# Vacant Property/Enforcement Tier 2

> Vacant Property/Enforcement Tier 2AbatementDCRA's abatement process begins by scheduling an initial inspection and the posting of a notice of violation o...

Source: https://dob.kustomer.help/en_us/vacant-property-enforcement-tier-2-BJMvoqPxi

Last updated: 2025-06-23T13:09:57.453Z

# FAQ Vacant Property/Enforcement Tier 2

## Abatement

DOB's abatement process begins by scheduling an initial inspection and the posting of a notice of violation on the property. The property owner is provided 7 days to abate. The property will be re-inspected 10 business days after the abatement period expires. If the property has not been abated by the owner, DOB will attempt to locate the property owner and issue a Notice of Infraction fine. DOB's Abatement team (the "A" Team) will schedule the property for abatement. Abatement typically occurs within the next 15 business days. If DOB abates the property, a lien will be placed on the property for the cost of the abatement.

\*open and accessible will be abated without sending out NOV\* (this is considered a safety hazard)

Customer must send photos to [dcra.abatement@dc.gov](mailto:dcra.abatement@dc.gov) to show proof of abatement; this information is also located on the back of the NOI.

## Vacant Property

FOIA requests for vacant property - Gloria Shelby

If customers have questions regarding their exemption status contact vacant property directly

### What are penalties for not registering a vacant property?

Any person who violates any provision of the municipal regulation will be fined not less than $1,000.00 and not more than $2,000.00 for each offense.

#### Exemptions

1.  A property under active permitted construction or undergoing active rehabilitation, renovation or repair that seeks to restore the property to permitted condition.
2.  A property being actively marketed for rent or sale, for less than (1) year if residential and for less than (2) years if commercial.
3.  A property that is the subject of probate proceedings or the title is subject of litigation.
4.  A property may qualify as temporarily exempt if it 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.
5.  Substantial Undue Economic Hardship.
    *   With respect to determining Economic hardship some factors that DOB may consider include, but are not limited to:
        1.  the age and employment status of the applicant at the time of application
        2.  the number, age and health of the applicant's dependents
        3.  the health condition of the applicant, the applicant's child, spouse or parent that relate to the causation for Economic Hardship
        4.  any medical situations that have affected the life of the applicant or others in the family that relate to the causation for Economic Hardship
        5.  occupancy in the property and/or the legth of residency and ownership of the property within the District of Columbia
        6.  cost of living in the area the applicant resides
        7.  the financial impact caused by the applicant's claim of Economic Hardship
        8.  the impact of a disruption of educational opportunities
        9.  the education of the applicant may sometimes be considered as well
        10.  any extraordinary circumstanced, e.g., natural disaster, etc.
    *   This list is not all-inclusive and is merely representative of the types of factors the agency might consider. Other factors may be considered in making an economic hardship determination.

#### 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) twice a week. OTR may be contacted for further information at [http://otr.cfo.dc.gov](http://otr.cfo.dc.gov).