Fix it up and use it
If you can afford the repairs, moving in or renting the house out ends the vacancy. Once DOB confirms the house is occupied, it comes off the vacant list.
Own a vacant house in DC? The tax bill can climb fast.
How DC's vacant and blighted property rules work, what the higher Class 3 and Class 4 tax rates cost, and your options for the house.
No obligation. No pressure. Takes about 2 minutes.
How it works in DC
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1
Vacant 90 days? It has to be registered
A property that's vacant or blighted for 90 days or more must be registered with the DC Department of Buildings each fiscal year, starting October 1. The first registration is $350 and renewal is $500. Failing to register can mean fines of $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000, plus higher taxes.
Source: DC Department of Buildings: Vacant and Blighted Buildings FAQs
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2
Much higher tax rates
Most homes are taxed at $0.85 per $100 of assessed value. Vacant property (Class 3) is taxed at $5.00 per $100, and blighted property (Class 4) at $10.00 per $100. On a $500,000 assessment, that's $25,000 or $50,000 a year instead of $4,250. The Department of Buildings decides the classification.
Source: DC Office of Tax and Revenue: Real Property Tax Rates
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3
Exemptions, one year at a time
An owner can apply to keep the lower rate if the house is under active construction, being actively sold or rented (with listing documents), in probate or title litigation, waiting on a board approval, or the owner has a substantial hardship. An approved exemption covers that fiscal year only.
Source: DC Department of Buildings: Register a Vacant and/or Blighted Building as Exempt
Your real options
Sell it for cash
If repairs aren't realistic, a cash sale can close in as little as 7 days, with no fees or commissions. That can keep more Class 3 or Class 4 tax bills from adding up.
List it
If the house is in decent shape, listing may net more, and actively selling it is one of the grounds for an exemption. We'll show you the cash offer next to what listing could net.
See both numbers
Example: a $250,000 home
| Offer | $205,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | $0 |
| Commissions | $0 |
| Closing costs | $0 |
| You walk away with | $205,000 |
| In 7 to 14 days | |
| Sale price | $250,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | about $8,000 |
| Commissions | about $13,800 |
| Closing and holding | about $6,000 |
| You walk away with | about $222,200 |
| In 60 to 90 days | |
Example only. Your numbers depend on your home and market.
This page explains the general rules. It isn't legal advice. Your documents and situation may differ, so talk to the Department of Buildings, a tax professional or an attorney about your specific case.
Frequently asked questions
How much more tax does a vacant house pay in DC?
Vacant property is taxed at $5.00 per $100 of assessed value and blighted property at $10.00, compared with $0.85 for most homes. On a $500,000 assessment, that's $25,000 or $50,000 a year instead of $4,250.
Can I avoid the vacant rate while I sell?
Possibly. Actively seeking to sell or rent is one of the exemption grounds, and DOB asks for listing documents. An approved exemption covers only that fiscal year, so it has to be renewed if the house is still vacant.
Who decides if my house is vacant or blighted?
The DC Department of Buildings. It inspects reported properties, and owners can register, apply for an exemption or show that the house is actually occupied.
Who are you?
We are real estate investors based in Baltimore, helping homeowners since 2016. We buy houses directly for cash. We are not a licensed real estate brokerage and do not list homes ourselves; if listing could get you more, we show you the math so you can choose.