New Hotline To Report Zombie Properties Across The State

New Yorkers can now report vacant and abandoned properties in their neighborhoods through a hotline at the New York State Department of Financial Services.

It's part of legislation signed last week by Governor Andrew Cuomo to eliminate the epidemic of "zombie" properties across the state.

The DFS will maintain an electronic registry of vacant and abandoned properties. The registry is designed to speed up the process of rehabilitation of the properties.

“Abandoned homes drag down surrounding property values, and the longer they languish, the more severe the ripple effects are that affect entire communities,” Governor Cuomo said. “This hotline empowers New Yorkers to preserve their American Dream, take back their neighborhoods and ensure that these properties are renovated, restored and occupied."

The hotline number is (800) 342-3736.