The Uniform Relocation Act (URA) offers limited relocation assistance to individuals and businesses displaced by certain government acquisitions or federally funded projects. These rights exist to help displaced property owners and occupants recover specific, statutorily defined relocation expenses, such as reasonable moving costs and certain reestablishment expenses.
Because detailed federal statutes and regulations govern the URA, the scope of available assistance can be narrow and complex. Ackerman & Ackerman represents property owners in eminent domain and condemnation proceedings and advises on relocation issues arising from government takings. Our role focuses on protecting the constitutional and statutory rights of property owners, not on providing general relocation or housing services.
Understanding Relocation Rights and Expenses
Relocation rights exist only within the framework of specific federal and state statutes. They are intended to mitigate the financial impact of displacement, but they do not replace or expand the constitutional right to just compensation.
Under the Uniform Relocation Act, eligible parties may receive reimbursement for actual, reasonable moving expenses and other narrowly defined relocation costs. These benefits differ from “just compensation,” which covers the fair market value of the property taken and any severance damages to the remaining property.
Homeowners, tenants, and some business occupants may qualify for limited relocation assistance. For example, residential occupants may receive reimbursement for moving personal property or temporary housing under defined statutory limits. Businesses may receive reimbursement for certain tangible relocation costs, such as moving equipment or reinstalling fixtures, but not for general business losses or reduced profits.
Importantly, the URA does not authorize recovery for “business damages” or losses to business operations, except in rare cases where a “going concern” component is recognized explicitly by law.
How We Can Help with Relocation Rights and Expenses
Ackerman & Ackerman assists property owners, tenants, and businesses who are subject to condemnation proceedings in understanding how relocation assistance may apply to their situation. Our firm evaluates relocation-related issues as part of the broader eminent domain process, ensuring that our clients receive the full measure of compensation allowed by law for property rights taken and any resulting loss in fair market value.
We also help clients coordinate with condemning agencies to verify relocation eligibility and reimbursement, while safeguarding their constitutional rights to just compensation. When relocation disputes intersect with condemnation, our attorneys have the experience to negotiate or litigate for fair and lawful treatment.
Our guidance is grounded in decades of experience representing property owners in eminent domain and relocation matters.
Why Choose Ackerman & Ackerman?
Ackerman & Ackerman is a well-established leader in eminent domain and relocation law. The firm has written what is considered the premier articles on relocation rights.
We focus exclusively on representing property owners and tenants in condemnation and relocation cases. This means that we have the knowledge and experience to handle these complex matters effectively.
Our team is highly experienced in the details of the Uniform Relocation Act (URA), and we work tirelessly to protect the rights of those displaced by government and private acquisitions. Every client receives focused attention to achieve fair and complete compensation for relocation expenses and any related costs.
Get in touch with us to protect your rights and ensure that your relocation expenses are fully covered.