What properties have to be registered?
Vacant unoccupied property for 90 days or more as defined by the District of Columbia’s Title 42. Real property must be registered.

What is the purpose of registering vacant property?

DOB wants to work with the owners of vacant property to bring it back into productive use. Registering allows DOB to have reliable contact information for owners or their agents. DOB also works with owners to comply with property maintenance standards to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public. Proper management of vacant properties prevents them from becoming a nuisance to the community.

How does one register a vacant property?
You may register a vacant property at using the Citizen Access Portal. If you have questions, please contact DOB at (202) 442-4332.

What constitutes a “vacant property”?
If no one is living in or using a property then it is vacant. If DOB’s field inspection determines the property appears vacant the property will be posted with a sticker and the owner will be provided notice so that they can register. Owners can also clarify if the property is actually occupied, which DOB will confirm with another inspection. Alternatively, owners can apply for an exemption to the higher tax status.

When must a property be registered as vacant?
When a residential or commercial property has been vacant for more than 90 days, it must be registered. The registration is valid for one year from the date of issuance. The property owner must secure a new registration annually if the property remains vacant.

How much does it cost to register a vacant property?
The initial registration fee is $350 and the annual renewal fee is $500. Fees are paid at the time of registration.

Who must register a vacant/abandoned property?
The owner or agent of the vacant property has the duty to register each vacant property. However, if the owner fails to register DOB may classify the property as vacant without the owner’s input, increasing the taxes on the property. Registration allows the owner or agent to apply for exemptions or clarify to DOB if the property is not vacant.

What are the penalties for not registering a vacant property?
Any person who violates any regulatory provision may be fined between $1,000 and $2,000 for each offense. In addition, DOB will move forward with classifying your property as vacant, which will increase taxes on the property.

What happens to taxes on a vacant or blighted property?
Vacant and blighted properties are subject to higher tax rates. Vacant properties are taxed as Class 3, which is a tax of 5% and blighted properties are taxed as Class 4, which is a tax of 10%. Please consult OTR for additional information.

What if my property becomes legally occupied?
A property may be removed from the registration list by providing proof of sale or occupancy to DOB. In most cases DOB will reinspect the property to determine occupancy. The vacancy registration fee is neither pro-rated nor refundable.

When can a vacant property sticker be removed?
Once a property has been deemed occupied by DOB, all stickers can be removed. You may not remove the sticker until occupancy is confirmed. Sometimes the passage of time causes stickers to deteriorate and become illegible. This does not impact whether the property is vacant or being taxed at a higher rate. Use the “Vacant Properties” page on DOB’s Public Dashboard to confirm whether a property is still classified as vacant or blighted.

Are there program exemptions?
There are exemptions, including:

1. An owner has applied for a permit to return the property to productive use, has submitted all required documents, and those documents are under review by DOB.
2. A property under active permitted construction or undergoing active rehabilitation, renovation or repair that seeks to restore the property to permitted condition.
3. A property being actively marketed for rent or sale, for less than six months if a single-family residential property and for less than two years for all other properties.
4. A property that is the subject of probate proceedings or the title is the subject of litigation.
5. A property is the subject of a pending application for development that requires approval of the Board of Zoning Adjustment, Zoning Commission, Commission on Fine Arts, Historic Preservation Review Board, Mayor’s Agent for Historic Preservation, or National Capital Planning Commission.
6. Substantial Undue Economic Hardship. Some factors that DOB may consider, but not  limited to, include:

• the applicant’s age and employment status at the time of application;
• the number, age, and health of the applicant’s dependents;
•  the health condition of the applicant, the applicant’s child, spouse, or parent that relate to the cause of the economic hardship;
• any medical situations that have affected the life of the applicant or family members  that relate to the cause of the economic hardship;
• occupancy in the property and/or the length of residency and ownership of the property within the District;
• cost of living where the applicant resides;
• the financial impact caused by the applicant's economic hardship claim;
• the impact of a disruption of educational opportunities;
• the applicant’s education;
• the applicant being an individual debtor in a bankruptcy action during the past 12 months;
• the applicant being impacted by a fire at the property that was not the result of criminal activity or negligence; and
• any extraordinary circumstances, e.g., natural disaster.

This list is not all-inclusive and merely represents the factors that DOB might consider; other factors may also be considered.

How long does it take for a property’s tax class to be updated once an exemption is approved?
DOB provides updates to the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) promptly during processing, but it may take two or three days after approval to reflect in OTR’s records. If you have already paid the taxes for a period that is reclassified as exempt, and are otherwise current on taxes for the property, OTR will issue you a refund for the excess paid. OTR may be contacted for further information at mytax.dc.gov.

How often do I have to register my property as vacant?
Annually, beginning October 1, each vacant property must be registered. Properties that are vacant or blighted and subject to higher tax rates, which are billed twice a year by OTR. The tax year runs from October 1, with one bill covering October to March and another covering April to September. To avoid higher tax rates you will have to secure an exemption for both halves of the tax year. DOB can help you secure exemptions for periods of up to a year at one time.

Does DOB ever fix violations itself?
Yes, DOB has a team that performs some violation abatement itself. Primarily this is mowing overgrown grass and weeds or picking up trash. DOB can also use the District’s nuisance abatement fund to pay contractors to perform larger jobs like boarding up open and accessible vacant properties, removing hazardous features, or even fixing emergency housing violations like missing smoke detectors. The resources for this function are limited and so DOB must be highly selective in what it can fix.

What is DOB’s process for direct abatement of violations?
DOB sends a notice to the property owner of what things it will be abating. If the owner doesn’t abate the problem before DOB’s team or contractor arrives on site, DOB will perform the work. After the work is performed DOB bills the property owner a lien known as a special assessment for the cost of the work. DOB’s general rates can be found here. The price for contract abatement is specific to the particular job.

How long is the abatement process?

• DOB schedules an initial inspection and posts a notice of intent to abate on the property.
• The property owner is generally given seven days to abate.
• The property will be re-inspected after the abatement period expires.
• If the property has not been abated, DOB will schedule the property for abatement, which typically occurs within the next 15 business days.
• If DOB abates the property, a lien known as a special assessment will be placed on the property for abatement costs.

Does DOB handle rodent issues?
DC Health is generally the lead agency for rodent issues. DOB does not abate rodents or infestations. DC Health can directly treat for rodents in public space, and can work with property owners to treat larger areas of a neighborhood. DOB can issue fines related to conditions of the built environment that may harbor rodents or for infestations inside buildings.

Does DOB handle fallen tree issues?
DDOT Urban Forestry Division is generally the lead agency for tree issues. Living trees are generally not considered overgrowth under the property maintenance code enforced by DOB, and larger trees are protected under DC law, even if they impact adjoining properties.

Does DOB handle squatters on vacant property?
No. DOB does not have the authority to handle squatter matters, which should be reported to the Metropolitan Police Department. If the squatters are removed and the property remains open and accessible then DOB will board and secure the property.

Is DOB responsible for vacant lots?
It depends on ownership of the lot. DOB is responsible for ensuring that vacant lots on private property meet the same requirements as vacant properties with buildings on them. The DC Department of Public Works is responsible for enforcement of vacant lots that are owned by the District government. In addition, many lots, properties, and public spaces, are the responsibility of the federal government.

Is the District’s list of registered vacant properties public information?
Yes. The “Vacant Properties” tab on DOB’s Public Dashboard gives everyone real-time information about all vacant and blighted properties in the District. If a property is already on the list you do not need to report it to DOB. But if you see a vacant property that’s not on the map please request a vacant property inspection.

Does DOB sell vacant properties?
No. DOB does not sell vacant property. If the owner fails to pay taxes on a property then OTR may sell that tax debt at a tax sale. The purchaser of the debt may foreclose on the vacant property. Please consult OTR for more information.

How can I report a vacant property?
Use the “1, 2, 3” menu on dob.dc.gov to select “Request” a “Vacant or Blighted Property Inspection” and then click “Request Now.” You may also simply click here to go directly to the form. Remember, if the vacant property is already showing up on the “Vacant Properties” tab of DOB’s Public Dashboard, you do not need to order an additional inspection.

Alternatively, you can call (202) 671-3500 with the following information

• When and why it became vacant
• Owner’s contact information
• Whether someone is illegally using the structure or openings exist that facilitate illegal access
• The property’s general condition  
• Anything else that will help address the problems associated with the property

How can I get further questions answered? 

• Use the forms on dob.dc.gov.
• Email [email protected] with your question in the subject line.
• Visit DOB at 1100 4th Street SW, during Walk-in Center hours.
• Call (202) 671-3500.