Abandoned Property Rehabilitation Incentive Act of 2001
Bill 14-177

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A BILL IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Councilmember Kevin P. Chavous introduced the following bill, which was referred to the Committee on Economic Development with comments from the Committee on Finance and Revenue.

To provide District of Columbia residents incentive to rehabilitate abandoned property by allowing the purchase of abandoned property at a nominal cost, forgiving a percentage of any tax liens on the abandoned property, and abating penalties and interest which have accrued on the property.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this act may be cited as the "Abandoned Property Rehabilitation Incentive Act of 2001

Sec. 2. Application and scope.

(a) Properly identified by the Mayor, the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development, or the Department of Finance and Revenue, may be purchased at nominal cost by District of Columbia residents, and shall be exempt from penalties and interest on the abandoned property that have accrued prior to the date of purchase.

(b) This act shall only apply to abandoned single-family dwellings and duplex housing.

Sec. 3. Standards for participation.

(a) The purchasers of abandoned property identified in section 2 shall pay SO% of the existing tax lien on the property.

(c) All taxes, fees, and assessments that accrue, from the date of settlement forward, shall be paid by the new owner.

(d) Property acquired pursuant to this act must be fully rehabilitated and occupied by the purchaser within 6 months of the date of purchase.

(e) The new owner shall reside in the property for not less than 1 year after the date of purchase.

(f) During the 6 month rehabilitation period the owner shall allow periodic inspection of the property by the District of Columbia government or its agent.

(g) Fire and extended insurance coverage for the property shall be maintained by the new owner.

Sec. 5. This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of a veto by the Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), approval by the Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority as provided in section 203(a) of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Act of 1995, approved April 17, 1995 (109 Stat. 116; D.C. Code §47-392.3(a)), a 30-day period of Congressional review as provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Code § 1-233(c)(1)), and publication in the District of Columbia Register.