The High Cost of Unsecured Vacant Properties in the U.S.
Owning an unsecured vacant property—whether residential or commercial—can be a major financial risk. Cities across the U.S. are aggressively enforcing vacant property ordinances, imposing heavy fines, vacancy taxes, and even placing liens on properties that fail to comply. If your building is unsecured, you could be racking up thousands of dollars in fines every day. This article explores vacant property regulations in a few key cities, Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago. Understand what you need to do right now to protect your investment and avoid escalating penalties. Don’t wait for fines to stack up. Take action now! Secure your property today with DAWGS.
Understanding Vacant Property Regulations
Many cities have enacted strict ordinances that require property owners to secure, register, and maintain vacant buildings. Failure to comply can result in severe financial consequences.
Key Regulations and Penalties in Major Cities
Los Angeles, CA
- Daily Fines Up to $1,000 (LAMC 98.0716) – Leaving a property unsecured for 30+ days can result in fines of $1,000 per day, up to $100,000 per year.
- City-Mandated Board-Up Orders – If a property is left open to trespassers, the city will secure it at your expense.
- Potential Vacancy Tax – LA is considering a tax on vacant properties to discourage long-term vacancies.
Want to learn more? Read our article about vacant property penalties and fines in LA. New York City, NY
- Fines Between $200 – $2,000 per Violation – Owners of vacant and unsecured buildings who fail to comply with city regulations may face fines ranging from $200 to $2,000 per violation, with ongoing violations potentially accruing daily penalties.
- Proposed Vacancy Tax – New York officials have considered implementing a vacancy tax on long-term unoccupied residential and commercial properties to discourage property neglect and address housing shortages, following models like Los Angeles.
Chicago, IL
- Mandatory Vacant Building Registration – Owners must register properties within 30 days of vacancy or transfer. Registration remains valid for six months and must be renewed every six months as long as the property remains vacant.
- Escalating Registration Fees (Up to $1,000 Per Renewal) – Unsecured or improperly maintained properties face daily fines. The registration fee starts at $250 but increases if the property is in violation of the building or fire code at the time of renewal:
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- $500 for the first renewal if violations exist (fines doubled)
- $750 for the next renewal if violations persist (fines tripled)
- $1,000 for subsequent renewals if violations are not resolved (fines quadrupled)
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- Daily Fines for Unsafe or Unsecured Properties – Vacant buildings that are not properly maintained or secured according to the minimum requirements can result in fines of $500 to $1,000 per day for each violation. The city also places liens on properties to recover unpaid fines and the cost of securing non-compliant buildings. Below, we’ve listed the specific sections:
- City Can Secure at Owner’s Expense – Owners must enclose and secure vacant buildings within 30 days to prevent unauthorized entry. If the city is forced to board up a property, all costs incurred become the owner’s responsibility and are added as a lien against the property.
You may also want to read the City of Chicago’s Vacant Buildings FAQ section for the general public.
The Cost of Ignoring These Laws: Real Consequences, Real Money
| Violation | Potential Consequences |
| Failure to secure a vacant building | Daily fines, city-imposed board-ups, property liens |
| Unsafe or substandard conditions | Expensive repairs, demolition orders, lawsuits |
| Public nuisance violations | Civil penalties, neighborhood complaints, loss of value |
| Illegal occupation (squatters) | Costly evictions, property damage, security risks |
| Fire hazards | Insurance issues, liability lawsuits, potential criminal charges |
Take Control of Your Vacant Property NOW
Stop waiting. Take action now to protect your investment.
- Conduct Regular Inspections – Stay ahead of compliance deadlines and prevent costly violations.
- Secure Your Property Immediately – DAWGS offers steel door and window guards that meet city requirements and prevent break-ins.
- Stay Informed on Local Laws – Ordinances and tax policies change. Make sure you’re up to date.
- Address Issues Before the City Steps In – Once the city intervenes, fines escalate fast.
- Partner with DAWGS for Fast Compliance – Our solutions provide 48-hour installation and complete security to avoid penalties.
DAWGS: The Best Solution for Protecting Your Vacant Property
Why do property owners nationwide trust DAWGS to secure their investments?
- Superior Security – Unlike plywood, DAWGS steel barriers are tamper-proof, weather-resistant, and hard to breach.
- City Code Compliance – Our board-up solutions meet or exceed municipal vacant property security requirements.
- Fast & Hassle-Free Installation – Get your property secured within 48 hours and avoid immediate fines.
- Preserves Curb Appeal – Maintain property value while keeping it protected.
- Avoid Long-Term Liabilities – Prevent break-ins, vandalism, and legal headaches.
Don’t risk thousands in fines—secure your vacant property today.
Secure Your Property, Protect Your Investment
Major cities are not backing down on vacant property enforcement. Act now to avoid daily fines, tax penalties, and potential liens on your property. DAWGS provides the strongest, fastest, and most effective security solutions to keep your vacant property safe and compliant.
- Avoid costly fines.
- Protect your investment.
- Stay ahead of local ordinances.
Ready to ensure compliance and safeguard your property? Contact DAWGS today for immediate security solutions. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or real estate advice. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for advice from a qualified attorney or licensed real estate agent. If you need legal or real estate advice, please consult a qualified professional.
