City of Toledo Announces Vacant Property Registration Requirements and Enforcement

The City of Toledo is taking action to ensure vacant residential buildings are properly registered and maintained, holding owners accountable for properties that threaten neighborhood safety, property values, and community stability.

Vacant property registration, Municipal Code1767, has been required since 2008, and updates adopted in 2025 clarified owner responsibilities, strengthened enforcement, and reduced the annual registration fee from $200 to $100 to encourage compliance.

“Vacant properties are more than empty buildings. They affect safety, neighborhood stability, and the pride residents feel in their community. Registration allows the City to hold owners accountable, protect property values, and strengthen Toledo’s neighborhoods,” Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said.

Owners, individuals, or entities responsible for vacant residential buildings in Toledo are required to:
*Register the property with the City
*Designate a responsible local agent with accurate contact information
*Secure and maintain the property to prevent unauthorized entry and deterioration
*Keep registration information current
*Renew registration annually and pay the required $100 fee
*Comply with all applicable building, housing, health, and zoning codes

The annual registration deadline is January 31, 2026, or within 30 days of a property becoming vacant. Registration does not relieve owners of the obligation to maintain the property or correct code violations.

“Strong neighborhoods are built when the city and property owners work together to invest in homes and communities,” Rosalyn Clemens, Chief of Housing and Neighborhood Sustainability, said. “Registration is the first step in ensuring responsible ownership, accountability, supporting revitalization, and creating neighborhoods where families can thrive and take pride in their community.”

Vacant property registration can be completed online through the City of Toledo Permit Portal. The portal allows owners and agents to submit forms, update information, pay fees, and access guidance and resources related to vacant properties.

The city will conduct a targeted education and outreach campaign to help owners understand their responsibilities. If an owner fails to register a vacant property or does not respond to outreach efforts, the City will apply enforcement tools, which may include:

*Administrative penalties and daily fines
*Notices of Liability
*Court action or other remedies permitted by law

Unregistered or poorly maintained vacant properties can:

*Attract illegal entry, vandalism, and criminal activity
*Become fire hazards that place neighbors and first responders at risk
*Deteriorate due to weather exposure and lack of maintenance
*Contribute to declining property values and neighborhood instability
*Generate repeated complaints and emergency calls without a responsive owner

When a vacant property is registered, the City can identify a responsible party, communicate expectations, and address issues before they escalate. When a property is not registered, enforcement becomes the primary tool to protect surrounding neighborhoods.

Property owners are strongly encouraged to review their obligations and register as soon as possible. For questions or assistance, contact the City of Toledo Division of Code Compliance.