In Rem Eligibility

Judicial In Rem:
Baltimore’s new tool for acquiring vacant and abandoned properties

Judicial In Rem Foreclosure allows the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) to foreclose on the liens on a vacant lot or building where the value of the liens exceeds the assessed value of the property, and thereby take title to the property.  (Liens are unpaid property taxes, environmental citations, water bills, etc). This allows DHCD to acquire abandoned properties in a block by block manner and work with communities on the outcomes for these properties. This should improve the pace at which the City can address properties that have a blighting influence on our neighborhoods.


How Communities Can Participate

  • Communities can submit property addresses to DHCD for review for In Rem Tax Lien Foreclosure. Remember that the property must be a vacant lot or have a Vacant Building Notice (VBN). DHCD will complete analysis to see if the property qualifies for In Rem.  

To submit a property to DHCD please complete the In Rem Eligibility Form.

  • If a vacant and abandoned property does not have high liens, residents should continue to call 311 to request a Vacant Building Inspection.  DHCD will come to the property and give a citation of $900 if a VBN is issued and not abated, or if a property that already has a VBN is not abated.  (Council bill 22-0207 as proposed would increase that fine to $1000 per violation, with each day the property remains in violation being a new violation).
     
  • Make sure your community has a community plan for what you want to see happen with the vacant and abandoned properties in your area.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IN REM PLEASE REVIEW OUR IN REM INFORMATION PAGE