Foreclosed and Vacant Property Registration
Foreclosed and Vacant Building Registration

The city of Oakland’s Foreclosed and Vacant Building registration program requires owners and others who may control property register and inspect their vacant residential buildings to protect the livability, appearance and social fabric of our neighborhoods.

Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 8.54
The purpose of this Chapter is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents, workers, visitors, owners, and proprietors of the City of Oakland and the economic stability and viability of businesses, industries, and neighborhoods in the City by requiring the registration and monitoring of vacant buildings. This program will protect and preserve the livability, appearance, and social fabric of the City and will also protect the public from health and safety hazards and the impairment of property values resulting from the neglect and deterioration of real property and improvements.

Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 8.54 applies to foreclosed residential buildings with less than five dwelling units which have been vacant for more than 30 days. Property owners, managers, mortgagers, executors, trustees etc. are responsible for registering vacant residential buildings, paying fees and monitoring the property for blight, hazardous conditions and trespassing.

Summary of Owner Responsibilities under OMC 8.54:
  • File a statement of registration with the City (online form or downloadable form link below) within 30 calendar days following the date that the building meets the requirements under to Section 8.54.030 of being foreclosed upon and vacant. 
  • Post the property with the property manager’s name, address and 24-hour contact phone number.
  • Report to the City any change of address and change of contact information within ten days of said change.
  • Maintain the property on a weekly basis.
  • Secure the property.
A copy of this or any municipal code of the City of Oakland may be downloaded at:  Municipal Code - Oakland, California

Registration completion requires:
  1. Posting contact information in front window of property
  2. Interior and Exterior Inspection Report
  3. Maintenance Plan            
Submittals may be sent by email to elabayog@oaklandnet.com and or ssmith@oaklandnet.com or by phone 510-238-3239 or 510-238-4793. You may fax the information to 510-238-2959.