Legal Definitions - land-poor

Definition: Land-poor, adjective. (Of a person) owning a significant amount of unprofitable or encumbered land, but lacking the funds to improve or maintain the land or to pay the charges due on it.

Example: John inherited a large piece of land from his grandfather, but he doesn't have enough money to build a house or farm on it. He is land-poor.

Explanation: This example illustrates the definition of land-poor because John owns a substantial amount of land, but he cannot afford to improve or maintain it. He is unable to make a profit from the land, and he may struggle to pay the taxes or other charges associated with owning it.

Example: Mary bought a large plot of land with her savings, but she didn't realize that it was contaminated with toxic waste. She cannot afford to clean up the land, and it is now worthless. She is land-poor.

Explanation: This example also demonstrates the definition of land-poor because Mary owns a significant amount of land, but it is unprofitable and encumbered. She cannot afford to improve or maintain the land, and she cannot sell it because it is contaminated. She is stuck with a worthless piece of property that she cannot use or sell.