Selling a house is already a stressful process—but trying to sell a home that has code violations in Los Angeles? That’s a whole different level. Whether it’s a DIY remodel that wasn’t permitted, an overgrown yard that triggered a citation, or something more serious like unsafe wiring or plumbing, you’re not alone. Many LA homeowners find themselves in this exact situation.
The good news? You can sell a house with code violations in Los Angeles. In fact, depending on the situation, you may have more options than you think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding what counts as a code violation, to the risks, your legal options, and how to sell fast (without fixing a thing).
🛠️ What Is a Code Violation in Los Angeles?
A code violation is when a property fails to meet safety, health, building, or zoning regulations set by the City of Los Angeles.
Common Types of Violations:
- Unpermitted additions or garage conversions
- Faulty or outdated electrical systems
- Plumbing issues or sewage leaks
- Roof damage or structural instability
- Inoperable vehicles or debris in the yard
- Overgrown weeds or poor yard maintenance
- Broken windows or exposed insulation
The LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) or Housing + Community Investment Department (HCIDLA) are often the ones issuing these notices.
Example: “Mike inherited his grandmother’s home in Boyle Heights. It had peeling paint, an old detached garage converted into a studio apartment (without permits), and a broken fence that faced the street. He received multiple citations after a neighbor reported it.”
📋 What Happens When You Get a Code Violation Notice?
Typically, you’ll receive a Notice to Comply or Order to Abate, which gives you a timeline to fix the violation. If you ignore it, the city may:
- Issue fines (sometimes daily until fixed)
- Place a lien on your property
- Refer the property to code enforcement or even the city attorney
According to the City of Los Angeles, fines can be up to $1,000 per day per violation, depending on severity. And liens? They stay with the property until paid—affecting your ability to sell.
Example: Lisa, a single mom in Van Nuys, planned to list her house but found out the city placed a $4,200 lien for unresolved violations related to electrical upgrades her ex started and never finished.
🤔 Can You Sell a House with Code Violations in LA?
Yes—you absolutely can sell a home with code violations. But how you sell it, and who will buy it, matters.
You generally have three options:
1. Fix the Violations Before Selling
This works well for minor issues (like painting or yard cleanup). If you can afford repairs and time is on your side, fixing the violations can open the home to more traditional buyers and allow you to list on the MLS.
🔧 Tip: Be sure to pull the correct permits if you’re correcting anything structural or electrical—unpermitted repairs can trigger more violations.
2. Sell As-Is to a Regular Buyer (With Disclosure)
This means listing your home with a real estate agent and clearly disclosing the violations to potential buyers.
However, most traditional buyers will be nervous (or their lenders won’t approve financing). FHA and conventional loans often require homes to be in good condition.
Potential delays: Buyer inspections, repair negotiations, lender issues.
3. Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer or Investor
This is usually the fastest and most hassle-free option.
Investors and cash buyers (like us at Mrs. Property Solutions) buy homes as-is—including homes with violations, liens, or even active fines. We handle the paperwork and work directly with the city, so you don’t have to.
Example: Joe in South Central LA had a home with extensive roof damage and an illegal back patio addition. He didn’t have the money or time to fix it. We made him a cash offer, covered the closing costs, and helped him walk away from the problem in under 3 weeks.
🏡 How a Cash Sale Works with Code Violations
Here’s how the process typically works if you choose to sell your home for cash:
- Contact a Local Buyer: Reach out to a trusted, local investor (like us).
- Get a Fair Cash Offer: We’ll evaluate your home—even with violations—and give you a no-obligation offer.
- Skip the Repairs: We buy it as-is, so no work is needed on your end.
- Close Fast: Most homes close in 7–21 days, depending on your timeline.
- Avoid Fees & Stress: We cover closing costs, and you avoid agent commissions or city penalties.
📊 Real Stats: Code Enforcement in LA
- The City of Los Angeles issued over 77,000 code enforcement cases in 2023 alone (source: LADBS)
- Top three violations: unpermitted construction, lack of property maintenance, and zoning misuse
- The average time to resolve a code case (with city cooperation) is over 90 days
- Homes with unresolved violations tend to sell 15–25% below market value on the open market
🧠 Translation: The longer you wait to resolve or sell, the more money you could lose.
💡Helpful Resources For Code Violations
- Check for open violations: LADBS Code Enforcement Portal
- Request permit history: LADBS can provide records to verify if a structure or upgrade was permitted
- Talk to a title company: To confirm if the city has placed any liens on your property
- Seek legal guidance: Especially if you have tenants or complex inheritance issues
✅ Final Thoughts: What’s the Easiest Way to Sell a House with Code Violations in LA?
You have options, but if you’re stressed, short on time, or don’t want to deal with repairs, selling your house as-is to a cash buyer is often the easiest, fastest, and most profitable path—especially in Los Angeles, where city violations can be a nightmare.
At Mrs. Property Solutions, we specialize in buying homes with code violations, liens, unpermitted work, and all kinds of issues. No repairs. No cleaning. No headaches.
📞 Call or text us today at (602) 376-8391, or fill out this quick form to get your cash offer in 24 hours:
Let’s help you move on from your problem property with less stress and more cash in your pocket.