(Washington, DC) – The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is working closely with property owners to ensure compliance with the District’s vacant property laws.

Property owners who feel their property was incorrectly classified as vacant and recently received a tax bill at the higher tax rate are encouraged to contact DCRA immediately at (202) 442-4332.

In 2007, authority for vacant property classification was transferred from the Office of Tax and Revenue to DCRA.  New laws modified the exemptions and lessened the length of time a vacant property can be exempt from the higher tax rate.  More than 3,200 properties were re-classified as vacant following a recent citywide housing survey.

D.C. property owners are required to classify a property as vacant when it has been unoccupied for a minimum of 30 consecutive days. Informational materials, vacant property registration forms and appeal information are available on the DCRA web site.

“One of our top priorities is to return vacant properties to productive use,” said DCRA Director Linda K. Argo. “We encourage all property owners who feel their property was incorrectly classified as vacant to contact us immediately to seek an exemption or have it reclassified.”

DCRA provides an administrative appeal process for owners seeking an exemption. DCRA will issue a final determination within 30 days of the appeal. Customers have an option to appeal DCRA's final decision through the Board of Real Property Assessments and Appeals.

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs protects the health, safety, economic interests, and quality of life of residents, businesses, and visitors in the District of Columbia by issuing licenses and permits, conducting inspections, enforcing building, housing, and safety codes, regulating land use and development, and providing consumer education and advocacy services.