Vacancy Tax

Across Los Angeles, vacant storefronts have become a common sight. Many people wonder: Who owns these empty properties, and why do they stay vacant for so long?

Our long-term goal is to establish a commercial vacancy tax. A vacancy tax charges property owners who leave commercial spaces empty for extended periods. The purpose is to discourage landlords from holding onto vacant storefronts while waiting for higher-paying tenants and instead encourage them to rent those spaces to businesses that are ready to open.

Before a vacancy tax can be implemented, however, Los Angeles first needs reliable data. That's why our coalition is advocating for a Commercial Vacancy Registry. This registry would require property owners to report whether their commercial units are occupied or vacant. 

A creates transparency by identifying which commercial properties are vacant and which are occupied, tracks how long commercial spaces remain empty, helping the overall region better understand the scope of the vacancy problem, and holds property owners accountable for maintaining vacant properties, helping reduce blight and improve neighborhood safety and appearance. 

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