What is a “vacant” or “blighted” property?
If no one is living in or using a property then it is vacant. A blighted vacant property is unsafe, insanitary, or otherwise threatens the community’s health, safety, or general welfare.

How are vacant and blighted properties reported?

First check if the vacant property is already showing up on the “Vacant Properties” tab of DOB’s Public Dashboard. If not, report it here: Report Vacant/Blighted Property.

What happens after a property is reported?

DOB will inspect the property. If deemed vacant or blighted, a sticker will be placed on the property and the owner will be sent a notice so that they can register.

Owners can also clarify if the property is actually occupied, which DOB will confirm with another inspection.

Is DOB responsible for vacant lots?

It depends on the lot ownership. 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 the enforcement of vacant lots owned by the District government. In addition, many lots, properties, and public spaces are the federal government’s responsibility.

Does DOB handle squatters on vacant property?

No. Squatter matters should be reported to the Metropolitan Police Department. If the squatters are removed, the property remains open and accessible and a DOB inspection deems it vacant, then DOB will board and secure it.

Does DOB fix violations for vacant properties?

DOB has a team that performs some violation abatement itself. Primarily this is mowing overgrown grass and weeds or picking up trash. The District’s nuisance abatement fund can be used to pay contractors to perform larger jobs like boarding up open and accessible vacant properties, but resources for this function are limited and so DOB must be highly selective in what it can fix.

Is the District’s list of registered vacant properties public information?

Yes. The “Vacant Properties” tab on DOB’s Public Dashboard provides real-time information about all vacant and blighted properties in the District.

Does DOB sell vacant properties?

No. DOB does not sell vacant property. The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) may sell a property at a tax sale when certain criteria are met.

What properties have to be registered?

Property that is vacant and/or blighted for 90 days or more as defined by District of Columbia Title 42 must be registered. The registration is valid for one fiscal year, and must be renewed during the fiscal year cycle if the property’s status is unchanged.

Why register vacant/blighted properties?

The goal is for DOB to work with owners to bring such properties back into productive use and protect public health, safety and welfare. Registering allows DOB to have reliable owner contact information to best ensure those properties do not become  community nuisances.

Who must register a vacant/blighted property?

The vacant property owner or agent must register each property. If they fail to do so, after DOB inspection, the agency may classify the property as vacant without the owner’s input, which increases the property taxes. Registration allows the owner or agent to apply for exemptions or clarify that the property is not vacant.

How do vacant/blighted properties get registered?

Learn more about registering a vacant property on our Vacant Buildings webpage, or use the Citizen Access Portal.

How much does registration cost?

The initial registration fee is $350 and the annual renewal fee is $500, effective October 1, 2025. (The previous fee was $250.)

What are the penalties for not registering a property?

Failure to register may result in fines of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000 each year for each offense, as well as increased property taxes.

How often must properties be registered?

Properties must be registered every fiscal year, beginning each October 1.

What if my property becomes legally occupied?

A property may be removed from the registration list by providing proof 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 DOB deems a property as occupied, all stickers can be removed. Stickers should not be removed before then. A property’s status does not change if stickers deteriorate and become illegible. Use the “Vacant Properties” page on DOB’s Public Dashboard to confirm a property’s classification.

What happens to taxes on a vacant or blighted property?

Vacant and blighted properties are subject to higher tax rates from the Office of Tax and Revenue, as follows:

• Vacant properties: Class 3 tax rate of 5%
• Blighted properties: Class 4 tax rate of 10%

Taxes are billed twice a year (October - March, and April - September) by the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR). Applying for an exemption for both halves of the tax year can help avoid higher taxes.

What are the exemption criteria?

Vacant properties may be eligible for a limited exemption from the Class 3 property tax rate if certain conditions are met. Blighted properties are ineligible for exemptions unless proof is provided of repairs that remove the blight.

The exemptions are:

1. The property is under active construction or rehabilitation, renovation, or repair.
2. The owner is seeking to sell or rent.
3. The property is subject to a probate proceeding or the title is subject to litigation.
4. The property is the subject of pending application approvals before the Board of Zoning Adjustment, Zoning Commission, Commission on Fine Arts, Historic Preservation Review Board, Mayor’s Agent for Historic Preservation, the Department of Public Works, or National Capital Planning Commission
5. Substantial economic or personal hardship, including, but not limited to individual bankruptcy; significant medical events; unemployment due to involuntary termination; impact of natural disaster or fire (not involving criminal activity or negligence); individuals age 60 or older receiving social security disability insurance, or age 65 or older with a median family income of no more than 120% who have experienced medical, personal, or financial hardship in the past 180 days.

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 OTR promptly, but it may take two to three business days after approval to reflect in OTR’s records. If you have already paid the taxes for a period reclassified as exempt, please contact OTR at mytax.dc.gov to resolve.