Detroit's rules for vacant houses
The City of Detroit asks owners to register a building within 30 days of it becoming vacant, keep it secured and maintained, and get it inspected. The city lists fines for not registering. Check the city's Vacant Property Compliance page for current fees.
An empty house that's open, overgrown or full of trash is also an easy target for blight tickets, which follow you as the owner.
Insurance and winter
- Check your insurance. Many homeowner policies limit coverage once a house has been empty for a while (often 60 days). Ask your agent, or about a vacant-home policy.
- Winterize it. Shut off the water and drain the pipes before the first freeze. Burst pipes in an empty house can go unnoticed for weeks.
- Keep it looking lived in. Cut the grass, clear the mail and secure doors and windows. Empty Detroit houses get scrapped for copper and furnaces.
Selling it as-is
You don't need to clean it out, fix it up or turn the utilities back on for us. Leave what you don't want. Back taxes, water bills and any tickets are paid from the sale at closing.
How it works with us
- Send the address and how long it's been empty.
- We walk it once (we can meet you there or get a key) and send a written cash offer.
- A licensed title company closes on the date you pick and pays you.
Quick answers
Do I have to register a vacant house in Detroit?
The City of Detroit asks owners to register a building within 30 days of it becoming vacant and keep it secured and maintained. Check the city's Vacant Property Compliance page for current rules and fees.
Can I sell a vacant house with stuff still inside?
Yes. We buy as-is: take what you want and leave the rest.