Selling a Houston Home With Habitability Violations

What Are Habitability and Housing Code Violations in Houston?

Local municipalities generally have codes that all buildings must comply with. These standards are related to safety, sanitation, and structural integrity. Typically, a building that is not up to code is considered uninhabitable by the local government. 

It is possible to get away with these violations if you have owned or lived in a property in Houston for an extended period of time. However, if you want to sell a property, it must be structurally sound and safe for the next owner to occupy. Even if the issue is caused by normal wear and tear, you may still have to address it to appeal to potential buyers.

Common Examples of Code Violations Affecting Habitability in Houston Homes

Many circumstances could lead to a property being deemed unsafe in Houston. These violations, if left unchecked, could eventually make the house reach condemned status. 

Some examples of common habitability violations include severe roof leaks, non-functioning plumbing systems, hazardous electrical issues, outdated wiring, heavy pest infestations, and significant structural damage. 

How the Houston Local Government Addresses Serious Code Violations

The Building Code Enforcement entity in Houston is responsible for managing local ordinances, inspecting properties, distributing permits, and reviewing construction plans. This department is also responsible for identifying, citing, and managing properties with significant or persistent habitability violations. 

During real estate transactions, these violations are typically discovered during the home inspection. Inspectors are generally familiar with local ordinances and can make recommendations to the seller based on their findings. However, if your home is noticeably in decline, a city employee may cite you for violations before a sale is on the horizon. 

The Path from Housing Code Violations to a Condemned House

When a property violates local codes, a neighbor or city employee may report it to the city. The city government will then issue a notice to the property owner of the issues that must be addressed for the house to comply with building ordinances. If the owner does not comply within the given timeframe, the city can designate the house as a condemned property.

This issue tends to occur when owners fail to maintain their properties or due to major incidents. For example, a natural disaster may have flooded the home, compromising the property’s foundation and making it unsafe and uninhabitable. 

In some cases, owners simply neglect regular maintenance and allow the violations to escalate. Once the house reaches condemned status, the owner must take action to rectify the violations or risk losing the home to demolition or a government lien. 

What it Means to Own a Condemned Property in Houston

If you own a condemned property in Houston, you have a limited amount of time to fix the problems so the house complies with local regulations. You will need to invest in the necessary repairs to bring it into compliance, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The government may legally prevent you from inhabiting the house due to safety concerns, forcing you to find temporary housing. 

If the problems persist, the government could decide to take possession of the home to either repair it or demolish it. In either case, you would lose out on all the money you invested in the house from mortgage payments. There could also be legal consequences for owning a condemned property and failing to take action. 

Why Selling a Houston House with Building Code Violations is Difficult 

If your house is not in compliance with local authorities, selling on the open market will be nearly impossible. Few buyers are interested in primary residences or rental properties that require extensive renovation or repair work. After all, the buyer would have just spent a ton of money on a down payment and closing costs to acquire the home. The last thing they want is to spend even more money on the necessary repairs to bring the house up to code. 

The traditional real estate transaction involves hiring a real estate agent, listing the property, making necessary repairs, cleaning and staging it, negotiating with buyers, and awaiting lender approval. Many of these steps will be far more challenging if your home has significant habitability violations. 

Disclosure Requirements in Texas for a Known Code Violation

In Texas, sellers are legally required to disclose all known defects with the property to buyers. A serious code violation would certainly be an example of a known defect. If local authorities have labeled your house uninhabitable, the buyer must be aware of this. 

This process involves completing a seller’s disclosure notice. This is a legal form that is included with every real estate transaction in Texas. In it, you must describe all the issues with your property, including health risks, outdated electrical wiring, foundation problems, and plumbing issues. The purpose of the notice is to ensure buyers know what they are paying for. Unfortunately, this document may make it harder to find a buyer as known defects, such as code violations, will deter most potential buyers. 

Buyer and Lender Reluctance for a House with Habitability Issues

As a seller, various aspects of the process could result in a cancelled sale due to ordinance violations. Both the buyer and the lender may be reluctant to finance a house with habitability concerns due to risk, liability, and safety issues. Even if the buyer agrees to take responsibility for bringing the house up to code, the lender could easily deem the risk too high to grant a mortgage loan. 

The High Cost of Repairs to Meet Building Codes in Houston

The other option for selling a house on the open market with habitability violations is to invest in repairs first. Once you resolve the issues, the pool of interested buyers will likely grow, resulting in a higher sale price for the house. 

However, you will have to spend time and money to address those repairs. Some projects could cost thousands of dollars, and many sellers don’t have that kind of money when preparing to sell. For a rental owner, security deposits may not be enough to cover the extent of the repairs. 

A Simple Solution: Selling Your Houston House As-Is, Violations and All

Selling a home with violations, or even a condemned house, is incredibly difficult through normal real estate channels. However, selling your house as is to cash home buyers is an effective solution. 

At A-List Properties, we buy houses in Texas no matter what condition they’re in. Even a property with habitability issues or multiple ordinance violations is eligible for a no-obligation cash offer from our team.

How Cash Buyers Handle a House with a Severe Code Violation 

The responsibility of bringing a condemned house up to code is a heavy burden. Experienced cash buyers have the resources and expertise to purchase properties regardless of their condition. A-List Properties understands the risks associated with these violations, so we buy houses in Houston with the will to handle the repair work ourselves once the deal is done. 

If you own a condemned house, we can assume the legal responsibilities of ownership after the sale, allowing you to avoid the stress of rectifying an unsafe property. 

Benefits of a Cash Sale for a Condemned Property or a House with Violations

Selling residential properties for cash has many benefits. First, you can skip all the repairs, cleaning, and staging required for a normal real estate transaction. Second, you can receive cash fast and move on, as we can close deals in 14 days or less once you accept our offer. 

Another major advantage is not having to deal with code enforcement agencies, who would otherwise pressure you to invest in repairs. Construction can be a stressful process in its own right, so passing those repair projects onto A-List Properties guarantees a hassle-free selling experience. Lastly, we offer certainty with a guaranteed sale, as there is no risk of lenders backing out. 

Our Process for Buying Houston Homes with Code Violations

Selling a condemned house with a real estate agent is a recipe for confusion and a lengthy sale process. By the end of the deal, you may be extremely frustrated by all the hoops you had to jump through, the buyer’s demands, and the much lower asking price. 

At A-List Properties, we strive to provide solutions for Texas homeowners in difficult situations. A drawn-out sale is the last thing you need when you are facing multiple building violations on your property. We have created a fast and straightforward process for selling your condemned house, and it’s as simple as three steps. 

Step 1: Tell Us About Your Houston Property’s Situation

First, reach out to our team and tell us about your house in Houston. What are the major violations you are concerned about? Are you trying to sell troublesome rental properties, an inherited home, or your primary residence? We will use this information to calculate a fair cash offer. 

Step 2: We Assess the Situation and Make a Fair Cash Offer

Next, we will schedule a walkthrough of the property to get a closer look. Our team will consider the current violations, nearby property values, and the condition of the house to determine a fair amount. Once we make an offer, there is no obligation to accept it. 

Step 3: Close Quickly and Move on From the Problem Property

If you accept our free cash offer, we can choose a closing date that suits your timeline. Whether you want to sell the house in two weeks or two months, we will work around your schedule so you get the money you need when you need it. 

Resolve Your Houston Habitability and Code Violation Issues with a Cash Sale

When you need to resolve a habitability issue with your Houston home, selling to A-List Properties is the most effective solution. Our team will be happy to take over responsibility for rectifying building violations. Plus, you can avoid lengthy and costly repairs, realtor commissions, fees for legal experts, and closing costs. 

Whether you need to sell a rental unit, a primary residence, or an inherited home with habitability concerns, contact us at 972-526-7042 or complete the online form to request a fair cash offer.