§ 15-6-418 — Assessments; redemption of sold property; procedure; notice; deed; results therefrom

(a) Any property sold for an assessment is subject to
redemption by the former owner, or his grantee, mortgagee, heir
or other representative at any time within two (2) years from
the date of the sale, upon the payment to the treasurer for the
purchaser of the amount for which the property was sold, with
interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per year, together
with all taxes and special assessments, interest, penalties,
costs and other charges thereon paid by the purchaser at or
since the sale, with like interest thereon. Unless written
notice of taxes and assessments subsequently paid, and the
amount thereof, is deposited with the city or town treasurer,
property may be redeemed without their inclusion. On any
redemption, the treasurer shall give to the redemptioner a
certificate of redemption and pay over the amount received to
the purchaser of the certificate of sale or his assigns. If
property is not redeemed within the period of two (2) years, the
treasurer, on demand of the purchaser or his assigns and the
surrender to him of the certificate of sale, shall execute a
deed for the property to the purchaser or his assigns. No deed
may be executed until the holder of the certificate of sale has
notified the owners of the property that he holds the
certificate and that he will demand a deed therefor. The notice
shall be given by personal service upon the owners. If the
owners are nonresidents of the state or cannot be found within
the state after diligent search, the notice may be given by
publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the
city or town once a week for three (3) successive weeks. The
notice and return thereof, with the affidavit of the person, or
in case of a city or town, of the comptroller or clerk, claiming
a deed, showing that service was made, shall be filed with the
treasurer. If property is not redeemed within sixty (60) days
after the date of service, or the date of the first publication
of the notice, the holder of the certificate of sale is entitled
to a deed. The deed shall be executed only for the property
described in the certificate, and after payment of all
delinquent taxes and special assessments, or installments and
certificates of delinquency or other certificates issued for
special or local assessments, whether levied, assessed or issued
before or after the issuance of the certificates of sale. Any
deed may be issued to any city or town for the face amount of
the certificate of sale, plus accrued interest, costs, penalties
and charges, and be held by the city or town subject to the
liens of general taxes and special assessments.
(b) The deed shall be:
(i) Executed in the name of the city or town by which
the improvement was made and shall recite in substance:
(A) The matters contained in the certificate of
sale;
(B) The notice to the owner; and
(C) That no redemption has been made of the
property within the time allowed by law.
(c) The deed shall be signed and acknowledged by the city
or town treasurer and is prima facie evidence that:
(i) The property was assessed according to law;
(ii) The property was not redeemed;
(iii) Due notice of demand for deed had been given;
and
(iv) The person executing the deed was the proper
officer.
(d) The deed is conclusive evidence of the regularity of
all other proceedings from the assessment, up to and including
the execution of the deed, and shall convey the entire fee
simple title to the property described, except as otherwise
provided for cities and towns, stripped of all liens and claims
except assessments for local improvements or installments
thereof not delinquent.