Moving Out Before the House Sells? Could It Become a Registered Vacant Building?

Quick answer: A temporarily empty listing is not automatically subject to every vacant-building requirement, but Sioux Falls requires qualifying vacant buildings to be registered within 30 days. Sellers who move out early should confirm whether the ordinance applies and who will maintain, secure, heat, and monitor the property.

Vacant is a legal status, not just an empty room

A staged but unoccupied home, a property under active renovation, and an abandoned building do not necessarily present the same facts. Contact the City for a property-specific determination rather than assuming that an active listing creates an exemption.

What the City publishes

The City’s Vacant Buildings page says owners must register vacant buildings no later than 30 days after they become unoccupied. It also says new owners must register or re-register within 30 days of an ownership transfer and follow the approved plan and timetable until revisions receive City approval.

Current fees deserve attention

The City currently lists an annual fee of $1,000, or $2,000 for a property in a historic district, with annual fees increasing by $1,000 each year. Confirm the current fee and status directly with the City before relying on those figures in a transaction.

Protect the home while it is empty

Separate from registration, decide who checks the heat, water, exterior, mail, snow, alarms, and signs of damage. Ask the insurer how vacancy or unoccupancy affects coverage, inspections, and notice requirements.

If you expect to move before closing, talk with Tim about the showing and maintenance plan, then confirm registration and insurance questions with the appropriate professionals. Reach out to us at timrealtor.com/contact-us.

FAQ

Is every empty listed home a registered vacant building?

Not necessarily. Ask the City how the ordinance applies to the property’s exact condition and timeline.

Does the registration automatically transfer to the buyer?

The City says a new owner must register or re-register within 30 days of ownership transfer.