Vacant properties often become blighted properties
Zoar resident urges absent owners to maintain unoccupied houses, citing health, safety and community impact concerns.
PublishedModified
To the Editor,
Owning a home is one of the dreams of many Americans. Yet an increasing number of cities and towns in the United States are facing the problem of unoccupied homes that are progressively deteriorating. This presents a particularly complex problem for many reasons. Both the values of the vacant property and the value of surrounding homes decrease. Many are available but vacant and neglected.
A home that remains vacant and unoccupied often becomes blighted property. Blighted properties are homes that are in such a state of deterioration that they pose a threat to the health and safety of the surrounding community.
When a house is vacant the owners often become so disinvested that they neglect the basics of owning a house such as mowing the lawn, picking up trash, reattaching the gutter to the house, the siding that fell off, or repairing the broken windows.
The result of this neglect is increased safety concerns for nearby residents; accumulation of trash around the home, attraction of varmints such as groundhogs, bats, birds, rats, and the cumulative animal waste. The waste from animals can also result in health and disease issues for nearby residents such as asthma, respiratory problems, and diseases due to exposure to mold.
Visual pollution from an unsightly home leads to a decrease in all property values and is often a side effect of neglected vacant homes.
The owners of these vacant h o m e s generally do not live in the same community therefore; they do not see the cumulative effect of the neglect of these homes. In some cases one owner may have several homes like this or a home may be inherited after a death by someone in another town, with nobody taking responsibility for its upkeep.
Most residents work hard to keep their homes attractive and pleasant and the home is one of their largest investments. Cities and villages strive to protect the integrity of communities for their residents and help vacant home owners by notifying them of any deteriorating conditions. This is often made first through a friendly letter advising them of repairs that are needed. If they are not cooperative cities are taking other measures to enforce compliance with zoning laws or housing codes.
Zoning laws and housing codes help communities to maintain reasonable standards for the community. Most of vacant homes' owners find that it is best to take the initiative to make repairs to keep up the investment value of their property. A best practice for absent owners is to visit their vacated properties periodically to keep up maintenance rather than wait for more costly repairs from long term neglect. It is a good idea to keep contact with local officials in the town who can keep an eye on the property for you and help you to find buyers if needed.
A collaborative relationship with the city or village is ideal and helps to maintain and improve the community.
In Zoar Village, owners of vacant properties are encouraged to periodically inspect them and make repairs. They can check with the Village to determine their property conditions and any needed repairs needed.
