Quick facts
1
Purpose and Intent
City of Richmond Code of Ordinances, Chapter 156 — Abandoned Residential Properties.
It is the purpose and intent of the City of Richmond, through the adoption of Chapter 156, to establish an abandoned residential property registration program as a mechanism to protect residential neighborhoods from becoming blighted through the lack of adequate maintenance and security of abandoned properties.
Creditors and lenders holding a lien on residential property within the city must register vacant or abandoned properties with the Codes Enforcement Department to minimize hazards to persons and property as a result of vacancy, in accordance with §§ 156.20–156.23.
2
Owner Responsibility
By registering, you acknowledge the following obligations under the ordinance.
Inspect the property prior to filing foreclosure or executing a deed in lieu of foreclosure; if vacant, register with Codes Enforcement on the same day the legal action is filed.
If the property becomes vacant after filing but before title transfer, register within ten days of obtaining knowledge of vacancy.
Maintain the property to the neighborhood standard — free of weeds, trash, debris, graffiti, and evidence of abandonment.
Keep visible yards landscaped and maintained; maintain pools and spas in working order or drained and secured per state requirements.
Secure the property against unauthorized entry, including repairs to fences, gates, and boarding of openings as directed by Codes Enforcement.
Report any change to registration information within ten days of the change.
Designate a local property management contact responsible for security, maintenance, and marketing when the lender is out of area.
3
Abandoned / Seized Property Information
Property location, parcel data, and Notice of Default documentation.
4
Fees
Annual registration fee and card processing.
ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
An annual registration fee is required with each registration. The standard fee is $60.00. Properties in the Historical District are charged based on years vacant ($500–$5,000). The selected fee covers the calendar year, or the remaining portion of the calendar year in which registration was initially required. Subsequent registrations and fees are due January 1 of each year and must be received no later than January 31. Registration fees are not prorated. A 3.5% card processing fee applies to all online payments.
Annual registration fee
$60.00
Card processing (3.5%)
$2.10
Total due today $62.10
Select years vacant in section 3 to calculate the Historical District fee.
5
Contact Email
Confirmation and correspondence will be sent to this address.
6
Lender / Lien Holder
Creditor or mortgagee information for this property.
7
Property Manager
Local contact responsible for security, maintenance, and marketing.
8
Certification, pay & submit
Type your legal name, enter card details, and pay to submit your registration.
Card details stay on the secure payment form. You cannot submit without paying.
Registration fee $60.00
Card processing (3.5%) $2.10
Total due $62.10
Total includes a 3.5% processing fee. ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
Complete the form to pay & submit
