It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to establish a
vacant residential property registration and maintenance program as
a mechanism to protect neighborhoods and minimize hazards to persons
and property as a result of the vacancy.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
AGENT
An individual with a place of business in this state in which
he or she is authorized to accept inquiries, notices, and service
of process on behalf of a vacant or foreclosed real property owner.
CREDITOR
A federal or state-chartered bank, savings bank, savings-and-loan
association, credit union, mortgagee, and any entity acting on behalf
of the creditor named in the debt obligation, including, but not limited
to, servicers.
OWNER
Any person, co-partnership, association, corporation, fiduciary
or other legal entity having a legal or equitable title or any interest
in any real property.
VACANT
A residential property with no legal resident or tenant.
Evidence of vacancy includes any condition that, on its own or combined
with other conditions present, would lead a reasonable person to believe
that the property is vacant. Such conditions include, but are not
limited to, overgrown or dead vegetation; accumulation of flyers,
mail, or trash; disconnected utilities; the absence of window coverings
or furniture; and statements by neighbors, delivery persons, or government
employees.
This chapter shall be effective on January 1, 2021.