Dealing with code violations can be a difficult task for homeowners. It can hinder your goals and result in a significant cost to fix. Sometimes, homeowners are unsure of the specific violation and are not prepared to handle it promptly. Determining who to contact and the necessary steps for resolution can be confusing. Our notes are specific to working with the city of Fort Myers to correct code violations.
Know What City Department You Are Dealing With
If you have a code violation, there was probably a failed inspection or an event that caused the city to issue the violation. There are three departments that comprise code enforcement and that are responsible for different aspects of property management and safety. The Property Maintenance Group enforces regulations on the external appearance of properties and oversees issues related to lead paint and hazards. The Health Unit oversees matters related to public health. The Building Code Unit enforces building codes to ensure safety and compliance. The health unit conducts inspections primarily in commercial spaces to uphold health standards and runs the pest control program. The building code unit is responsible for issuing permits for renovations and enforcing compliance with Uniform Building Standard codes. Regarding residential issues, the property maintenance group handles upkeep matters while the building code unit handles cases of unpermitted work.
Work with the City to Resolve Issues
To sell a house with code violations quickly and easily, it’s best to partner with the city to address any unresolved violations. Tackling issues related to the house’s appearance can be a straightforward solution. By spending time cleaning up the exterior, removing overgrown weeds, picking up debris, and generally sprucing up the property, you can increase its attractiveness and eliminate past problems. Make sure to thoroughly review each violation and resolve the underlying issue causing the problem. Fixing code violations can be difficult, as significant changes may be necessary to meet the required standards.
Based on our experience, you can directly resolve potential issues by working with the inspectors. It would be best to carefully review the violations and ask the inspectors about the specific changes needed to lift the violation. Take note of their recommendations by having a pen and paper ready. It is recommended to have a licensed contractor who is registered with the city present during the inspection so they can understand any technical terms used by the inspector. Ensure that the inspector provides a written and signed report detailing the specific violations found on the property. Schedule a follow-up inspection with the city for a date after the necessary work has been completed to address the violations.
Appeal to the City to Lift Violations
After you have addressed all the violations mentioned, you must request the city to lift the violations. They will send out an inspector to check the house for any remaining issues. Keep a copy of your original walkthrough sheet with you in case they attempt to add any items to the violation. It has been noticed that in some cases, multiple inspectors have found additional items during a re-inspection. If the work has been done according to specifications, the city should lift the code violation promptly or immediately. You will receive official documentation at your address later.
Common Code Violations
- Trash and Debris
- Abandoned Vehicles
- High Grass and Weeds
- Permits Required/Expired
- Trash and Recycling Collection
- Maintenance of Property
- Address Numbers
- Signs
Price the House To Sell Quickly
Selling a house with code violations to a regular buyer in Fort Myers may require you to reduce the asking price significantly. Most buyers prefer trouble-free houses that are ready to move in. If the problems with your property are severe, lenders may not approve a loan. Therefore, you might need to consider cash offers only. Issues such as zoning, plumbing, septic, and electrical can all be major obstacles and raise red flags among lenders. Before you list or sell your property yourself, consider what we can offer! Our expertise and experience enable us to repair and improve houses cost-effectively, often for less than if you were to do it yourself. This will save you significant time and money in the future.
Why You Should Sell Your House Directly
If you keep your house off the MLS, you can avoid property showings, marketing, staging, and ongoing maintenance. Additionally, you won’t need to wait without knowing when your house will sell or the offer you’ll receive. You can also skip paying agent commissions, fees, or closing costs. Our selling process is uncomplicated and hassle-free, allowing you to sell your house quickly regardless of its current condition. You can read some of our reviews to learn more about our reputation for professionalism and fairness. Discover how easy it is to sell your Fort Myers house with code violations by exploring our solutions.