Code Violations Are More Common Than Most Homeowners Realize

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their property has code violations. Others already know their home has issues—such as unpermitted work, structural concerns, or safety violations—but aren’t sure what it means for their ability to sell.

Code violations happen across the United States in every type of housing market. They can affect older homes, inherited properties, vacant homes, rental properties, or houses that haven’t been updated in years. These violations are issued by local governments when a property does not comply with safety, building, zoning, or maintenance standards.

For example, in Baltimore, Maryland, the city has issued tens of thousands of housing code violations over the years, particularly in older housing stock. According to Baltimore Housing data, over 15,000 vacant and distressed properties have open code violations at any given time.
Source: https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/vacants

Similarly, in Detroit, Michigan, the city actively enforces code compliance through its Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department. Thousands of violation notices are issued annually, particularly for structural safety, exterior maintenance, and occupancy issues.
Source: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department

These numbers highlight an important reality: code violations are extremely common nationwide, especially in older housing markets.

Having code violations does not mean you cannot sell your house. Many homeowners successfully sell properties with open violations every year.

What Is a Code Violation?

A code violation is a formal notice issued by a city or county indicating that a property does not meet local safety, building, or maintenance standards.

These standards exist to ensure homes are safe for occupants and the surrounding community.

Violations can range from minor issues to serious structural concerns.

Common examples include:

Unpermitted renovations
Electrical issues
Plumbing problems
Roof damage
Structural damage
Broken windows or doors
Exterior deterioration
Unsafe additions
Occupancy violations
Vacant property maintenance issues

Some violations are simple to fix. Others can be expensive or difficult to resolve.

Why Code Violations Happen

Code violations often develop gradually over time.

Nationwide, common causes include:

Financial hardship preventing repairs
Inherited homes that were not maintained
Aging properties needing updates
Vacant or abandoned properties
Tenant damage
Unpermitted renovations completed years earlier

In fast-growing markets like Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia, cities actively enforce code compliance as neighborhoods develop and property values increase.

Older homes are especially vulnerable to violations because building codes change over time.

Even responsible homeowners can receive violations due to circumstances beyond their control.

Can You Sell a House With Code Violations?

Yes. Nationwide, homeowners can sell a house with code violations.

Code violations do not prevent ownership transfer. However, they may affect buyer interest, financing eligibility, and pricing.

Traditional buyers using mortgage financing may hesitate because lenders often require properties to meet minimum safety standards.

However, homeowners can still sell house as-is without making repairs.

The violations are disclosed, and the buyer accepts the property in its current condition.

This allows homeowners to move forward without investing additional money into repairs.

Why Many Homeowners Choose to Sell Instead of Fixing Violations

Fixing code violations can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful.

Some repairs require permits, contractors, inspections, and compliance approvals.

Nationwide, many homeowners choose to sell their house fast instead of navigating the repair process.

Selling allows homeowners to:

Avoid repair costs
Avoid permit complications
Resolve financial stress
Transfer responsibility to the buyer
Move forward quickly

This is especially helpful for inherited properties, vacant homes, or financially distressed situations.

Code Violations Are Especially Common in Older Housing Markets

Cities with older housing stock tend to have higher violation rates.

For example, in San Francisco, California, the Department of Building Inspection receives tens of thousands of complaints annually related to housing code violations.
Source: https://sfdbi.org/code-enforcement

Similarly, in Jacksonville, Florida, the Code Compliance Division investigates thousands of violations each year related to unsafe structures and maintenance issues.
Source: https://www.jacksonville.gov/departments/neighborhoods/code-compliance

This reinforces that code violations are a nationwide issue—not isolated to specific regions.

Common Homeowner Questions About Selling a House With Code Violations

Can I legally sell a house with open code violations?

Yes. Nationwide, homeowners can legally sell a house with open code violations. The violations must typically be disclosed to the buyer, but they do not prevent the sale itself. Many homeowners sell house as-is when repair costs are too high or impractical. The buyer assumes responsibility for resolving the violations after the purchase.

Do I have to fix code violations before selling?

No. Nationwide, homeowners are not required to fix violations before selling unless local laws specifically require compliance. Many homeowners choose to sell their house fast instead of investing in costly repairs. Selling as-is allows the transaction to move forward without requiring the seller to resolve every violation.

Will code violations prevent closing?

No. Nationwide, code violations do not automatically prevent closing. However, they may affect buyer financing options. Cash buyers and investors often purchase homes with violations because they understand the repair and compliance process.

Do I have to disclose code violations to buyers?

Yes. Nationwide, sellers are generally required to disclose known code violations. Transparency protects both parties and ensures legal compliance. Disclosure does not prevent the sale—it simply informs the buyer of the property condition.

Can I sell inherited property with code violations?

Yes. Nationwide, inherited homes can be sold even with violations. Many inherited properties develop maintenance issues over time, and selling as-is allows heirs to resolve the situation without managing repairs.

Do code violations affect property value?

Yes. Nationwide, violations may reduce buyer demand and market value. However, many homeowners still sell their house fast to resolve financial or legal situations rather than investing heavily in repairs.

Can buyers fix violations after purchasing?

Yes. Nationwide, buyers can assume responsibility for resolving violations after closing. This is common with investors and experienced buyers.

How long do code violations stay on record?

Nationwide, violations remain on record until resolved. Selling the property transfers responsibility to the new owner.

Can vacant homes accumulate violations?

Yes. Nationwide, vacant homes often accumulate violations due to maintenance issues, vandalism, or deterioration.

Is selling faster than fixing violations?

Often, yes. Nationwide, selling allows homeowners to avoid lengthy repair timelines, permits, and inspections.

Will the city stop me from selling?

No. Nationwide, cities typically do not prevent the sale itself. Violations transfer with the property.

Can I sell if I cannot afford repairs?

Yes. Nationwide, selling as-is allows homeowners to resolve the situation without repair costs.

Do code violations lead to foreclosure?

In some cases, yes. Nationwide, unresolved violations and fines can escalate. Selling early prevents escalation.

Can violations be negotiated?

Sometimes. Nationwide, cities may reduce fines under certain conditions.

Does selling relieve stress from violations?

Yes. Nationwide, selling allows homeowners to move forward and eliminate ongoing stress.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Code violations can feel overwhelming, but they do not trap you. Thousands of homeowners nationwide successfully sell homes with violations every year.

Understanding your options gives you control.

Selling allows you to resolve the situation and move forward with clarity.

JiT Home Buyers works with homeowners across multiple states. We buy houses as-is, in any condition, and make the process fast and straightforward.

If you don’t see your city listed, reach out anyway — we may still be able to help depending on the property and situation.