San Diego Considers Tax on Long-Vacant Homes Amid Housing Shortage

San Diego is considering a tax on homes that have been vacant for long periods, as reported by the Los Angeles Times on April 8. The measure targets properties left empty despite high rents and a shortage of available housing. Local officials noted that thousands of homes in the city remain unoccupied.

A resident from Santa Monica, Paul Scott, wrote a letter to the editor supporting the San Diego proposal. Scott described a property in Sunset Park, Santa Monica, that has been vacant for 12 years following the owner's death. The home, located on a corner lot, could have been rented for more than $3,000 per month, potentially generating over $400,000 in revenue over that time.

Instead, the property has remained unused, leading to break-ins by homeless individuals and multiple police calls. Scott stated that such incidents result in additional costs to taxpayers for maintaining neglected properties. He suggested that any property vacant for more than one year should qualify for taxation to address these issues.

The housing crisis in California affects multiple cities, including San Diego and Santa Monica, where demand for rentals exceeds supply.

Vacant homes exacerbate the shortage, as they are not available for residents facing high housing costs. San Diego's proposal seeks to encourage owners to utilize or maintain such properties. Scott acknowledged potential concerns, such as taxation applied too early or without accounting for remodeling needs.

He recommended making the policy reasonable to balance these factors. The Los Angeles Times reported the proposal as part of ongoing discussions on urban housing policies.

implemented, the tax could apply to thousands of vacant homes in San Diego.

Officials have not specified the tax rate or exact implementation timeline. The measure would require approval from local authorities, with public input likely to influence the final policy.