521 - Liens and distribution of damages.
§ 521. Liens and distribution of damages. (a) Liens.-- (1) Damages payable to a condemnee under sections 701 (relating to just compensation; other damages) through 707 (relating to removal of machinery, equipment or fixtures), 713 (relating to delay compensation), 714 (relating to consequential damages), 715 (relating to damages for vacation of roads) and 902(b)(1) and (2) (relating to moving and related expenses of displaced persons) shall be subject to a lien for all taxes and municipal claims assessed against the property and to all mortgages, judgments and other liens of record against the property for which the particular damages are payable, existing at the date of the filing of the declaration of taking. (2) The liens shall be paid out of the damages in order of priority before any payment to the condemnee, unless released. (3) In the case of a partial taking or of damages under sections 714 and 715, the lienholder shall be entitled only to an equitable pro rata share of the damages lienable under this section. (b) Distribution of damages.-- (1) The condemnor shall distribute the damages properly. If the condemnor is unable to determine proper distribution of the damages, it may, without payment into court, petition the court to distribute the damages and shall furnish the court with a schedule of proposed distribution. (2) Notice of the filing of the petition and schedule of proposed distribution shall be given to all condemnees, mortgagees, judgment creditors and other lienholders, as shown in the proposed schedule, in any manner as the court may direct by general rule or special order. (3) The court may hear the matter or may appoint a master to hear and report or may order any issue tried by the court and jury as may appear proper under all the circumstances. (4) The court shall then enter an order of distribution of the fund. Cross References. Section 521 is referred to in section 522 of this title.