• Vacant Property Registration
Upper Darby Township administers and enforces regulations related to vacant and abandoned properties to protect neighborhoods from blight, deterioration, and unsafe conditions.
Vacant properties that are not properly maintained can create significant impacts on surrounding properties and the community. The Township’s Vacant Property Registration Program ensures that these properties are identified, monitored, secured, and maintained in compliance with applicable Township codes.
Pursuant to Chapter 419 – Vacant Properties (Ordinance No. 3102 of 2021), certain properties within the Township are required to be registered and maintained in accordance with Township regulations.
What is Considered a Vacant Property
A property is considered vacant when it is not lawfully occupied, regardless of ownership status, mortgage status, or financial condition.
Evidence of vacancy may include, but is not limited to:
• Overgrown or dead vegetation
• Accumulation of trash, junk, or debris
• Disconnected utilities or services
• Boarded or unsecured doors and windows
• Lack of furnishings or personal belongings consistent with occupancy
• Uncollected mail, flyers, or newspapers
• Statements from neighbors or observable indicators of non-occupancy
A property does not need to be in foreclosure or tax delinquency to be considered vacant.
When Registration is Required
Vacant property registration is required under the following conditions:
Vacant Properties (Primary Requirement)
Any property that becomes vacant must be registered with the Township within 10 days of becoming vacant.
This requirement applies to all vacant properties, regardless of whether the property is:
• Owner-occupied
• Investor-owned
• In foreclosure
• Free and clear of any mortgage
Vacancy alone triggers the requirement to register.
Foreclosure or Mortgage-Related Properties (Additional Requirement)
Properties subject to foreclosure or mortgage default conditions must also be registered.
These properties may be required to register:
• Upon initiation of foreclosure proceedings
• Even if the property remains occupied
• When ownership or servicing is transferred
This requirement is separate from and in addition to vacancy-based registration requirements.
Who Must Register
The following parties are responsible for registering properties:
• Property owners of vacant buildings or structures
• Mortgagees or lenders involved in foreclosure actions
• Owners of properties that become vacant
• Owners or responsible parties for properties with discontinued utilities or services
Each property must be registered individually.
Registration Requirements
Property owners or responsible parties must:
• Register the property within 10 days of vacancy or qualifying condition
• Provide accurate owner and contact information
• Provide property manager information (if applicable)
• Maintain current and updated registration information
• Renew registration on a semiannual (every 6 months) basis
Failure to update registration information or renew registration is a violation of Township code.
Vacant Property Maintenance Requirements
All vacant properties must be maintained in compliance with Township codes, including:
• Securing the property against unauthorized entry
• Maintaining exterior property free of trash and debris
• Keeping grass and vegetation properly maintained
• Preventing unsafe or hazardous conditions
• Maintaining structural integrity of buildings
• Ensuring utilities and services are maintained as required
• Complying with all Property Maintenance Code requirements
Vacant properties must not create a nuisance or negatively impact surrounding properties.
Registration and Payment
Upper Darby Township utilizes a third-party system to administer vacant property registrations.
Register Online
Register by Mail
Completed applications and payment should be mailed to:
MuniReg LLC
27900 Chagrin Blvd. Ste. 225
Woodmere, OH 44122
Fees
Vacant property registration is subject to a nonrefundable semiannual registration fee as established by the Township Fee Schedule.
(Fees are subject to change. Please contact the appropriate department or agency to verify the most current fee schedule.)
Failure to register or renew registration may result in:
• Late fees (10% per 30-day period of noncompliance)
• Additional penalties
• Enforcement action
Inspections and Monitoring
Vacant properties may be inspected by the Township to ensure compliance with applicable codes.
Owners, mortgagees, or property managers are responsible for:
• Monitoring the condition of the property
• Performing periodic inspections
• Ensuring the property remains secure and maintained
• Updating registration information when conditions change
Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with Vacant Property Registration requirements may result in enforcement action, including:
• Fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 per violation
• Legal action and prosecution
• Placement of liens on the property
• Township abatement of hazardous conditions at the owner’s expense
Registration does not eliminate the requirement to comply with all other Township codes and regulations.
Relationship to Other Township Requirements
Vacant property registration is separate from and in addition to:
• Rental property licensing requirements
• Building permits and inspections
• Property maintenance requirements
• Any other applicable Township regulations
Compliance with one requirement does not eliminate responsibility for others.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to register my property?
Within 10 days of the property becoming vacant or meeting the criteria for registration.
Do I need to register if my property is not in foreclosure?
Yes. Any property that becomes vacant must be registered, regardless of foreclosure status.
Do foreclosure properties need to be registered even if occupied?
Yes. Certain foreclosure-related properties must be registered even if still occupied.
How often do I need to renew registration?
Every six months (semiannual registration).
What happens if I do not register the property?
Failure to register may result in late fees, fines, liens, and enforcement action.
Do I still need to maintain the property if it is vacant?
Yes. All vacant properties must be maintained in compliance with Township codes at all times.
Contact Vacant Property Registration
For questions regarding vacant property registration:
MuniReg LLC
Email: info@munireg.com
Phone: 866-686-4734
For general Township questions:
Upper Darby Township – Licenses & Inspections
Email: LI@UpperDarby.org
Phone: 610-734-7613
Residents may also report concerns regarding vacant or abandoned properties through the Township One Center.
To submit a concern, email One@UpperDarby.org or call the One Center Request Line at 610-734-7625.
