D.C. Vacant Property Owner Resources
WASHINGTON, D.C. PROPERTY OWNER RESOURCE
Vacant property?
Give it a plan.
Understand your D.C. exemption options. Get the paperwork together. Decide whether to sell or renovate with Ken Bossard.
Get my free Owner Action KitIncludes the March 2026 response form + a practical owner checklist.
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Turn a property problem into a clear decision.
List with Ken Bossard
Get a pricing strategy, help positioning the property for buyers, and coordination from listing through closing. Discuss an as-is listing if repairs are holding you back.
Your listing agreement and MLS record can help document an active effort to sell for a DOB exemption request.
Discuss my listing →Explore renovation financing
Compare borrowing costs, repair scope, contractor requirements, draw schedules, and your plan to sell, rent, or occupy. Ken can help assess which financing paths may fit the property and your qualifications.
A loan alone does not establish active construction. Gather permits and evidence of actual project activity.
Explore my financing options →FREE OWNER ACTION KIT
Get the form.
Know what to gather.
- Original March 2026 Vacant Buildings Response Form
- Printable document and submission checklist
- Questions to compare selling and renovation financing
The government form is also available free directly from DOB. No appointment or loan application is required for this kit.
Go directly to DOB’s free form and guidance →EXEMPTION BASICS
Which situation fits your property?
Potential categories include construction, active sale or rental marketing, probate or title litigation, a pending development-board application, and substantial economic or personal hardship.
Construction or marketing
For construction, the attached form asks for permit numbers under review, issued, renewed, or extended within 12 months of the registration date. For sale or rental marketing, gather the agent’s listing agreement, contact information, and MLS listing. The form also requires certification of maintenance compliance for this category.
Court or board proceedings
For probate or title litigation, gather the current deed, authority documents, and proof of an active case. For a pending development-board application, keep a copy of the filed hearing application. DOB lists zoning, historic preservation, fine arts, public works, and national capital planning bodies among examples.
Economic or personal hardship
DOB describes examples including bankruptcy, serious medical events, involuntary job loss, and qualifying disaster or fire impacts. Age-related provisions also exist: age 60+ receiving SSDI, or age 65+ with family income at or below the stated 120% threshold and recent hardship. Check DOB’s exact criteria and hardship attachments before applying; age alone does not establish eligibility.
SUBMISSION ROADMAP
Prepare. Confirm. Submit. Keep records.
- Check DOB debt. Search the Enforcement section of the DOB Public Dashboard by address and owner/applicant names. Email DOB.civilinfractions@dc.gov for payoff details or confirmation even if no debt appears.
- Complete the response form. Enter square, suffix, lot, address, owner/agent details, fiscal year and half-year period. Select the correct property status and claimed exemption; attach evidence and sign both certifications as applicable.
- Submit to DOB. Email the signed package to vacantbuildings@dc.gov. Keep a copy and proof of submission. Follow deadlines in your notice.
- Review the decision. Approval applies to the specified fiscal year. A denial carries appeal instructions and higher Class 3 or 4 taxation. Blighted-property exemptions start with FY2026. Confirm future-year requirements with DOB.
If you are not requesting an exemption, register the vacant or blighted property. If occupied, the attached form asks for utility evidence and, for commercial property, a Certificate of Occupancy. See DOB registration, hardship attachments, and appeal resources.
Questions owners ask
Does listing guarantee tax relief?
No. A documented active listing may support a request. DOB must review the property, supporting documents, and applicable requirements.
Can Ken submit a loan application to DOB for me?
A financing application is separate from a DOB exemption request. Discuss any authorized assistance with Ken; the owner or authorized agent remains responsible for accurate certifications.
Should I send financial or medical documents through this form?
No. Use this form only to request the kit and tell Ken your general goal. Send sensitive supporting evidence directly to DOB through its approved channels.
You do not have to figure out the next move alone.
Start with a conversation about the property, your timeline, and what you want to accomplish.
Book a conversation with Ken Call (202) 867-1351