Fact-checked and verified on July 7, 2026
If you own a house in Montgomery County, MD and you are dealing with vacant property, this page covers what actually happens next — the local timeline, what it costs, and the options that stay open to you. Everything below is specific to Montgomery County and how sales are handled in MD, not generic national advice.
To sell an abandoned house in Montgomery County, you must first clear any existing 'Clean and Lien' debts with the County, register the property if it was acquired through foreclosure, and provide a full disclosure of its condition to potential buyers. Because these homes often have safety violations, most owners choose to sell 'as-is' to cash investors who can handle the significant repairs required by the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA).
Montgomery County can perform 'Clean and Lien' actions on abandoned properties, where the county clears debris or boards up the house and adds the cost to the owner's tax bill.
Source: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dhca/
Maryland law requires 20 years of continuous, open, and hostile possession for a squatter to claim ownership via adverse possession.
Source: https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2022/courts-and-judicial-proceedings/title-5/subtitle-1/section-5-103/
Owners of vacant properties in Montgomery County face civil penalties of up to $500 for failing to fix code violations within 90 days.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/new-montgomery-law-aims-to-crack-down-on-vacant-poorly-maintained-homes/2017/05/02/89363538-2f46-11e7-8674-437ddb6e813e_story.html
Foreclosed vacant properties must be registered with the state and county within 30 days of the sale or face a $1,000 fine.
Source: https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=21014
Properties sold at tax sale in Montgomery County have a specific redemption period during which the owner can still sell the property by paying off the tax lien and interest.
Source: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/finance/taxes/tax_sales.html
Montgomery County DHCA Housing Code Enforcement
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dhca/code/index.html
Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 5-103
https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2022/courts-and-judicial-proceedings/title-5/subtitle-1/section-5-103/
Montgomery County Bill 38-16 - Vacant Property Registration
https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=21014
Montgomery County Tax Sale Information
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/finance/taxes/tax_sales.html
End the carrying costs. Close in as little as 7 days.
End the carrying costs. Close in as little as 7 days.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Laws, timelines, and market conditions vary by state and change over time. Always consult a licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional about your specific situation before making any decisions. Any cash offer is subject to a property evaluation, and closing timelines depend on title, occupancy, and other factors. Results described on this site are not a guarantee of any particular outcome. Black Girls Buy Houses LLC is a real estate investment company that purchases properties directly; we are not licensed real estate agents or brokers and do not provide brokerage services. We are committed to the letter and spirit of the Fair Housing Act and conduct business in accordance with all federal, state, and local fair housing laws.
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