Evictions From Baja Homes

Re “Americans Face Eviction From Baja Resort Homes,” Sept. 3:

I have a certain amount of sympathy for retirees who may be losing homes in Punta Banda in Ensenada due to a title dispute. However, they could have easily avoided the risk of the situation by ordering a search of the title in the public registry beforehand. Anyone signing a lease owes it to himself or herself to know who the real landlord is.

The article suggests that a loophole allows foreigners to lease property, not own it, within 65 miles of the border or 35 miles of the Mexican coastline for terms of up to 50 years. The distances and time frame are correct for the legal avenue of ownership through a bank trust; they have nothing to do with leases, however. Residential lease agreements are limited to 10 years duration in Mexico and do not allow guarantees of renewal past that period.

Let’s not confuse owning and leasing. As past president of the Los Cabos MultiList Assn. and chief of the real estate special section of the Chamber of Commerce in Los Cabos, Baja California, I can assure you there is a difference. We advise both buyers and lessees in Mexico to request a preliminary title report before handing over their money.

DOUGLAS CHRISTENSEN

Cabo San Lucas

Baja California, Mexico

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Apparently it is entirely acceptable for Americans to be evicted from their homes in Mexico but Prop. 187 was a racist initiative. Right.

JOHN ZAVESKY

Los Angeles

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Perhaps Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa should plan another trip to Mexico to discuss with Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo the plight of the legal American immigrants in Mexico who are being carjacked, robbed, killed and having their property confiscated. It would seem only fair.

JACK A. BENDAR

Pacific Palisades