Under Oakland Municipal Code 8.58, Oakland's Investor-Owned Residential Properties (IOP) Program is a pro-active effort to ensure prompt rehabilitation of previously defaulted or foreclosed properties purchased by investors, to address deferred maintenance, vandalism, and blight that may have resulted from long periods of vacancy and neglect. Learn how to register below.
Before you Start
For more information about the purpose and scope of the program, please review the Summary of Ordinance and Program Requirements(PDF, 115KB)
What to Do
Registration Requirements
Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 8.58 now requires non-owner occupant buyers of properties that have a default or foreclosure history to register and arrange for an inspection by Building Services. A City inspector will then assess whether the property conditions meet the local building or housing codes or whether blight abatement or rehabilitation work is needed. If the property is found to be in violation of City code requirements, the inspector will work with the new owner on an abatement plan.
This program applies to residential one-to-four unit properties in the City of Oakland for which all of the following conditions apply:
- The deed transferring ownership was recorded after March 1, 2013
- A Notice of Default was filed against a former owner with the Alameda County Recorder's Office, or the property was in foreclosure (bank-owned), at any point after November 13, 2006. If you have received a Notice to Register a Formerly Defaulted Property, you may assume that this is the case.
- The new owner does not intend to occupy the property within six months and for up to one year.
- The new owner is not a government, non-profit, or charitable entity.
Additional Information
- All data captured in this registration program is considered public information.
- Failure to register a property can result in civil and administrative penalties. Refer to the Program Summary for more information.
- The registration fee is good for one year. If completion of required abatement has not occurred within twelve months of initial registration the registration must be renewed and the annual fee is again due.
- If changed conditions reintroduce blight or substandard conditions following the completion of the registration, inspection, and abatement process where applicable, the property must again be registered and inspected according to program guidelines.
- If a property subject to registration is transferred to an owner-occupant, the former owner must report the transfer by choosing the appropriate option at the bottom of the page.
Questions? Please email us at IOPRegistration@oaklandca.gov.