Can You Sell a House in Texas With Code Violations?

What homeowners need to know about permits, citations, and selling as-is.

Selling a house is already stressful — and having code violations can make the process feel impossible.

Whether it’s an outdated electrical panel, an unpermitted garage conversion, or overgrown landscaping, you might be wondering:

Can I still sell my house with code violations in Texas?

The short answer is yes — and you may not have to fix a thing.
This blog will walk you through how to sell a house with code violations, what your options are, and why selling your home as-is might be the best decision.

What Are Code Violations on a House?

Code violations happen when a property doesn’t comply with local building, safety, or zoning standards.
In Texas — especially in older neighborhoods — these issues are more common than you’d think.

Common code violations include:

Unpermitted additions or renovations
Broken windows or unsafe staircases
Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC not up to code
Roof or structural issues
Yard overgrowth, debris, or pest infestations

These violations often build up over time — especially in inherited homes or long-term rentals — and they can make selling more complicated.

Rust and Aging on the Electric Meter Box

Corrosion on electrical components can be considered a safety hazard, particularly if it’s near exposed wiring or outdated infrastructure.

Window-Mounted A/C Unit in Poorly Sealed Frame

The A/C appears improperly installed or supported, with gaps around the frame. This may violate building or energy efficiency codes, and in some municipalities, unpermitted modifications like this may be flagged.

Peeling Paint and Neglected Trim

While often minor, deteriorating exterior surfaces can signal poor maintenance and may trigger minimum housing standards violations — especially if they lead to pest infestation or wood rot.

Why Code Violations Can Delay (or Kill) a Traditional Home Sale

Most homebuyers use mortgage financing, which means inspections, appraisals, and city compliance checks are required.

If code violations show up:

Buyers might demand repairs before closing
Some buyers will back out entirely
Closings can be delayed or even fall through

Even small issues like a missing smoke detector or a non-permitted deck can cause major headaches.

Can You Sell a House With Code Violations in Texas?

Yes, you can. You typically have two options:

1. Fix the Issues Yourself

This involves hiring licensed contractors, pulling permits, and waiting on inspections.
It can result in a higher sale price — but it often takes months and costs thousands of dollars.

2. Sell the House As-Is to a Cash Buyer

Skip the repairs and red tape.
Companies like Home Buying Guys buy homes in any condition — including those with active code violations.

Why Selling As-Is Might Be the Best Option

When you sell as-is:

You don’t need to make repairs
No inspections or permits are required
No waiting on buyers or financing

Here’s how it works with Home Buying Guys:

We evaluate your home in its current condition
We make a fair, no-obligation cash offer
You choose the closing date
We handle everything — and you walk away with cash

Real Example

We recently worked with a Dallas homeowner who inherited a property with multiple code violations — including an illegal garage conversion and structural issues.

Traditional buyers weren’t interested, and the city was issuing fines.
We stepped in, made a fair cash offer, and closed in 10 days.
The seller didn’t make a single repair — and walked away with peace of mind.

Conclusion

If your house has code violations, you don’t have to feel stuck.
There’s a real, stress-free way to move forward.

💬 Thinking about selling your home as-is in Texas?
Reach out to Home Buying Guys for a free, no-pressure consultation.
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners sell quickly — even with violations.