How to Report an Abandoned House to Your City

To report an abandoned house in the US, contact your city or county code enforcement department – often through a 311 line, an online portal, or a mobile app. For immediate safety issues such as an open, unsecured building or suspicious activity, call the police non-emergency number, and call 911 for fires or emergencies. Provide the address, a clear description of the problem, and photos taken from public property. This guide explains who to call, what to include, and what typically happens next.

Why reporting an abandoned house matters

A vacant house that is open to the weather, overgrown, or unsecured can affect a whole block. It may attract pests, illegal dumping, vandalism, or fires, and it can create hazards for children and neighbors. Reporting gives local government the chance to contact the owner, require repairs, secure the building, or start legal processes. It also creates an official record that can help move a property toward a new owner. For the full picture of what can happen, see what happens to abandoned houses.

Who to contact

Code enforcement or the building department

Most problems with abandoned houses – overgrown yards, trash, broken windows, structural damage, missing doors – fall under local property maintenance or building codes. Many cities let you file complaints by calling 311, using an online service request portal, or through a city app. In rural areas or unincorporated communities, the county may handle code enforcement.

Police non-emergency line

If the house is open and unsecured, or you notice suspicious activity such as people entering at night, call your local police non-emergency number. Don't confront anyone yourself.

911

Call 911 for fires, active break-ins, or any situation where someone could be in danger.

Health or environmental departments

For rodent infestations, standing water, or accumulations of garbage that create health hazards, the local health department may be the right agency.

Animal control

If you see stray or trapped animals, or wildlife entering the house, contact animal control or local wildlife services.

What to include in your report

The more specific and factual your report, the easier it is for inspectors to act:

• Address (or nearest address and cross street) and, if you know it, the parcel number;
• The problem, described clearly – for example, "front door missing," "roof partially collapsed," or "tall grass and trash in backyard";
• How long the condition has existed;
• Safety concerns, such as easy access for children or signs of fire risk;
• Photos taken from the sidewalk or street – never from inside the property;
• Your contact information, if you're willing to be contacted (many cities allow anonymous reports).

Signs it's time to report

Not every quiet house is abandoned. Owners may be traveling, in the hospital, or using the home seasonally. Our guide on how to tell if a house is abandoned lists common indicators. Generally, consider reporting when you see:

• open or broken doors and windows;
• structural damage, such as a sagging roof or collapsing porch;
• tall weeds, accumulated trash, or illegal dumping;
• pest problems spreading to neighboring properties;
• evidence of unauthorized entry;
• standing water or other health hazards.

What happens after you report

Procedures vary, but a typical sequence looks like this:

1. Inspection. An inspector visits, often within days or weeks depending on workload and urgency.
2. Notice to the owner. If violations are found, the owner receives a notice with a deadline to fix them.
3. Follow-up inspection. The inspector checks whether repairs were made.
4. Enforcement. If the owner doesn't respond, the city may issue fines, schedule a hearing, or – where allowed – board up the building or mow the lawn and bill the owner through a lien.
5. Further action. For dangerous buildings, the process may lead to repair orders, condemnation, or demolition. Long-term tax delinquency may also lead to tax foreclosure.

Vacant property registries

Some cities require owners of vacant buildings to register them, provide contact information, and keep them secured and insured. If your city has a registry, code enforcement may be able to reach the responsible party more quickly.

Following up

Write down your report or case number. If nothing seems to happen after a reasonable time, call back or check the online portal for updates. Enforcement can be slow, especially when owners are hard to find or the property is tangled in an estate or foreclosure. Neighborhood associations and local council members can sometimes help draw attention to persistent problems.

Do people get paid for reporting abandoned houses?

You may see searches or ads about reporting empty houses for money. In most US communities, reporting a problem property is a civic service rather than a paid program. Be skeptical of websites that promise cash for reports or ask for personal information.

Safety reminders

• Stay on public property when observing or photographing.
• Don't enter the house or yard, even if it's open – that's trespassing and can be dangerous.
• Don't confront people you see on the property.
• Don't remove anything or attempt repairs on someone else's property.

For more on staying within the law, read the legal side of exploring abandoned places.

Interested in buying the house?

Sometimes neighbors would rather own the problem property than keep reporting it. If that's you, learn how to find the owner of an abandoned property and explore abandoned houses for sale through land banks and other channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I call to report an abandoned house?

Usually your city or county code enforcement department, often through 311 or an online portal. Call the police non-emergency number for open buildings or suspicious activity, and 911 for emergencies.

Can I report an abandoned house anonymously?

Many cities accept anonymous complaints, though providing contact information can help inspectors follow up. Check your local portal or ask the operator.

What happens when you report an abandoned house?

An inspector typically visits, notifies the owner of any violations, and sets deadlines. If the owner doesn't act, the city may fine them, secure the property, or pursue further legal action.

How long does it take for the city to act?

It varies by city, workload, and urgency. Dangerous conditions are often prioritized, while routine violations can take weeks or months to resolve.

Will reporting an abandoned house get it demolished?

Not necessarily. Demolition is generally a last resort for unsafe buildings. Many reports lead to repairs, securing the property, or eventually a sale to a new owner.