Vacant and Blighted Properties
DOB’s main goal is to bring vacant properties back into productive use. DOB's Vacant and Blighted Properties team responds to complaints to make determinations about occupancy status and sends notifications regarding vacant and blighted buildings to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.
Please follow the link below to report or schedule an inspection regarding a vacant or blighted property:
Report Vacant/Blighted Property
As a reminder, all rodent, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, fallen trees, mold, or squatter-based issues should be reported to DC311 for resolution.
Contact DC311
Curious about the status of your residential property and if it has been deemed vacant or blighted? Check out DOB's Vacant Property section of its Public Dashboard:
Vacant Property Registration
The law requires all vacant and blighted properties to be registered with the District. Failure to register may result in fines. Even if you don’t register voluntarily, DOB may classify your property as vacant or blighted and your tax bill will increase. But registration also allows a chance to receive an exemption from the higher taxes.
How can I register my vacant or blighted property?
Vacant Property Registration
- Create a Citizen Access Portal account using Access DC.
- Register with Vacant Building Enforcement
- Select Online application
- Click Building20 arrow and select “Vacant Property Registration”
- Continue filling out the required information. Make sure Under Step 2 that Vacant is selected
- Complete the payment process via our online payment portal.
Blighted Property Registration
Note: Blighted properties (Class 4 under DC Code) are not eligible for exemptions
- Fill Out the Blighted Building Response Form
- Complete the payment process via our online payment portal.
Can I get my property re-occupied with a business quickly?
If your property is in good condition and can be occupied by a business without substantial repairs or renovation, you may qualify for a Pop Up Permit (PUP).
My property is vacant; can I get an exemption?
The following categories may entitle you to an exemption
- I have applied for a permit from DOB that will return the property to occupancy and have submitted all the required documents for DOB’s review.
- My property is under active construction, with appropriate permits issued and inspections occurring.
- The owner is/I am actively seeking to rent or sell.
- My 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 History Preservation, the Department of Public Works or National Capital Planning Commission.
- The property is the subject of a probate proceeding or the title is the subject of litigation (not including a foreclosure of the right of redemption.
- Substantial undue economic hardship exemption
- You may apply for an exemption by completing a hard-copy Vacant Building Response Form, or online through our Citizen Access online portal below:
Appeal Resources
If you are seeking to appeal a blighted determination, please download, complete, and send the completed form to [email protected]. While these documents may also be mailed to DOB, digital completion may result in faster response times.