Can You Sell a House With Code Violations in California?
Yes, you can sell a home with code violations in California—but traditional buyers and lenders often won't touch it. The right approach depends on your violation type, timeline, and financial situation. Here's what California homeowners need to know.
3 Ways to Sell a Home With Code Violations
Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer (Fastest Path)
How it works: Investors purchase properties with unresolved violations
Timeline: 7-21 days to close
Typical sale price: 50-75% of market value
Best for:
- Unpermitted additions
- Electrical/plumbing violations
- Zoning non-compliance
- Safety hazards
Cure Violations Before Selling (Highest Price)
How it works: Obtain permits and fix issues, then list traditionally
Timeline: 3-12 months
Typical sale price: 85-100% of market value
Best for:
- Minor violations (<$10k to fix)
- Sellers with renovation funds
- No urgent timeline
Negotiate With the City (Riskiest Option)
How it works: Request variance or after-the-fact permits
Timeline: 6-18 months
Success rate: <30% for major violations
Best for:
- Historic properties
- Minor zoning issues
Most Common California Code Violations
| Violation Type | Average Fix Cost | Cash Buyer Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| Unpermitted ADU | 15k−50k | Yes |
| Electrical not to code | 5k−20k | Yes |
| Setback violations | 10k−100k+ | Sometimes |
| Illegal unit conversion | 20k−75k | Yes |
| Structural changes | 25k−150k | Rare |
Step-by-Step: Selling to a Cash Buyer
Document All Violations
- Obtain violation notice from city
- Photograph issues (don't repair yet)
Get Multiple Cash Offers
- Look for buyers experienced with violations
- Compare offers based on:
- Speed to close
- Experience with local codes
- Proof of funds
Review Contract Carefully
- Ensure "as-is" clause covers violations
- Confirm buyer assumes liability
- Verify no municipal lien surprises
Close Without Fixing Anything
- Buyer handles post-sale compliance
- You receive cash at closing
- No future liability
Find What It's Like Working with Semi Homes
Why California Sellers Choose Cash Buyers
Companies like Semi Homes specialize in code-violated properties because we:
✅ Understand local municipal processes
✅ Carry specialized title insurance
✅ Budget for violation resolution
✅ Close quickly despite liens
We regularly purchase homes with:
- Unpermitted rooms/units
- Outdated electrical systems
- Zoning non-compliance
- Failed final inspections
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to disclose code violations?
Yes—California requires disclosure of all known violations on the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS).
Can I sell with an open code enforcement case?
Yes, but the violation becomes a lien that must be paid at closing (cash buyers handle this).
What if the city red-tags my property?
Cash buyers can still purchase—we factor demolition risks into offers.
Will I owe penalties when selling?
Typically no—the new owner assumes responsibility (confirm this in contract).
How fast can Semi Homes close with violations?
We've closed in 10 days on properties with active enforcement cases.
Need to Sell a Home With Code Issues?
If you're dealing with:
- Municipal compliance deadlines
- Threat of daily fines
- Lender demands to fix violations
- Inability to get traditional financing
Semi Homes provides:
- Same-day cash offers
- Violation expertise across all CA cities
- No-obligation consultations
- Flexible closing timelines
Contact us today for a free property assessment—we'll explain exactly how to sell your home despite code violations. No fixes required.