How to Sell a House with Code Violations in Washington: 2025 Ultimate Guide
“Your Trusted Local Cash Home Buyer”
Owning a home in Washington is rewarding until code violations show up. Maybe your house has unpermitted electrical work in Tacoma, black mold in Spokane, or foundation cracks in Yakima. Whatever the issue, code violations can feel overwhelming. They bring fines, liens, and disclosure obligations that scare away traditional buyers. But here’s the truth: you can sell a house with code violations in Washington, and in this guide we’ll show you exactly how.
What Are Code Violations?
Code violations are official notices from a city or county government stating that your home doesn’t comply with safety, health, or building regulations. These rules are designed to protect residents and property values. In Washington, each city and county enforces its own codes, such as:
- Spokane Municipal Code
- Tacoma Municipal Code
- Seattle City Code
- RCW 35A.63 – Planning and Zoning for Code Cities
Common types of violations include:
- Unpermitted work: Additions, electrical, or plumbing done without permits.
- Health hazards: Mold, asbestos, or pest infestations.
- Structural issues: Cracked foundations, sagging roofs, unsafe stairs.
- Fire hazards: Faulty wiring, missing smoke alarms, blocked exits.
- Vacant property neglect: Overgrown yards, broken windows, vandalism.
Consequences of Ignoring Code Violations
Ignoring violations in Washington won’t make them disappear it makes them worse. Homeowners face:
- Daily fines: Some cities charge $100–$500 per day until repairs are made.
- Municipal liens: Unpaid fines convert to liens recorded against your property (RCW 60).
- Lawsuits: Cities can sue or condemn properties deemed unsafe.
- Foreclosure: Severe violations can escalate into foreclosure from unpaid liens.
Repair Costs by Violation Type
Fixing violations can be extremely costly. Here’s what Washington homeowners often face:
- Electrical rewiring: $5,000–$15,000+
- Plumbing replacement: $3,000–$12,000
- Mold remediation: $5,000–$20,000
- Foundation repair: $10,000–$40,000
- Pest infestations: $1,000–$5,000 depending on severity
- Roof replacement: $8,000–$15,000
For many, repairs are simply not financially realistic which is why selling as-is becomes the practical choice.
Washington Seller Disclosure Requirements
Under RCW 64.06 – Seller Disclosure Act, homeowners must disclose known defects using Form 17. This includes code violations, unpermitted work, and health hazards. Attempting to hide violations can result in lawsuits and canceled sales. Traditional buyers and their lenders usually require clear title, meaning liens and fines must be addressed before closing.
County-by-County Breakdown of Code Enforcement
Spokane County
Common issues: vacant home neglect, water damage, and mold in basements. Spokane Municipal Code requires owners to repair hazards or face fines. Many violations are tied to aging homes in North Spokane and Hillyard.
King County
Seattle and surrounding areas enforce strict building and rental codes. Unpermitted basement apartments and safety hazards are top violations. Daily fines are common, and buyers demand repairs before closing.
Pierce County
Tacoma homes often face wiring, plumbing, and structural violations in older neighborhoods. Tacoma’s code enforcement is active, especially in rentals.
Yakima County
Rural homes often have septic system or foundation violations. Water damage and pest infestations are also common issues in Yakima homes.
Snohomish County
Rapid growth has led to unpermitted additions and zoning violations. Everett and surrounding areas issue violations for unsafe rentals and neglected properties.
Options for Selling a House with Code Violations
If your Washington home has code violations, you have three main options:
- Repair and list traditionally: Expensive, time-consuming, but possible if you can afford repairs.
- Sell FSBO (as-is): You’ll still need to disclose violations, and offers may be low.
- Sell to a cash buyer: Cash buyers purchase as-is, pay off liens at closing, and close in days.
Traditional Sale vs. Cash Sale: A Comparison
| Factor | Traditional Sale | Cash Buyer Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Repairs Required? | Yes, often tens of thousands | No, sold as-is |
| Timeline | 3–6 months on market | 7–14 days |
| Buyer Financing Risk | High lenders reject unsafe homes | None — no financing needed |
| Stress Level | High | Low |
FAQs About Selling Houses with Code Violations in Washington
- Do I have to fix violations before selling? No. You can sell as-is, but must disclose under RCW 64.06.
- What happens to unpaid fines? They turn into liens, cleared at closing with sale proceeds.
- Can buyers assume violations? Yes, but most traditional buyers won’t. Cash buyers will.
- Can I sell a house with unpermitted work? Yes, but disclosure is required. Cash buyers often accept unpermitted work.
- Will lenders finance a home with violations? Rarely. Banks demand safe, code-compliant homes.
- Can I face foreclosure? Yes. Municipal liens can escalate to foreclosure if ignored.
- What if my house is vacant? Vacant homes with violations can still be sold to investors or cash buyers.
- Do code violations lower property value? Yes. Many homes sell 20–40% below market with violations.
- How fast can I sell to a cash buyer? Often within 7–10 days.
- Do I need a lawyer? Not always, but legal advice helps with complex liens.
- Can I sell with an open permit? Yes, but the buyer assumes responsibility.
- What if the city has condemned my property? Cash buyers may still purchase condemned homes for redevelopment.
Why Cash Buyers Are the Best Solution
Selling a house with code violations in Washington is stressful, but cash buyers remove the burden. They purchase homes as-is, handle title and lien payoff, and close fast. For sellers facing fines, legal pressure, or foreclosure, this is often the only realistic path forward.
Helpful Resources for Washington Homeowners
- Spokane Municipal Code
- Tacoma Municipal Code
- Seattle City Code
- Washington Seller Disclosure Act – RCW 64.06
- WA DOH – Mold
- RCW 60 – Liens
- REI Branded Home Buyer
Why Work With REI Branded Home Buyer
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we specialize in helping Washington homeowners sell houses with code violations, liens, or unpermitted work. From Spokane to Seattle to Yakima, we’ve helped homeowners escape fines and move forward stress-free.
Take the Next Step
Are code violations making it hard to sell your Washington home? Don’t let fines and liens pile up. Contact REI Branded Home Buyer today for a no-obligation cash offer. We’ll help you sell fast, avoid foreclosure, and move forward with peace of mind.
Contact Information
REI Branded Home Buyer
Phone: 509-769-3439
Email: info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
Website: www.reibrandedhomebuyer.com
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. For specific guidance regarding your property or situation, please consult a licensed professional.
