Washington CORE recently spoke with Mr. Peter A. Tatian, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute and U.S. housing policy expert, to discuss the long-standing issue of “heirs’ property” in the United States — land and homes passed down without formal wills, often resulting in complex ownership and vulnerability to land loss.

Tatian explained how these “tangled titles” disproportionately affect Black and low-income families. Without clear legal ownership, families often struggle to pay property taxes, access disaster aid or home improvement programs.

The interview further explored community initiatives and policy efforts aimed at addressing these issues — including Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act (UPHPA), community organizers’ advocacy programs, and education on legacy planning.

By shedding light on this hidden but critical housing challenge, Tatian emphasized the importance of protecting generational wealth and ensuring that families can retain and benefit from their inherited homes.

Read the full insights article here.