Receiving a letter from the city about housing code violations can feel like a real punch to the gut. Maybe it’s a roof that’s falling apart, old wiring, or some overgrown grass and junk in the yard. Whatever the issue, it might feel like your home just turned into a big problem overnight.
Fixing everything may be too expensive or too complicated for you to handle on your own, and a lot of homeowners think they can’t move forward until everything is brought up to current building codes.
But here’s the truth: you can still sell your house, even with active violations on the books. You don’t have to handle every renovation, pull every permit, or deal with contractors just to get out from under a home that’s causing you stress.
Common housing code violations in Ft. Worth
When a property doesn’t meet local building codes, the city may issue a violation notice. These are usually handled by your local housing code enforcement team.
In Ft. Worth, some of the most common issues flagged in a housing code inspection include:
-
Roof damage or sagging areas
-
Outdated plumbing or electrical systems
-
Mold, pests, or long-term water damage
-
Additions or renovations done without a permit
-
Overgrown yards, trash piles, or other exterior issues
Even something as simple as peeling paint or broken steps can lead to building code issues. And the longer you wait, the more notices and possible fines you could receive.
If you’re not sure what your notice means, check your city’s housing department website. Many cities have an online portal that lets you look up the specific issues and deadlines.
What happens when you have code violations?
When a home has open code violations, selling it the traditional way can be tough. Most buyers want a house that’s move-in ready and free of issues. If you’ve got unresolved code problems, that can make things complicated.
Here’s what you might run into:
-
The property may not pass inspection, which is required for most mortgage approvals.
-
Lenders often refuse to fund a loan with unresolved safety or structural problems.
-
Some homes have liens or fines attached because of long-standing violations.
Buyers that find violations may ask for updates, demand discounts, or even walk away from the deal. You may also be required to bring the home up to code before the sale can close.
Can you still sell a house with code issues?
Even if your home isn’t up to modern housing codes or has been flagged by code enforcement, you can still sell your property “as is” to the right home buyer.
You don’t need to make repairs, get permits, or spend months getting it market-ready. Instead of listing it the traditional way, you could:
-
List it on the market at a reduced price: Some buyers are willing to take on houses with code violations if the price is low enough to justify the work.
-
Sell it to an investor or real estate developer: These buyers often specialize in fixing up distressed houses and may be less concerned with code compliance upfront.
-
Sell to an off-market home buyer: Companies like We Buy Ugly Houses® buy homes in many different conditions, including those with residential building code violations, and handle the repairs after the sale.
Benefits of selling your Ft. Worth house off-market
Plenty of homeowners in Ft. Worth have felt overwhelmed by code violations and still found a way to move on. Selling your house off-market can offer big advantages, especially if it needs work. When you sell off-market, you can expect:
-
No need to make repairs to meet code compliance or pass inspections
-
Faster sale timelines, without waiting for mortgage approvals or contractor schedules
-
No open houses, lengthy negotiations, or constant buyer demands
Why homeowners in Ft. Worth choose We Buy Ugly Houses®
At We Buy Ugly Houses, we’ve helped 150,000 sellers all over the continental United States deal with tough situations, including residential building code violations. Homeowners trust us because:
-
We buy houses “as is,” even with major damage, open code violations, or unsafe conditions flagged by housing code enforcement.
-
We take care of the details, including expired or missing permits and failed housing code inspections.
-
We do our best to work on your timeline, with a flexible closing date that fits your needs, whether you need to sell fast or take your time.
We’re not scared off by a bad roof, water damage, foundation damage, or outdated systems. Get a home sale that’s simple, transparent, and built around what works best for you.
Sell your house with code violations in Ft. Worth.
Just because your property has housing code violations doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it. You can still sell your house, even if it doesn’t meet today’s building codes. With our 3-step home-buying process, we can take you from consultation to closing quickly—sometimes in as little as 3 weeks. We pay typical closing costs, and we don’t charge commissions or hidden fees.†
Ready to skip fixing code violations and start selling? Reach out to We Buy Ugly Houses in Ft. Worth today for a free consultation.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
