§628 Patents to Entered but Unpatented Land

Summary

A buyer of entered but unpatented land that is not covered by the Reclamation Act of June seventeenth, nineteen hundred and two can get a government patent after the redemption period ends if no one redeems. To get the patent the buyer or their assignee must pay the minimum price of $1.25 per acre (or any price fixed by law), plus the usual homestead fees and commissions. They must also show the irrigation works have been built and water is available. The buyer or assignee must meet homestead or desert-land entry qualifications. No more than 160 acres may be patented to one purchaser under this chapter. Sales to irrigation districts are not limited by the 160-acre rule, but people who later buy from those districts are limited. If the original purchaser fails to pay within 90 days after redemption ends, any qualified homestead or desert-land entryman may pay the unpaid price, fees, and commissions for up to 160 acres. After proving they paid the purchaser or the proper officer the amount the land brought at the tax sale plus allowed interest and penalties, that person takes the purchaser’s right to the patent. If land inside an approved irrigation district becomes vacant, a new applicant must also show a certificate from the district or county officer proving all district charges and the amounts due holders of tax or delinquency certificates (with interest and penalties) have been paid.