contract between the agency and the owner of the real property at the time the covenant is signed, and thus is not binding on later owners or tenants of that land.

  1. Subchapter III or IX of the federal “Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976”, 42 U.S.C. sec. 6921 to 6939e and 6991 to 6991i, as amended;
  2. Section 7002 or 7003 of the federal “Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976”, 42 U.S.C. sec. 6972 and 6973, as amended;
  3. “Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980”, 42 U.S.C. sec. 9601 to 9647, as amended;
  4. “Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978”, 42 U.S.C. sec. 7901 et seq., as amended;
  5. “Toxic Substances Control Act”, 15 U.S.C. 2601 to 2692, as amended;
  6. “Safe Drinking Water Act”, 42 U.S.C. 300f to 300j-26, as amended;
  7. “Atomic Energy Act”, 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq., as amended.

10. Under definition (5)(c), environmental response projects may include specific agreements between an owner and the agency for remediation that go beyond prevailing requirements. Alternatively, an owner may choose to contract with a potential purchaser for additional use restrictions in an instrument that does not purport to come within this Act; see Section 5(d) [§ 55-3005(4)]. Because the owner may have residual liability for the site, even after remediation and transfer to a third party for redevelopment, the owner may require further restrictions as a condition of creating the environmental covenant and eventual reuse of the real property.

11. The definition of “holder” is in definition (6). As the practice of using environmental covenants continues to grow, new entities may emerge to serve as holders. This Act does not intend to limit this process. A holder may be any person under the broad definition of this Act, including an affected local government, the agency, or an owner. The identity of an individual holder must be approved by the agency and an owner as part of the process of creating an environmental covenant, as specified in Section 4 [§ 55-3004]. A holder is authorized to enforce the covenant under Section 11 [§ 55-3011]. A holder has the rights specified in Section 4 [§ 55-3004] of this Act and may be given additional rights or obligations in the environmental covenant.

Section 3(a) [§ 55-3003(1)] makes clear that a holder’s interest is an interest in real property. Some environmental enforcement agencies are not authorized by their enabling legislation to own an interest in real property after the environmental remediation is completed. As a consequence, those agencies may not be entitled to serve as holders under the Act. In those cases where an agency wishes to be certain that a viable holder exists, a private entity may serve this purpose, acting, for example by contract, in accordance with the agency’s direction.

More generally, the nature of a holder’s interest in the real property may influence whether its rights and duties with respect to the real property are likely to lead to potential liability for future environmental remediation, should such remediation become necessary. Under CERCLA, an “owner” is liable for remediation costs; see 42 U.S.C.A. 9607(a)(1). Unfortunately, the definition of “owner” in the statute is circular and unhelpful in evaluating whether a holder is potentially liable under it. 42 U.S.C.A. 9601(20).

In general, a holder’s right to enforce the covenant under Section 11 [§ 55-3011] should be considered comparable to the rights covered in an easement and, thus, should not lead to a determination that the holder is liable as an “owner” under CERCLA. The two cases that have considered this question have found that the parties which held the easements were not CERCLA “owners”. Long Beach Unified School District v. Dorothy B. Godwin California Living Trust, 32 F.3d 1364 (9th Cir. 1994); Grand Trunk RR. V. Acme Belt Recoating, 859 F. Supp. 1125 (W.D. MI 1994). In each case, the court reasoned that the circular definition of owner meant that the term’s most common meaning would prevail. The common law’s distinction between an easement holder and the property owner was then applied to find the easement holder not to be an “owner” for purposes of this statute. In each of these cases, the party that held the easement had not contributed to contamination on the property. The amendments to CERCLA Section 9601(35), Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act, Pub. L. No. 107-118, 115 Stat. 2360 (2002) (HR 2869, 107th Cong. 1st Session), added the term “easement” to the definition of parties which are in a “contractual relationship” under CERCLA. However, this does not affect whether the easement holder will be held to be a CERCLA “owner”. Where the holder or another person has more extensive rights than enforcement, a careful analysis will be required. The CERCLA liability cases typically emphasize that a party that exercises the degree of control over a site equivalent to the control typically exercised by an owner of the site will be held liable as an “owner”. Under this approach, for example, lessees have been held liable as owners when their control over the site approximated that which an owner would have. See , e.g., Delaney v. Town of Carmel, 55 F. Supp. 2d 237 (S.D.N.Y. 1999); U.S. v. A & N Cleaners and Launderers, 788 F. Supp. 1317 (S.D.N.Y. 1992); U.S. v. S.C. Dept. of Health and Env. Control, 653 F. Supp. 984 (D.S.C. 1984.) Accordingly, a holder contemplating extensive control over the site should consider potential “owner” liability carefully.

CERCLA liability also extends to an “operator” of the site (42 U.S.C.A. 9607(a)(1)), and the case law interpreting this definition emphasizes that a party is liable as an operator if it has a high degree of control over the operating decisions and day to day management at the site. Thus, for example, a party that held an easement could be liable as an operator if its degree of control met this standard. A holder will, in general, have only control authority over the site related to effective enforcement of the environmental covenant and does not typically need more extensive day to day control. However, this will not likely be true in all cases.

§ 55-3003. Nature of rights — Subordination of interests.

  1. Any person, including a person that owns an interest in the real property, the agency, or a municipality or other unit of local government, may be a holder. An environmental covenant may identify more than one (1) holder. The interest of a holder is an interest in real property.
  2. A right of an agency under this chapter or under an environmental covenant, other than a right as a holder, is not an interest in real property.
  3. An agency is bound by any obligation it assumes in an environmental covenant, but an agency does not assume obligations merely by signing an environmental covenant. Any other person that signs an environmental covenant is bound by the obligations the person assumes in the covenant, but signing the covenant does not change obligations, rights, or protections granted or imposed under law other than this chapter except as provided in the covenant.
  4. The following rules apply to interests in real property in existence at the time an environmental covenant is created or amended:
    1. An interest that has priority under other law is not affected by an environmental covenant unless the person that owns the interest subordinates that interest to the covenant.
    2. This chapter does not require a person that owns a prior interest to subordinate that interest to an environmental covenant or to agree to be bound by the covenant.
    3. A subordination agreement may be contained in an environmental covenant covering real property or in a separate record. If the environmental covenant covers commonly owned property in a common interest community, the record may be signed by any person authorized by the governing board of the owners’ association.
    4. An agreement by a person to subordinate a prior interest to an environmental covenant affects the priority of that person’s interest but does not by itself impose any affirmative obligation on the person with respect to the environmental covenant.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3003, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

Subsection (a) [(1)] confirms that the holder holds an interest in real property, thus distinguishing that right from a personal or contractual right that does not run with the land. The definition of ‘holder’ in Section 2 [§ 55-3002], departing from traditional real property concepts, makes clear that the holder may be the agency or the owner, thus making it possible for the owner to be both grantor and grantee.

Subsection (a) [(1)] also makes clear that if the agency chooses to be the holder, the agency will thereby hold an interest in the real property. Otherwise, subsection (b) [(2)] provides that the agency’s interest in the covenant as a consequence of signing the covenant or having a right to enforce it under this Act is not an interest in real property.

Subsection (c) [(3)] validates and confirms any contractual obligations that an agency may assume in an environmental covenant. So, for example, if the agency were to agree to authorize certain activities on the property, to undertake periodic inspections of the site or to provide notice of particular actions to specified persons, those undertakings and obligations would be enforceable against the agency in accordance with their terms by parties adversely affected by any breach. At the same time, subsection (c) [(3)] also makes clear that the mere act of signing the covenant in order to signify the agency’s ‘approval’ of the covenant, which is required by the Act as a condition of its effectiveness under this Act, is not an assumption of obligations and the agency has not thereby exposed itself to any liability. The agency manifests its approval of an environmental covenant by signing it.

Subsection (d) [(4)] restates and clarifies traditional real property rules regarding the effect of an environmental covenant on prior recorded interests. The basic rule remains that pre-existing prior valid and effective interests — “First in time, first in right” — remain valid. As § 7.1 of the Restatement (3d) of Property: Mortgages states:

A valid foreclosure of a mortgage terminates all interests in the foreclosed real estate that are junior [that is, later in time] to the mortgage being foreclosed . . . . Foreclosure does not terminate interests . . . that are senior . . ..

At the same time, it is not uncommon for interested parties to re-order the priorities among them by agreement in order to accommodate the economic interests of various parties. The usual device used to re-order priorities is a so-called ‘subordination’ agreement. Again, this section tracks the outcome suggested in The Restatement (3d) of Property: Mortgages. Section 7.7 of the Restatement provides in pertinent part that:

A mortgage, by a declaration of its mortgagee, [that is, the lender] may be made subordinate in priority to another interest in the mortgaged real estate, whether existing or to be created in the future . . . . A subordination that would materially prejudice the mortgagor [that is, the owner of the real estate] or the person whose interest is advanced in priority is ineffective without the consent of the person prejudiced.

The impact of the newly recorded environmental covenant on the priorities of other lien holders is sufficiently important that the Act emphasizes this issue both in this section and in Sections 8(b) and 9(c) [§§ 55-3008(2) and 55-3009(3)]. In all these instances, the Act provides that the usual rules of priorities are preserved, except in the case of foreclosure of tax liens.

Thus, in preparing an environmental covenant, it might be advisable for the agency to identify all prior interests, determine which interests may interfere with the covenant protecting human health and the environment, and then take steps to avoid the possibility of such interference. The agency may do this by, for example, having the parties obtain appropriate subordination of prior interests, as a condition to the agency’s approval of the environmental covenant.

The combined effect of Sections 3, 8 and 9 [§§ 55-3003, 55-3008, and 55-3009] creates a curious “circular” lien problem, where (1) foreclosure of a 2003 municipal tax lien would terminate a 2000 pre-existing mortgage (the usual outcome), but (2) that same foreclosure would not affect the environmental covenant created in 2002 under this Act; while (3) foreclosure of the 2000 pre-existing mortgage would terminate the 2002 environmental covenant (again, the usual rule), but (4) not the 2003 municipal tax lien (also, the usual rule). Circular liens, however, are not unique to this situation.

§ 55-3004. Contents of environmental covenant.

  1. An environmental covenant must:
    1. State that the instrument is an environmental covenant executed pursuant to this chapter;
    2. Contain a legally sufficient description of the real property subject to the covenant;
    3. Describe the activity and use limitations on the real property;
    4. Identify every holder;
    5. Be signed by the agency, every holder, and unless waived by the agency every owner of the fee simple of the real property subject to the covenant; and
    6. Identify the name and location of any administrative record for the environmental response project reflected in the environmental covenant.
  2. In addition to the information required by subsection (1) of this section, an environmental covenant may contain other information, restrictions, and requirements agreed to by the persons who signed it, including any:
    1. Requirements for notice following transfer of a specified interest in, or concerning proposed changes in use of, applications for building permits for, or proposals for any site work affecting the contamination on, the property subject to the covenant;
    2. Requirements for periodic reporting describing compliance with the covenant;
    3. Rights of access to the property granted in connection with implementation or enforcement of the covenant;
    4. A brief narrative description of the contamination and remedy, including the contaminants of concern, the pathways of exposure, limits on exposure, and the location and extent of the contamination;
    5. Limitation on amendment or termination of the covenant in addition to those contained in sections 55-3009 and 55-3010, Idaho Code; and
    6. Rights of the holder in addition to its right to enforce the covenant pursuant to section 55-3011, Idaho Code.
  3. In addition to other conditions for its approval of an environmental covenant, the agency may require those persons specified by the agency who have interests in the real property to sign the covenant.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3004, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

RESEARCH REFERENCES

Idaho Law Review.

Idaho Law Review. — The Enigma of Sales Taxation Through the Use of State or Federal “Amazon” Laws: Are We Getting Anywhere? Neal A. Koskella. 49 Idaho L. Rev. 121 (2012).

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

  1. Subsection (a)(2) [(1)(b)] of this section requires that the covenant contain a “legally sufficient description” of the “real property” subject to the covenant. While these terms are familiar to real property practitioners, it may be useful to describe precisely what is required by this section. First, a description of the real property that is “legally sufficient” will depend upon the practice of the enacting state. The purpose of such a requirement, for the real property practitioner, will be to assure that the particular parcel subject to the covenant will be properly indexed in the land records and thus readily located during the course of a title search. This, in turn, will enable a buyer, lender or other interest holder to be confident of what they own or hold as security.
  2. This Act does not provide the standards for environmental remediation nor the specific activity and use limitations to be used at a particular site. Those will be provided by the state or federal agency based on other state and federal law governing mandatory and voluntary cleanups. This Act contemplates that those standards will then be incorporated into the environmental response project, which, in turn, will call for activity and use restrictions that can be implemented through creation of an environmental covenant. This section addresses creation of the environmental covenants. 3. Ordinarily, an environmental covenant will be created only by agreement between the agency and the owner. If there is a holder other than the agency or the owner, both the agency and the owner must approve the holder, and the holder must agree to the terms of the covenant. The agency may refuse to agree to an environmental covenant if it does not effectively implement the activity and use limitations specified in the environmental response project.

The most commonly used legal descriptions of land are: (1) a metes and bounds description — that is, a description that begins with reference to a known point on the surface of the earth, followed by references to distances and angles from that point to other monuments or terminals that mark the outer boundaries of the parcel; (2) reference to a recorded map or survey, that contains a “picture” of the metes and bounds description; (3) reference to a particular parcel number on a governmental grid system; and (4) a coordinates reference system, derived from a Global Positioning System or other mapping tool. These, and other generally obsolete forms of legal description [e.g., “starting at the black oak tree in the pasture, then running along a stone wall to Bloody Creek, then generally south and west along the creek to a dirt road, then back to the tree where you started, being the same 50 acres, more or less, conveyed to my father by Lisman”] may all serve the same purpose, and would meet the requirement of being “legally sufficient.”

In contrast, as described in Comment 11 below, more precise measurements may be very useful for identifying precisely the “geospatial” location of sub-surface contaminants.

Second, the “real property” that is subject to the covenant may be narrowly or broadly defined, depending on the wishes of the parties. It may be, for example, that only a 3 acre portion of a 5,000 acre ranch is contaminated; in such a case, it may be unnecessary to describe all 5000 acres of real property as being subject to the covenant.

Alternatively, in a remote location, it may be that the 3 acre contaminated parcel owned by one person may be reached only by crossing a private road located on a 5000 acre ranch owned by another person. In such a case, a careful property description will want to include reference to the easement or other access right across the land owned by another person.

It is important to recognize, however, that real property is a three-dimensional concept (or a four-dimensional concept when one considers time as a dimension). A legal description of a particular parcel of real property which has only perimeter boundaries and no upper and lower boundaries encompasses both the surface of the earth within those boundaries, the airspace above the surface, all the dirt and minerals below the surface and all spaces within that volume of space that may be filled with water. Thus, in appropriate cases, a title searcher will need to be sensitive to cases where interests in the “real property” or “real property” have been sold or leased which leave the owner with less than all of the real property. A ten-year lease of the entire parcel, for example, represents a time-defined “boundary” to the owner’s interest in the real property in question. An agency seeking to identify all the interests in the parcel in order to secure their approval of a covenant will therefore want to ensure that a title search identifies all these interests.

Where no owner is available or willing to participate in the environmental response project, it may be necessary for the agency to condemn and take an interest sufficient to record an environmental covenant on the property where it has the power to do so. This Act does not contain independent condemnation authority for the agency. Alternatively, in some states, there may be a basis for an agency to require an owner to cooperate with the implementation of the covenant as a regulatory matter.

4. This Act recognizes that there may be situations in which there is more than one fee simple owner. For example, Husband and Wife may own Blackacre as tenants in common, joint tenants, or tenants of the entirety. In all of these configurations of ownership, both Husband and Wife are owners of Blackacre and both must sign an environmental covenant unless the agency waives this requirement.

Similarly, it is common practice in mining states, such as Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, for the fee ownership of the mineral interests to be conveyed separate and apart from the fee ownership of the remaining parcel. Thus, under the conventional real property practices of these states, there may be two separate fee ownership interests in the same “parcel” of real property, and each owner must sign the environmental covenant unless this requirement is waived. It may be that those two owners of different interests in the same parcel have an agreement between them prohibiting separate conveyances of interests in the land without permission of the other. However, if that agreement does not appear of record, it would not run with the land, would likely not be binding on the agency [in the absence of the agency’s actual knowledge] and thus not affect the validity of a covenant signed by one of the owners with respect to that owner’s interest in the real estate.

5. In addition to the parties specified in Section 4(a)(5) [§ 55-3004(1)(e)], other persons may wish to sign the environmental covenant and, in any event, the agency may require their signature as a condition of approving the covenant. (See Section 4(c) [§ 55-3004(3)]). Under current law, persons other than the owner may be liable for cleanup of the contamination, including contingent future liability if further cleanup is needed or personal injury claims are brought. These could be parties which previously used the property or whose waste was disposed of on the property. Such a person may have liability for some or all of the cost of the environmental response project and may thus have a compelling interest in signing the covenant so as to be informed of future enforcement, modification and termination.

6. Section 4(a)(5) [§ 55-3004(1)(e)] also authorizes the agency to waive the requirement that the covenant be signed by the owner of the fee simple. The Act contemplates that such waivers should be rare because in most situations the covenant can be effective only if the fee owner’s interest is subject to the covenant. However, in some circumstances the fee owner may have transferred most or all of the economic value of the property to the holder of another interest, either permanently or for the time period during which the covenant’s restrictions are needed. Consider, for example, the situation in which the contamination remaining presents environmental risks for only twenty years and the property is subject to a ninety-nine year lease. In this case, it is critical that the owner of the leasehold interest be a party to the covenant so its interest will be subject to it. However, in this situation, the fee owner’s participation is not essential for the covenant to protect human health and the environment. If the fee owner is unavailable or unwilling to participate, the agency might choose to waive its signature. Of course, such a situation, when the likely duration of the covenant is both short and clearly known, is likely to be exceptional. 7. A holder is the grantee of the environmental covenant and the Act requires that there be a holder for a covenant to be valid and enforceable. Under Section 5(b)(9) [§ 55-3009(2)(i)], the grantee may also be the grantor, who is the owner of the property and who might remain a holder upon sale of the property, or the agency. In addition to enforcement rights, the holder may be given specific rights or obligations with respect to future implementation of the environmental covenant. These could include, for example, the obligation to monitor groundwater or maintain a cap or containment structure on the property. Such rights and obligations will be specified in the environmental covenant and, like any obligations, would be enforceable against the holder if the holder failed to satisfy its obligations.

8. Section 4(a)(5) [§ 55-3004(1)(e)] requires an agency to sign the covenant. In some states it may be necessary to amend the state agency’s enabling statute to empower it to so sign.

9. Section 4(a)(6) [§ 55-3004(1)(f)] requires the covenant to disclose the “name and location of any administrative record” for the underlying environmental response project. Typically, this information will require a docket or file number, identifying names of the parties, and an indication of the agency office in which the record of decision or other administrative record has been retained. In those cases where a state-wide registry is maintained, the registry also requires this information. In the case of voluntary clean-ups, of course, there may not be an administrative record.

Section (4)(b) [§ 55-3004(2)] is a permissive provision intended by the breadth of its provisions (“. . . may contain other information . . . agreed to by the persons who signed it.”) to encourage the agency and the other parties to include provisions in the particular covenant that are tailored to the specific needs of that project. This may well be accomplished in order to maximize the likelihood that the covenant, when properly implemented and monitored, will protect human health and the environment.

Persons dealing with this Act must recognize that no statute and no commentary can fully contemplate all the possibilities that are likely to arise in implementation of this Act. This issue permeates this subsection. In (b)(1) [(2)(a)], for example, the text contemplates the possibility that the agency may, in a particular case, require an owner or other persons to notify the agency before, among other things, that party applies for “. . . building permits.” The suggested language is not intended to exclude notice of any other type of work permit that might trigger a violation of an environmental covenant, such as, for example, drilling or excavation permits.

10. Section 4(b)(4) [§ 55-3004(2)(d)] suggests that, in an appropriate case, the agency may wish to provide a summary of the contamination on the site and the remedial solutions that have been identified. From a public health perspective, this may be very useful. The reference to “pathways of exposure” requires a statement that, for example, the contaminant might be of danger if it comes in contact with skin, if breathed, or only if ingested.

11. Section 4(b)(4) [§ 55-3004(2)(d)] also suggests that, in an appropriate case, the agency may require the covenant to contain not only a legally sufficient description of the real property subject to the covenant (as mandated under section 4(a)(2)) [§ 55-3004(1)(b)] but also the “location of the contamination.” One way of identifying such location is by the concept of “geospatial” location as defined by the Federal Geographic Data Committee of the U.S. Geological Survey. Such an identification would define the location with geospatial data, which the Committee defines as follows:

Geospatial Data: Information that identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features and boundaries on the Earth. This information may be derived from, among other things, remote sensing, mapping, and surveying technologies. Statistical data may be included in this definition. . ..

Depending on the nature of the contamination and the size of the parcel subject to the covenant, a description of the “geospatial location” of the contamination and the legal boundary description of the real property parcel on which those contaminants are located may be very different, and the kinds of information required to usefully describe the “location” of the contamination may also differ. As a simple example, it may be appropriate to use grid coordinates and projected elevations below ground level to define the upper and lower levels of a groundwater contamination plume, together with sensing or other data that projects the mobility of that plume over time, in order to accurately provide useful information that a simple metes and bounds description could not convey.

12. Subsection (b)(5) [(2)(e)] contemplates that the environmental covenant may impose additional restrictions on amendment or termination beyond those required by this Act. For example, in some circumstances the owner or another party who may have contingent residual liability for further cleanup of the real property subject to the environmental covenant, may seek further restrictions in the covenant to protect against this contingent liability.

13. Subsection (c) [(3)] confirms that the agency is under no obligation to approve a particular environmental covenant by signing it. This may be particularly significant in those cases where the agency was unable to secure subordination of prior interests in the real property which is proposed to be subject to the covenant. If a prior security or other interest is not subordinated to the environmental covenant, and then is foreclosed at some later time, under traditional real property law that foreclosure would extinguish or limit an environmental covenant. Since such an outcome is antithetical to the policies underlying this Act, the Act contemplates that the agency may, before agreeing to the covenant, require subordination of these interests. At the time of creation of the environmental covenant, the agency must determine whether the prior interest presents a realistic threat to the covenant’s ability to protect the environment and human health. Section 3 [§ 55-3003] of the Act makes clear that by subordinating its interest, an owner of a prior interest does not change its liability with respect to the property subject to the environmental covenant. Any such liability of a subordinating party would arise by operation of other law and not under this Act.

Subsection (c) [(3)] contemplates that there are many circumstances that might cause an agency, in the exercise of its regulatory discretion as defined in other law, either to refuse to sign a covenant in the form presented, or to agree to sign it only upon satisfaction of specified conditions. The listing of the following examples is intended to be illustrative, not exhaustive.

Example 1: As a condition of signing the covenant, the agency requires the owner to provide an abstract of title of the property to be subjected to the covenant. If the owner declines to do so, the agency may reasonably be expected to decline to approve the covenant, since it will have insufficient evidence of the priority of its new covenant. Example 2: The owner provides the title abstract, which discloses that the property to be subjected to the covenant is presently subject to a first mortgage for $5 million. The agency’s decision to condition its approval on the first lender’s willingness to subordinate to the covenant would plainly be appropriate.

Example 3: The agency’s policies require that an independent company regularly engaged in the business of monitoring and enforcing environmental covenants on behalf of the agency be named as ‘holder’ in the covenant. The owner’s refusal to agree to such a provision would justify an agency’s refusal to approve the covenant.

§ 55-3005. Validity — Effect on other instruments.

  1. An environmental covenant that complies with this chapter runs with the land.
  2. An environmental covenant that is otherwise effective is valid and enforceable even if:
    1. It is not appurtenant to an interest in real property;
    2. It can be or has been assigned to a person other than the original holder;
    3. It is not of a character that has been recognized traditionally at common law;
    4. It imposes a negative burden;
    5. It imposes an affirmative obligation on a person having an interest in the real property or on the holder;
    6. The benefit or burden does not touch or concern real property;
    7. There is no privity of estate or contract;
    8. The holder dies, ceases to exist, resigns, or is replaced; or
    9. The owner of an interest subject to the environmental covenant and the holder are the same person.
  3. An instrument that creates restrictions or obligations with respect to real property that would qualify as activity and use limitations except for the fact that the instrument was recorded before July 1, 2006, is not invalid or unenforceable because of any of the limitations on enforcement of interests described in subsection (2) of this section or because it was identified as an easement, servitude, deed restriction, or other interest. This chapter does not apply in any other respect to such an instrument.
  4. This chapter does not invalidate or render unenforceable any interest, whether designated as an environmental covenant or other interest, that is otherwise enforceable under the law of this state.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3005, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

  1. Subsection (a) [(1)], when considered with the common law, makes clear that environmental covenants will be binding not only on the persons who originally negotiate them but also on subsequent owners of the property and others who hold an interest in the property, such as tenants, so long as those owners and others have actual or constructive knowledge of the covenant.
  2. Recording requirements are an important means by which the law protects ‘bona fide purchasers’ — BFP’s — who acquire property without knowledge of its conditions. Even in the absence of recording a document on the land records, the common law has long held that those who have actual knowledge of the document take title subject to the document. The BFP, on the other hand, is bound at common law only by an instrument affecting the real property to the extent the BFP has constructive knowledge of the document. Importantly, a BFP is charged with constructive knowledge of the land records. In some respects, one of the fundamental tensions between traditional real property law and environmental law is the change in this rule, by which environmental law seeks to impose liability on “innocent” purchasers of contaminated property who take without knowledge of the property’s condition and may have no practical means of learning of its condition. To the extent this Act tracks traditional real property practice by requiring recorded covenants, this tension may be considerably lessened.
  3. Subsection (b) [(2)] and its comments are modeled on Section 4 of the Uniform Conservation Easement Act. One of the Environmental Covenant Act’s basic goals is to remove common law defenses that could impede the use of environmental covenants. This section addresses that goal by comprehensively identifying these defenses and negating their applicability to environmental covenants.

To be binding on future owners who may not have actual knowledge of the covenant, the Act requires that the covenant comply with all provisions of the Act. Section 8(a) [§ 55-3008(1)] of this Act requires the covenant to be recorded. The Act then states the usual real property rule that a recorded instrument “runs with the land” and binds all who have an interest in it.

This Act’s policy supports the enforceability of environmental covenants by precluding applicability of doctrines, including older common law doctrines, that would limit enforcement. That policy is broadly consistent with the Restatement of the Law Third of Property (Servitudes), including §2.6 and chapter 3. For specific doctrines see §§ 2.4 (horizontal privity), 2.5 (benefitted or burdened estates), 2.6 (benefits in gross and third party benefits), 3.2 (touch and concern doctrine), 3.3 (rule against perpetuities), and 3.5 (indirect restraints on alienation).

Subsection (b)(1) [(2)(a)] provides that an environmental covenant, the benefit of which is held in gross, may be enforced against the grantor or his successors or assigns. By stating that the covenant need not be appurtenant to an interest in real property, it eliminates the requirement in force in some states that the holder of an easement must own an interest in real property (the “dominant estate”) benefitted by the easement.

Subsection (b)(2) [(2)(b)] also clarifies existing law by providing that a covenant may be enforced by an assignee of the holder. Section 10(c) [§ 55-3010(3)] of this Act specifies that assignment to a new holder will be treated as a modification and Section 10 [§ 55-3010] governs modification of environmental covenants.

Subsection (b)(3) [(2)(c)] addresses the problem posed by the existing law’s recognition of servitudes that served only a limited number of purposes and that law’s reluctance to approve so-called “novel incidents”. This restrictive view might defeat enforcement of covenants serving the environmental protection ends enumerated in this Act. Accordingly, subsection (b)(3) [(2)(c)] establishes that environmental covenants are not unenforceable solely because they do not serve purposes or fall within the categories of easements traditionally recognized at common law or other applicable law.

Subsection (b)(4) [(2)(d)] deals with a variant of the foregoing problem. Some applicable law recognizes only a limited number of “negative easements” — those preventing the owner of the burdened real property from performing acts on his real property that he would be privileged to perform absent the easement. Because a far wider range of negative burdens might be imposed by environmental covenants, subsection (b)(4) [(2)(d)] modifies existing law by eliminating the defense that an environmental covenant imposes a “novel” negative burden.

Subsection (b)(5) [(2)(e)] addresses the opposite problem — the potential unenforceability under existing law of an easement that imposes affirmative obligations upon either the owner of the burdened real property or upon the holder. Under some existing law, neither of those interests was viewed as a true easement at all. The first, in fact, was labeled a “spurious” easement because it obligated an owner of the burdened real property to perform affirmative acts. (The spurious easement was distinguished from an affirmative easement, illustrated by a right of way, which empowered the easement’s holder to perform acts on the burdened real property that the holder would not have been privileged to perform absent the easement.) Achievement of environmental protection goals may require that affirmative obligations be imposed on the burdened real property owner or on the covenant holder or both. For example, the grantor of an environmental covenant may agree to use restrictions and may also agree to undertake affirmative monitoring or maintenance obligations. In addition, the covenant might impose specific engineering or monitoring obligations on the holder, which may be a for profit corporation, a charitable corporation or trust holder. In all these cases, the environmental covenant would impose affirmative obligations and Subsection (b)(5) [(2)(e)] makes clear that the covenant would not be unenforceable solely because it is affirmative in nature.

Subsections (b)(6) and (b)(7) [(2)(f) and (2)(g)] preclude the touch and concern and privity of estate or contract defenses, respectively. They have traditionally been asserted as defenses against the enforcement of covenants and equitable servitudes.

Subsection (b)(8) [(2)(h)] addresses the possibility that the holder may have died or for other reason fails to exist. Failure of the holder ought not invalidate the covenant and Sections 10(c) and (d) [§ 55-3010(3) and (4)] authorize replacement of a holder in various circumstances.

Subsection (b)(9) [(2)(i)] addresses the case where an owner of a contaminated parcel may agree to remedy an existing condition and may further agree to serve as holder in order to perform the necessary tasks. Under this Act, the owner may be willing to do so because Section 4 [§ 55-3004] of the Act requires that a holder be named and the owner may not be inclined to create an interest in a stranger. Under these circumstances, the owner’s name would appear as both the grantor and the grantee in the land records, and this outcome ought not invalidate the covenant.

Subsection (b) [(2)] identifies the principal common law doctrines that have been applied to defeat covenants such as those created by this Act. Drafters in individual states may wish to consider whether references to other common law or statutory impediments of a similar nature ought to be added to this subsection.

Subsection (c) [(3)] addresses the treatment of instruments recorded before the date of this Act that seek to accomplish the purposes of environmental covenants under this Act. It seeks to validate such instruments, in a limited way, by specifying that the defenses covered in subsection (b) [(2)], or the fact that the instrument was identified as something other than an environmental covenant, will not make prior covenants unenforceable. Beyond negating these specific defenses, however, this Act does not apply to those prior covenants. If the parties to a prior covenant wish to have the other benefits of this Act for that covenant, they must re-execute the covenant in a manner which satisfies the requirements of this Act.

Section (d) [(4)] is a general savings clause for other interests in real property and other agreements concerning environmental remediation which are not covered under this Act. It disavows the intent to invalidate any interest created either before or after the Act which does not comply with the Act but which otherwise may be valid under the state’s law. Nor does the Act intend, in any way, to validate or invalidate an action taken by a person to remediate contamination that is taken without formal governmental oversight or approval. A recorded instrument that does not satisfy the requirements of this Act does not come within the scope of this Act; it does not enjoy the protections of this Act and must be evaluated under other law of the state. For example, the Act is clear that its requirements apply only to land use restrictions placed on real property pursuant to an “environmental response project” as that term is defined in the Act. If private parties choose to use conventional deed restrictions or other devices to place further activity and use restrictions on a parcel, nothing in this Act would affect that contractual arrangement either to insulate it from attack as invalid under that state’s other law or to invalidate it under this law.

§ 55-3006. Relationship to other land use law.

This chapter does not authorize a use of real property that is otherwise prohibited by zoning, by law other than this chapter regulating use of real property, or by a recorded instrument that has priority over the environmental covenant. An environmental covenant may prohibit or restrict uses of real property which are authorized by zoning or by law other than this chapter.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-3006, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

This section clarifies that this Act does not displace other restrictions on land use laws, including zoning laws, building codes, sanitary sewer or subdivision requirements and the like. Restrictions under those laws apply unchanged to real property covered by an environmental covenant.

Where other law, including either a state or federal environmental response project, requires structures or activities in order to perform the environmental remediation, the status of those requirements is likely to be determined by that other law and not by this Act. Thus, for example, where the environmental covenant is implementing an environmental response project under federal CERCLA law, a federal appellate court has held that the federal law authorizing the environmental response project preempts a conflicting city ordinance. U.S. v. City and County of Denver, 100 F.3d 1509 (10th Cir. 1996).

Clearly, the large and complex body of zoning and land use law and the law of environmental regulation supplement the provisions of this Act. In appropriate cases, a court will be called upon to articulate the interrelationship of this Act and those laws, and the Act does not attempted to articulate all those outcomes. On the other hand, certain obvious examples may be helpful in understanding this interplay.

First, the Act contemplates that an environmental covenant might, for example, prohibit residential use on a parcel subject to a covenant. Under conventional real property principles, without references to this Act, such a prohibition or restriction in an environmental covenant will be valid even if other real property law, including local zoning, would authorize the use for residential purposes.

Alternatively, a covenant might, at the time it is recorded, permit both retail use and industrial use on a vacant parcel of contaminated real property while prohibiting residential use. Assuming all retail and industrial uses were permitted by local zoning at the time the covenant is recorded, the municipality might, before construction begins, change that zoning to bar industrial use. If such a zone change is otherwise valid under state law, nothing in this Act would affect the municipality’s ability to “down zone” the parcel.

If, on the other hand, an industrial use was existing and ongoing at the time the covenant was recorded, and an effort was then made to prohibit that use by ordinance, such state law doctrines as “vested rights” or non-conforming uses, rather than this Act, would govern the validity of the zoning action.

§ 55-3007. Notice.

  1. A copy of an environmental covenant shall be provided by the persons and in the manner required by the agency to:
    1. Each person that signed the covenant;
    2. Each person holding a recorded interest in the real property subject to the covenant;
    3. Each person in possession of the real property subject to the covenant;
    4. Each municipality or other unit of local government in which real property subject to the covenant is located; and
    5. Any other person the agency requires.
  2. The validity of a covenant is not affected by failure to provide a copy of the covenant as required under this section.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3007, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

This section contemplates that the agency will normally require that the final signed environmental covenant be sent to affected parties. In addition to the obvious persons who should be notified, in an appropriate case, the agency might require notice to abutting property owners. These persons are likely to have been directly involved in any major administrative proceeding, but in other cases, such as a voluntary clean-up, they may have no knowledge of the existing conditions on abutting land.

In any event, the extent and manner of giving notice rests in the discretion of the agency, and the statute imposes an affirmative duty on the persons required to provide that notice to comply.

Subsection (b) [(2)] provides that failure to provide a copy of the covenant does not invalidate the covenant. Such a failure will not prevent the covenant from protecting human health and the environment and thus need not invalidate the covenant. The remedy for such a failure would be provided by other law.

§ 55-3008. Recording.

  1. An environmental covenant and any amendment or termination of the covenant must be recorded in every county in which any portion of the real property subject to the covenant is located. For purposes of indexing, a holder shall be treated as a grantee.
  2. Except as otherwise provided in section 55-3009(3), Idaho Code, an environmental covenant is subject to the laws of this state governing recording and priority of interests in real property.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3008, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

Subsection (a) [(1)] confirms that customary indexing rules apply to the covenant. Since the owner is granting the enforcement right to a holder, all the owners’ names would appear in the grantor index and the holder’s name would appear in the grantee index.

In those states where a tract or another recording system other than a grantor/grantee index is used, this section should be revised as appropriate.

The Act assumes that all parties will wish to record the environmental covenant and accordingly makes the state’s recording rules apply. As between the parties, however, the effectiveness of the covenant does not depend on whether the covenant is recorded. A signed but unrecorded covenant, under traditional real property law, binds the parties who sign it and, generally, those who have knowledge of the covenant.

The Act makes clear that, as with all recorded instruments, an environmental covenant takes priority under the normal rules of “First in time, First in Right.” See The Restatement of The Law Third Property — Mortgages §§ 7.1 and 7.3. In that sense, the covenant does not enjoy the same priority afforded real property tax liens, because of the substantial constitutional impediment such a change in priority would likely create.

However, the Act departs in important ways from the consequences of the normal priority and other traditional rules. For example, under Section 9 [§ 55-3009], foreclosure of a tax lien cannot extinguish an environmental covenant. See Section 9(c) [§ 55-3009(3)].

Finally, in those cases where the holder’s interest is transferred to a successor holder, the assignment of that interest will be recorded, and the usual grantor/grantee indexing rules would apply. Note, however, that under Section 10(d) [§ 55-3010(4)], the assignment would be treated as an amendment of the covenant.

Recording of an environmental covenant pursuant to the law of this state provides the same constructive notice of the covenant as the recording or any other instrument provides of an interest in real property.

§ 55-3009. Duration — Amendment by court action.

  1. An environmental covenant is perpetual unless it is:
    1. By its terms limited to a specific duration or terminated by the occurrence of a specific event;
    2. Terminated by consent pursuant to section 55-3010, Idaho Code;
    3. Terminated pursuant to subsection (2) of this section;
    4. Terminated by foreclosure of an interest that has priority over the environmental covenant; or
    5. Terminated or modified in an eminent domain proceeding, but only if:
      1. The agency that signed the covenant is a party to the proceeding;
      2. All persons identified in section 55-3010(1) and (2), Idaho Code, are given notice of the pendency of the proceeding; and
      3. The court determines, after hearing, that the termination or modification will not adversely affect human health or the environment.
  2. If the agency that signed an environmental covenant has determined that the intended benefits of the covenant can no longer be realized, a court, under the doctrine of changed circumstances, in an action in which all persons identified in section 55-3010(1) and (2), Idaho Code, have been given notice, may terminate the covenant or reduce its burden on the real property subject to the covenant. The agency’s determination or its failure to make a determination upon request is subject to review pursuant to the Idaho administrative procedure act, chapter 52, title 67, Idaho Code.
  3. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, an environmental covenant may not be extinguished, limited, or impaired through issuance of a tax deed, foreclosure of a tax lien, or application of the doctrine of adverse possession, prescription, abandonment, waiver, lack of enforcement, or acquiescence, or a similar doctrine.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3009, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

  1. Subject to the other provisions in this Act, environmental covenants are intended to be perpetual, as provided in subsection (a) [(1)]. A covenant may be limited by its terms as provided in this Section, or amended or terminated under Section 10 [§ 55-3010]. Alternatively, in the limited circumstances described in this Section it may be modified in an eminent domain proceeding which meets the requirements of Subsection (a)(5) [(1)(e)]. With concurrence of the agency, an environmental covenant may also be terminated in a judicial proceeding asserting “changed circumstances” as provided in Subsection (b) [(2)].
  2. Subsection (a)(5) [(1)(e)] provides special requirements to modify or terminate an environmental covenant by an exercise of eminent domain. The rationale for these special requirements is that an exercise of eminent domain may result in a change of use for real property. Such a change must ensure that it does not increase environmental risk related to the real property. The Act does not attempt to resolve all the many complex issues likely to arise when one government agency seeks to condemn an environmental covenant imposed by another agency pursuant to an agreement with a current or former owner of the property. For example, eminent domain may result in a change of use of that property. If the changed use requires termination of the covenant’s existing activity and use limitations, and thus additional clean-up of the property, complex questions of liability and financial responsibility may arise. Alternatively, state law may already address questions of which governments have or do not have authority to condemn real property, or who are necessary or indispensable parties. State statutes are also likely to have so-called “quick take” provisions, a well-developed Administrative Procedures Act, and other important provisions for aspects of condemnation proceedings beyond the scope of this Act.
  3. Subsection (b) [(2)] imposes two specific requirements for a judicial change in an environmental covenant under the doctrine of changed circumstances. The first requires agency approval of such an application. The second requires that all parties to the covenant be given notice of the proceeding. This will allow those parties to protect their interests in the proceeding, including their interests arising from contingent future liability.
  4. Subsection (c) [(3)] provides that environmental covenants are not extinguished by later tax foreclosure sales, or by a range of potential common law and statutory impairments. As a matter of public policy, these new forms of covenants seek to protect human health and the environment and, presumably, the contamination of the real property that led to the activity and use limitations would still be present if the covenant were extinguished. Accordingly, the impairment of those limitations as a consequence of application of tax lien foreclosure or other doctrines would likely result in greater exposure to health risk. Thus termination of that protection to serve other public policies of governments seems inconsistent.
  5. While this section imposes statutory constraints on the authority of the court to act in the first instance, the Act does not restrict application of other procedural and administrative law to judicial supervision of agency conduct. Thus, if a court were to determine that an agency has acted in violation of its statutory obligations in considering whether to approve a modification or termination of an environmental covenant, that conduct would be itself be subject to judicial scrutiny under other law of that state. Where an environmental covenant applies to real property that is otherwise subject to one of the doctrines listed in Subsection (c) [(3)], circumstances may arise in which the protections of the covenant are not needed. For example, rights gained by adverse possession would be limited by the environmental covenant’s restrictions where a house had been inadvertently placed on real property subject to an environmental covenant that precluded residential use. In a case such as these, modification of the covenant can be sought pursuant to Section 10 [§ 55-3010]. Seeking such a modification will ensure that appropriate consideration will be given to residual environmental risks.

Section 9(a)(5) [§ 55-3009(1)(e)] has specific requirements for an exercise of eminent domain that modifies or terminates an environmental covenant. The applicability of this Act’s eminent domain requirements to an eminent domain action under federal law will be determined by that law.

On the other hand, if the eminent domain proceeding were to go forward without the need to terminate or amend the environmental covenant, the existing covenant would remain in place and then the approval required by this subsection of the Act would not apply.

The Act intends that a court, in considering this section, would apply the doctrine of changed circumstances in its traditional sense — that is, as a proposed modification of the covenant to reduce or eliminate its burden. This section does not provide a substitute procedure for modifying a covenant to increase the burden on the real property. Such an outcome would be antithetical to the careful balancing of interests embedded in the Act. It would also be inconsistent with the expectations of owners and legally liable parties who have entered into the covenant with an expectation that the burden would not be increased except pursuant to the procedures set out in this Act.

In contrast, to avoid any suggestion of impairment of contract, the Act confirms that prior mortgages and other lien holders, upon foreclosure, may extinguish a subsequent covenant that was not subordinated. The lien holder in that case, of course, would still be faced with the physical condition of the property and the agency would have whatever regulations and rights against such an owner that state and federal law afforded.

The basic policy of this Act to ensure that environmental covenants survive impairment is consistent with the broad policy articulated in the Restatement of the Law of Property (Servitudes) Third, §7.9.

Note:

Note: Idaho did not adopt the optional subsection (4) in the uniform act.

States that do not have a Marketable Record Title Act or a Dominant Mineral Interests Act will not need subsection (d). States that do have either or both of these acts may choose to put this exception in the respective statute rather than in this Act.

The exception to the Marketable Record Title Act and the Dormant Mineral Interests Act in optional (d) is analogous to exceptions commonly made for conservation and preservation servitudes. Restatement of the Law of Property Third (Servitudes) § 7.16(5) (1998). It is based on the public importance of ensuring continued enforcement of environmental covenants to protect human health and the environment. For states adopting the registry of environmental covenants to be kept by the [insert name of state regulatory agency for environmental protection] under Section 12 of this Act, the cost of extending title searches to this registry should be low.

If there is any question whether a specific environmental covenant is exempt from the requirements of the Marketable Record Title Act or the Dominant Mineral Interests Act, the agency should comply with that Act by re-recording the covenant within the relevant act’s specified statutory period. This will ensure that the covenant is not extinguished under either of these acts.

Finally, the fact that the Act specifies that notice of either an eminent domain proceeding or an action to apply the doctrine of changed circumstances be given to persons identified in Section 10 does not mean that other persons might not also be entitled to notice of the action or to intervene as parties in the action under other legal principles. Other state law may require such notice and this Act does not affect such other, additional notice requirements.

§ 55-3010. Amendment or termination by consent.

  1. An environmental covenant may be amended or terminated by consent only if the amendment or termination is signed by:
    1. The agency;
    2. Unless waived by the agency, the current owner of the fee simple of the real property subject to the covenant;
    3. Each person that originally signed the covenant, unless the person waived in a signed record the right to consent or a court finds that the person no longer exists or cannot be located or identified with the exercise of reasonable diligence; and
    4. Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4)(b) of this section, the holder.
  2. If an interest in real property is subject to an environmental covenant, the interest is not affected by an amendment of the covenant unless the current owner of the interest consents to the amendment or has waived in a signed record the right to consent to amendments.
  3. Except for an assignment undertaken pursuant to a governmental reorganization, assignment of an environmental covenant to a new holder is an amendment.
  4. Except as otherwise provided in an environmental covenant:
    1. A holder may not assign its interest without consent of the other parties;
    2. A holder may be removed and replaced by agreement of the other parties specified in subsection (1) of this section; and
    3. A court of competent jurisdiction may fill a vacancy in the position of holder.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3010, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

A variety of circumstances may lead the parties to wish to amend an environmental covenant to change its activity and use limitations or to terminate the covenant.

Subsection (a) [(1)] specifies the parties that must consent to the amendment. Subsection (a)(3) [(1)(c)] reaches a party that originally signed the covenant whether or not it was an owner of the real property. Such parties might typically be ones which were liable for some or all of the environmental remediation specified in the environmental response project, including contingent liability for future remediation. This provision is intended to apply to successors in interest to the party which originally signed the covenant where the successor continues to be subject to the contingent liability under the environmental response project.

Some of the original parties to the covenant may have signed the covenant because they have contingent liability for future remediation should it become necessary. The extension of that liability to successor businesses is a complex subject controlled by the underlying state or federal environmental law creating the liability. See Blumberg, Strasser and Fowler, The Law of Corporate Groups: Statutory Law, 2002 Annual Supplement, § 18.02 and § 18.02.4 (Aspen, 2002) and Blumberg and Strasser, The Law of Corporate Groups: Statutory Law-State §§ 15.03.2 and 15.03.3 (Aspen, 1995). Where the party that originally signed the covenant has been merged into or otherwise become part of another business entity for purposes of future cleanup liability, subsection (a)(3) [(1)(c)] is intended to require the consent of that successor entity rather than the consent of the original party. 2. In considering the potential liability of successor businesses, as discussed above, it is important to understand the dual chains of successors that a particular circumstance presents — (1) successors to ownership of the business that originally caused the contamination; and (2) successors to owners of the contaminated real property. Particularly when contamination occurred many years ago, those chains of successors may be very different.

Consider this hypothetical — although very typical — situation:

Real Property Ownership.

In 1950, Peter Plating closed its Hartford plating operation, and sold the land and factory to Rabbit Warehouses, Inc. Rabbit used the factory for 25 years as a storage facility, and then sold the factory in 1975 to Ernie Entrepreneur, an individual, who bought the land with the proceeds of a first mortgage from First Local Bank.

Ernie used the factory for light manufacturing until 1985. He also leased part of the site to Acme Auto Repair, Inc. Acme dumped used oil and degreasers into its own sump on the lot. At some unknown date, Acme ceased operations.

In 1985, after Ernie learned of the contamination, he transferred ownership of the land to a corporation — Ernie, Inc. Ernie and his wife owned all the stock of the new corporation. In 1986, Ernie ceased operations, abandoned the factory, and moved with his family to an island off North Carolina. Ernie, Inc. was later administratively dissolved under state law for failure to file its annual reports.

First Local Bank started foreclosure in 1986, learned of the contamination, and withdrew the foreclosure action because of its reluctance to be in the chain of title. The Bank still holds the mortgage, but long ago wrote off the debt on its books.

Real property taxes have not been paid since 1984. City officials started to foreclose for unpaid taxes, but when they learned of the contamination, they, like First Local Bank, decided not to foreclose.

In 2002, the City demolished the factory as a safety measure, put a fence around it and put a $200,000 demolition lien on the property. Today, the site is abandoned, and neighborhood children play games on the lot after crawling under the fence. Clean-up costs are estimated at $1.6 million; a “clean” 1.5-acre lot in this run-down neighborhood recently sold for $50,000.

The traditional “chain of title” doctrine in real property suggests that successive owners and operators of the real property, beginning with the original owner or tenant that caused contamination of the real property, may all have potential liability. In chronological order, they include: (1) Peter Plating, Inc.; (2) Rabbit Warehousing, Inc. (3) Ernie Entrepreneur, individually; (4) Acme Auto Repair, Inc.; and (5) Ernie, Inc.

Stock and Asset Ownership.

Assume this Act had been in effect in 1940, and Peter Plating, Inc. had signed the original environmental covenant. If the agency wishes in 2003 to amend the 1940 covenant, it will be important to determine who must sign on behalf of Peter Plating — the person who originally signed the covenant in 1940 — as required by subsection 10(a)(3) [(1)(c)].

3. Note also that Ernie, Inc. — the current owner — has abandoned the property and moved out of state. Neither this corporation nor Ernie Entrepreneur, as an individual, is likely to cooperate in signing a new covenant today or an amendment to an original covenant that was signed in 1940. This may pose practical difficulties in satisfying the requirements of Section 10(a)(2) [§ 55-3010(1)(b)].

4. In order to secure the consents required by this section, it is likely that the agency will require the party seeking the amendment to provide notice to the parties whose consent is required by the statute.

5. Note that this section does not require the consent of intermediate owners of the real property — in our example, if the original owner in 1940 was Peter Plating, and the current owner is Ernie, Inc., then Rabbit Warehouses, Inc., would not be required to approve an amendment to the covenant. Rabbit would have been bound by the covenant when it bought the parcel in 1975. Since there is no allegation that Rabbit took any action in violation of the covenant, and Rabbit conveyed the property to Ernie without retention of any interest in the property, Rabbit would not be affected by the covenant and therefore need not sign the amendment.

6. Finally, the covenant may be amended or terminated with respect only to a portion of the real property that was originally subject to the covenant. Thus, for example, if a covenant originally covered 100 acres of real property and as a result of remediation activity, 50 acres of the site eventually became completely free of contamination and pose no further environmental risk, the parties might agree to terminate the activity and use limitations on the cleaned up 50 acres while leaving the covenant in place on the remaining land.

7. As provided in Section 11(b) [§ 55-3011(2)], this Act does not limit the agency’s regulatory authority under other law to regulate an environmental response project and the agency may be well advised to consider the implication of this provision in drafting a specific environmental covenant. Thus, for example, if new science suggested a need for additional monitoring or remediation at a contaminated site beyond that mandated in a recorded environmental covenant applicable to that site, the agency’s authority to require that additional work would depend on other law, while its authority to impose the remediation cost on other parties may depend both on that law and on the terms of any prior agreements the agency may have executed with potentially liable parties.

Under this Act, however, the agency would be prevented from administratively releasing or amending real property covenants without approval of the parties designated in this section. Given the potential legal liability of the parties in the two chains of title who may be affected by an amendment to or termination of the covenant, this is an appropriate outcome.

However, over time, it may not be practical to identify the original parties or their corporate successors in order to secure their consent. Section 10(a)(3) [§ 55-3010(1)(c)] provides a judicial mechanism by which the need for absent parties’ consent may be avoided.

The same section highlights the possibility that the agency might seek the agreement of the original parties to future amendments of the covenant, without the need for later consent. Such a waiver might be attractive to original parties, depending on the extent to which the agency was willing to hold original parties harmless from the liability that might otherwise accrue from a claimed injury following a use once prohibited by the original covenant, and depending also on the overall cost of the transaction. Where there is a change in either the current knowledge of remaining contamination or the current understanding of the environmental risks it presents, the agency may conclude that the environmental response project should be changed or new regulatory action taken. The agency’s ability to take such action is contemplated by § 11(b) [§ 55-3011(2)] but, in the absence of consent, is not governed by this Act.

The agency may wish to consider whether the following parties have a sufficient interest in a particular proposal to make notice of the proposed amendment to them advisable:

  1. All affected local governments;
  2. The state regulatory agency for environmental protection if it is not the agency for this environmental response project;
  3. All persons holding an interest of record in the real property;
  4. All persons known to have an unrecorded interest in the real property;
  5. All affected persons in possession of the real property;
  6. All owners of the fee or any other interests in abutting real property and any other property likely to be affected by the proposed modification;
  7. All persons specifically designated to have enforcement powers in the covenant; and
  8. The public.

The agency may also wish to consider whether the notice should include any of the following:

(1) New information showing that the risks posed by the residual contamination are less or greater than originally thought;

(2) Information demonstrating that the amount of residual contamination has diminished; and

(3) Information demonstrating that one or more activity limitations or use restrictions is no longer necessary.

§ 55-3011. Enforcement of environmental covenant.

  1. A civil action for injunctive or other equitable relief for violation of an environmental covenant may be maintained by:
    1. A party to the covenant;
    2. The agency or, if it is not the agency, the Idaho department of environmental quality;
    3. Any person to whom the covenant expressly grants power to enforce;
    4. A person whose interest in the real property or whose collateral or liability may be affected by the alleged violation of the covenant; or
    5. A municipality or other unit of local government in which the real property subject to the covenant is located.
  2. This chapter does not limit the regulatory authority of the agency or the Idaho department of environmental quality under law other than this chapter with respect to an environmental response project.
  3. A person is not responsible for or subject to liability for environmental remediation solely because it has the right to enforce an environmental covenant.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3011, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Department of environmental quality,§ 39-104.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

  1. Subsection (a) [(1)] specifies which persons may bring an action to enforce an environmental covenant.
  2. Importantly, the Act seeks to distinguish between the expanded rights granted to enforce the covenant in accordance with its terms, and actions for money damages, restitution, tort claims and the like.
  3. The Act does not authorize any claims for damages, restitution, court costs, attorneys’ fees or other such awards. Standing to bring such claims, and the bases for any such cause of action, must be found, if at all, under other law. At the same time, while this action does not authorize any such cause of action, it does not bar them if available under other law.
  4. Subsection (b) [(2)] recognizes that in many situations the statutes authorizing an environmental response project will provide substantial authority for governmental enforcement of an environmental covenant in addition to rights specified in the environmental covenant.

This Act confers standing to enforce an environmental covenant on persons other than the agency and other parties to the covenant because of the important policies underlying compliance with the terms of the covenant. Thus, for example, in the case of a covenant approved by a federal agency on real property which has been conveyed out of federal ownership, the Act confers standing on a state agency to enforce the covenant, even though the agency may not have signed it. Further, a local affected government is empowered to seek injunctive relief to enforce a covenant to which it may not be a party. In both cases, absent this Act, those state and municipal agencies might not have standing to enforce a covenant, and might simply be relegated to seeking standing under other law.

Similarly, the mandated ‘holder’ has a statutory right to enforce the covenant under this section, since the holder must be a party to the covenant. Over time, the holder may come to play a significant role in the monitoring and enforcement process. On the other hand, the Act does not provide any authority for a citizens’ suit to enforce a covenant, although other law may authorize such suits. This Act does not affect that other law.

§ 55-3012. Registry — Substitute notice.

  1. The Idaho department of environmental quality shall establish and maintain a registry that contains all environmental covenants and any amendment or termination of those covenants. The registry may also contain any other information concerning environmental covenants and the real property subject to them which the department of environmental quality considers appropriate. The registry is a public record.
  2. After an environmental covenant or an amendment or termination of a covenant is filed in the registry established and maintained pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, a notice of the covenant, amendment, or termination that complies with this section may be recorded in the land records in lieu of recording the entire covenant. Any such notice must contain:
    1. A legally sufficient description and any available street address of the real property subject to the covenant;
    2. The name and address of the owner of the fee simple interest in the real property, the agency, and the holder if other than the agency;
    3. A statement that the covenant, amendment, or termination is available in a registry at the department of environmental quality, which discloses the method of any electronic access; and
    4. A statement that the notice is notification of an environmental covenant executed pursuant to this chapter.
  3. A statement in substantially the following form, executed with the same formalities as a deed in this state, satisfies the requirements of subsection (2) of this section:

“1. This notice is filed in the land records of the (political subdivision) of (insert name of jurisdiction in which the real property is located) pursuant to section 55-3012, Idaho Code.

2. This notice and the covenant, amendment or termination to which it refers may impose significant obligations with respect to the property described below.

3. A legal description of the property is attached as Exhibit A to this notice. The address of the property that is subject to the environmental covenant is (insert address of property) (not available).

4. The name and address of the owner of the fee simple interest in the real property on the date of this notice is (insert name of current owner of the property and the owner’s current address as shown on the tax records of the jurisdiction in which the property is located).

5. The environmental covenant, amendment or termination was signed by (insert name and address of the agency).

6. The environmental covenant, amendment or termination was filed in the registry on (insert date of filing).

7. The full text of the covenant, amendment or termination and any other information required by the agency is on file and available for inspection and copying in the registry maintained for that purpose by the Idaho department of environmental quality.”.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-3012, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

STATUTORY NOTES

Cross References.

Department of environmental quality,§ 39-104.

Compiler’s Notes.

The words enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

COMMENT TO OFFICIAL TEXT

  1. This section should be used only by states that require creation of a registry of environmental covenants pursuant to this optional Section. At the time this Act was promulgated, Section 101 of CERCLA had recently been amended to encourage states to create registries of sites where remediation work had been completed; see Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act, Pub. L. No. 107-118 § 128(b)(1)(C) (2002). The Act anticipates that in those states that choose to create such a registry for federal law purposes, this section would prove useful in integrating local land recording systems with a single, state-wide registry.
  2. The notice specified in this Section may be recorded in the land records in lieu of recording the environmental covenant. However, such a notice should be authorized only if the registry is established and the environmental covenant is recorded there. Where there is no separate registry, the environmental covenant must be recorded in the land records and this notice would not be used.
  3. A description of the property under subsection (b)(1) [(2)(a)] may include identification by latitude/longitude coordinates. Note also that a description of the location of the contamination itself on the site may require considerably more detail than the description of the real property subject to the covenant; see the discussion of this subject in the comments to Section 4 [§ 55-3004].
  4. The web address required to be contained in the notice by subsection (c)(7) [requirement not adopted by Idaho] should reflect the most direct means of identifying the full covenant and accompanying information. As appropriate, the address may require a specific internet address, page or name reference, document number of other unique identifying name, number or symbol.

A registry created under this optional section could be self-funding, in the same way that the corporate records departments of most Secretaries of State offices and the land recording offices of most counties and municipalities are self-funding.

§ 55-3013. Uniformity of application and construction.

In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-3013, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

§ 55-3014. Relation to electronic signatures in global and national commerce act.

This chapter modifies, limits, or supersedes the federal electronic signatures in global and national commerce act (15 U.S.C. section 7001 et seq.) but does not modify, limit, or supersede section 101 of that act (15 U.S.C. section 7001(a)) or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 103 of that act (15 U.S.C. section 7003(b)).

History.

I.C.,§ 55-3014, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The references enclosed in parentheses so appeared in the law as enacted.

§ 55-3015. Severability.

The provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable and if any provision of this chapter or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid for any reason, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.

History.

I.C.,§ 55-3015, as added by 2006, ch. 15, § 1, p. 34.

Chapter 31 PROHIBITION OF TRANSFER FEE COVENANTS

Sec.

§ 55-3101. Legislative findings.

  1. The public policy of this state favors the transferability of interests in real property free from unreasonable restraints on alienation and covenants or servitudes that do not touch and concern the property.
  2. A transfer fee covenant violates the public policy of this state by impairing the marketability of title to the affected real property and constitutes an unreasonable restraint on alienation, regardless of the duration of the covenant or the amount of the transfer fee set forth in the covenant.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3101, as added by 2011, ch. 107, § 1, p. 273.

STATUTORY NOTES

Effective Dates.

Section 2 of S.L. 2011, ch. 107 declared an emergency. Approved March 22, 2011.

§ 55-3102. Definitions.

As used in this section:

  1. “Association” means a nonprofit, mandatory membership organization comprised of owners of homes, condominiums, cooperatives, manufactured homes or any interest in real property, created pursuant to a declaration, covenant or other applicable law.
  2. “Transfer” means the sale, gift, grant, conveyance, assignment, inheritance or other transfer of an interest in real property located in this state.
  3. “Transfer fee” means a fee or charge payable upon the transfer of an interest in real property or payable for the right to make or accept such transfer, regardless of whether the fee or charge is a fixed amount or is determined as a percentage of the value of the property, the purchase price or other consideration given, but shall not include any tax, assessment, fee or charge imposed by a governmental authority or taxing district pursuant to applicable laws, ordinances or regulations or any obligation imposed by a court order, judgment or decree.
  4. “Transfer fee covenant” means a provision in a document, whether recorded or not and however denominated, which purports to run with the land or bind current owners or successors in title to specified real property located in this state, and which obligates a transferee or transferor of all or part of the property to pay a fee or charge to a third person upon transfer of an interest in all or part of the property, or in consideration for permitting any such transfer. The term “transfer fee covenant” shall not include:
    1. Any provision of a purchase contract, option, mortgage, security agreement, real property listing agreement, lease or other agreement which obligates one (1) party to the agreement to pay the other, as full or partial consideration for the agreement or for a waiver of rights under the agreement, an amount determined by the agreement, if that amount is: (i) payable on a one-time basis only upon the next transfer of an interest in the specified real property and, once paid, shall not bind successors in title to the property; and (ii) constitutes a loan assumption or similar fee charged by a lender holding a lien on the property; or
    2. Any provision in a deed, memorandum or other document recorded for the purpose of providing record notice of an agreement described in paragraph (a) of this subsection; or
    3. Any provision in a mortgage, deed of trust or promissory note secured by a mortgage or deed of trust; or
    4. Any commission payable to a licensed real estate broker for the transfer of real property pursuant to an agreement between the broker and the transferor or transferee; or
    5. Any fee charged that is a typical or common real estate closing cost, including closing or escrow fees, settlement fees, attorney’s fees or title insurance premiums and fees; or
    6. Any provision of a document requiring payment of a fee or charge to an association or any entity that operates for the benefit of the association, its members or property of the association or its members to be used exclusively for purposes authorized in the document, so long as no portion of the fee is required to be passed through to a third-party designated or identifiable by description in the document or another document referenced therein; or
    7. Any provision of a document requiring payment of any fee or charge under the housing or financing programs of the Idaho housing and finance association; or
History.

(h) Any provision in any purchase contract, option, mortgage, security agreement, real property listing agreement or lease that obligates one (1) party to the agreement to pay the other consideration for assignment or transfer of the agreement. History.

I.C.,§ 55-3102, as added by 2011, ch. 107, § 1, p. 273.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

For more on the Idaho housing and finance association, see http://www.ihfa.org .

Effective Dates.

Section 2 of S.L. 2011, ch. 107 declared an emergency. Approved March 22, 2011.

§ 55-3103. Real estate transfer fees unlawful.

  1. A transfer fee covenant recorded after the effective date of this section, or any lien to the extent that it purports to secure the payment of a transfer fee, is not binding upon or enforceable against the affected real property or any subsequent owner, purchaser or mortgagee of any interest in the property.
  2. Nothing in this section shall imply that a transfer fee covenant recorded prior to the effective date of this section is valid or enforceable.
  3. A person who records a transfer fee covenant, files a lien that purports to secure payment of a transfer fee or enters into an agreement imposing a private transfer fee obligation shall be liable for:
    1. Any and all damages resulting from the imposition of the transfer fee obligation on the transfer of an interest in the real property, including the amount of any transfer fee paid by a party to the transfer.
    2. All attorney’s fees, expenses and costs incurred by a party to the transfer or mortgagee of the real property to recover the transfer fee paid or in connection with an action to quiet title.
History.

I.C.,§ 55-3103, as added by 2011, ch. 107, § 1, p. 273.

STATUTORY NOTES

Compiler’s Notes.

The phrase “the effective date of this section” in subsections (1) and (2) refers to the effective date of S.L. 2011, ch. 107, § 1, which was effective March 22, 2011.

Effective Dates.

Section 2 of S.L. 2011, ch. 107 declared an emergency. Approved March 22, 2011.