Sell a Property With Code Violations

Unpermitted work, an open code enforcement case, a red tag from the city, or a lien recorded against the property for unresolved violations — any of these can make a traditional sale difficult, because most buyers and their lenders will not move forward until the issues are cleared. Clearing them yourself can mean permits, inspections, and real money before you ever get to closing.

What this covers

• Open code enforcement cases or notices of violation from the city or county.
• Unpermitted additions, conversions, or electrical and plumbing work.
• A red tag or condemned status restricting occupancy.
• Municipal liens recorded against the property for unresolved violations or abatement costs.

How we approach it

We review the property, the nature of the violations, and whether liens are attached, as part of deciding whether and what to offer. Some situations are straightforward. Others need title work to sort out exactly what is owed and to whom before a number makes sense. We tell you up front what we see and what it would take to move forward.

What we will not promise

We will not promise to make violations or liens disappear, and we are not a substitute for the city’s own process. Liens tied to code enforcement are often paid out of sale proceeds at closing, which is something your title company sorts out as part of any sale, not something we handle separately. For questions about a specific violation or how to contest one, that is a conversation with the city or county code enforcement office, or an attorney.

Questions people ask

Do I need to clear the violation before you will buy?

Not necessarily — tell us what the city cited and we will review it as part of the property.

What if there’s a lien on the property for the violation?

Liens are typically resolved through title and escrow at closing. We will walk through the numbers so you understand how it affects what you walk away with.

Can you buy a property that’s currently red-tagged?

Tell us the specifics. Occupancy restrictions affect what the property is worth to us, but they do not automatically rule out a purchase.

Is unpermitted work always a dealbreaker?

No. It is common, especially on older Bay Area homes, and it is something we factor into a review rather than something that stops the conversation.

Talk to us

Call or text (510) 417-9089, or send the short form on this page, and tell us the city and your situation.

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Please read this part

Property inquiries through this page go to the property division of Bay Area Services. Notary services on this website are provided separately by Notary Experts. A notary verifies identity and witnesses signatures and cannot give legal advice or take part in a property purchase. Nothing on this page is a promise of an offer or a price. For legal or tax questions about a sale, talk to a California attorney or tax professional.