US-New YorkDoes the government have to pay for my relocation costs after condemnation?
Yes, under New York law, the government must pay for your reasonable relocation costs if your property is taken by condemnation.
What the Law Says
New York’s Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act Implementation Law (URA) requires state and local agencies to provide relocation assistance when acquiring private property for public use.
If your home, business, or farm is acquired through eminent domain (condemnation), you are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable, necessary relocation expenses. This includes moving costs, replacement housing payments, and certain business reestablishment expenses.
The law applies to acquisitions by state agencies, municipalities, and other public entities acting under state authority. It covers both residential and non-residential displacements.
Relocation payments are separate from just compensation for the property itself — they are mandatory and cannot be waived.
Statutory TextAny person displaced from real property as a result of acquisition… shall be entitled to relocation assistance and payments as provided in this article.
— Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act Implementation Law, Art. 3, § 301 — Entitlement to relocation assistance
Statutory TextThe amount paid for moving expenses shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars… and shall be based on actual, reasonable, and necessary expenses incurred.
— Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act Implementation Law, Art. 3, § 304 — Moving expenses
What Courts Have Said
New York courts have affirmed that relocation assistance is a statutory right, not discretionary, and must be timely and fully provided.
The court held that failure to offer relocation assistance before acquisition violates URA and renders the taking procedurally defective.
Relocation payments must be calculated based on actual documented expenses — agencies may not impose arbitrary caps below the $25,000 statutory maximum without justification.
What to Do
Receive written notice of displacement and relocation rights within 30 days of acquisition decision.
Submit itemized receipts and documentation of moving, storage, and reestablishment costs within 90 days of displacement.
Request a relocation advisory service from the acquiring agency — they must assign a counselor.
If denied or underpaid, file an appeal with the agency within 30 days; then petition Supreme Court under CPLR Article 78 if unresolved.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.