Vacant Property Registration

Once a property in foreclosure becomes vacant, the mortgage company is responsible for registering it with the City, paying an annual registration fee, keeping the City's contact information up to date, and ensuring the property is properly secured and maintained until it is occupied or ownership changes.

When a Property Should Be Registered as Vacant

• If a homeowner stops making mortgage payments, the mortgage company must inspect the property before starting foreclosure.
• If the home is vacant or appears abandoned, the mortgage company has 10 days after the inspection to register the property with the City's Community Development Department.
• If the home is still occupied but the owner is in default, the mortgage company must inspect it once a month until:
  • the homeowner catches up on the mortgage, or
  • the property becomes vacant. If it becomes vacant, the mortgage company has 10 days to register it with the City.
• These requirements also apply if:
  • the mortgage company acquires the property through a foreclosure sale, or
  • the property is transferred to the mortgage company instead of going through foreclosure (known as a deed in lieu of foreclosure).
• The property must stay registered and continue to meet the City's security and maintenance requirements for as long as it remains vacant.

Process for Registering a Vacant Property

• When registering the property, the mortgage company must provide:
  • its name,
  • a physical mailing address (no P.O. Boxes),
  • a contact person's name and phone number, and
  • the name and contact information for the local property management company, if one is responsible for maintaining the property.
• The mortgage company must pay an annual registration fee when registering the property.
  • The registration is valid through the end of that calendar year.
  • If the property remains vacant, the registration and fee must be renewed every year between January 1 and January 31.
  • The fee is not reduced if the property is registered partway through the year. The fee is $250.
• If any of the registration information changes (such as the contact person or mailing address), the mortgage company must notify the City within 10 days.