What must the government provide when exercising eminent domain?

When the government exercises eminent domain, it is required to provide just compensation to the property owner for the taking of their property. This ensures that the property owner is fairly compensated for the loss of their property, which is protected under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The concept of just compensation means that the government must pay the property owner an amount that reflects the fair market value of the property at the time of the taking. This principle is crucial in maintaining a balance between the government's need to use private property for public purposes—such as building roads or schools—and the property owner's rights.

Providing just compensation helps protect property owners from being unfairly deprived of their land without receiving appropriate monetary value in return. While written notices, public hearings, and rental agreements may be part of the process surrounding eminent domain, the essential requirement that directly addresses the taking of property is the provision of just compensation.