Code violations & unpermitted work — Alameda County
Unpermitted work or code violations?
Sell it as-is.
In-law units, garage conversions, additions, open permits and city notices: we buy houses with all of them, and you don’t legalize anything before closing.
About a minute · No obligation · Or call (510) 706-7203
What to know
Unpermitted work is everywhere in older East Bay houses.
Over the decades, plenty of East Bay houses picked up work that never saw a permit: a basement bedroom, a converted garage, an in-law unit out back, a deck or a rewired kitchen. Others have open permits a previous owner never closed, or a notice of violation from the city.
On the open market that becomes a problem fast. Appraisers often won’t count unpermitted space, inspection reports flag it, and buyers ask for credits or walk away. We buy houses with unpermitted work and code violations as they are.
Disclosure comes first
California’s standard seller disclosure form asks directly about room additions, structural changes and other work done without permits. If you know about it, you disclose it, even in an as-is sale. Telling us up front keeps the deal simple, because we price it in.
Legalize, or sell as-is?
Legalizing old work can mean plans, inspections, opening walls and upgrades to current code, which can cost more and take longer than owners expect. California has made it easier for some older in-law units: since 2025, cities generally can’t deny a permit to legalize an accessory dwelling unit built before 2020 just because it doesn’t meet current codes, unless it’s unsafe enough to count as substandard housing under state law. It’s still a project. Selling as-is hands that project to the buyer.
Open violations, fines and liens
If the city has issued a notice of violation, fines and fees can keep adding up, and unpaid amounts can become a lien on the property or be added to the property-tax bill. Recorded liens are paid from the proceeds at closing, like a mortgage, and responsibility for the open issues moves to the new owner.
If someone rents the unpermitted unit
Tenants in an unpermitted unit can still have legal protections, and in some cities owners owe relocation payments if a unit has to be vacated to fix code problems. Get advice before asking anyone to leave. We can buy with the occupant in place.
General information about California rules as of October 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Laws change and every situation is different, so check the details with an attorney, CPA or housing counselor.
How it works
Code violations: how the sale works.
Tell us what’s unpermitted
Whatever you know: the work, roughly when it was done, and any notices from the city.
Get a written cash offer
Usually within 24 hours, priced for the house as it is, permits or not.
Title checks for liens
The title company finds any recorded liens or fines so they can be paid off from the sale.
Close as-is
No plans, inspections or upgrades before closing. Any legalizing becomes the buyer’s job, not yours.
Why sell to us
A direct cash sale vs. listing with an agent
| Feature | EZ Home Offer | Listing with an agent |
|---|---|---|
| Commissions & fees | None | Often around 5% of the price |
| Repairs & cleaning | None, sell as-is | Often required |
| Showings & open houses | None | Many |
| Time to close | As little as 3 days | Often 60–90+ days |
| Closing date | You choose | Buyer’s schedule |
| Financing fall-through | Low risk, cash offer | Common |
Common questions
Code violations: your questions, answered.
Can I sell a house with an unpermitted in-law unit?
Yes. You disclose it, and we price the house as it is. You don’t have to legalize or remove the unit before closing.
Will the city make me fix violations before I can sell?
Generally, an open violation doesn’t stop a sale: it stays with the property, and the new owner becomes responsible for it. Recorded fines and liens are paid from the proceeds. Check any order you’ve received for deadlines that apply to you.
Do I have to disclose work a previous owner did?
You disclose what you know. If you know or suspect earlier work wasn’t permitted, say so. It protects you, and it won’t scare us off.
Should I legalize the work before selling?
Only if the numbers work. Legalizing can add value on the open market, but it takes plans, inspections and often upgrades. Compare that cost and time against an as-is offer.
Someone lives in the unpermitted unit. Can you still buy?
Usually, yes. Tenants in unpermitted units can still have legal protections, so we look at the arrangement and buy with them in place.
How do you determine your offer?
We look at the property’s condition, the repairs it needs, and recent comparable sales nearby. We walk you through how we got to the number, with no pressure to accept.
Are there any fees or commissions?
No. You won’t pay agent commissions or pay us any fees. We cover typical closing costs, so the offer you accept is what you can expect to walk away with, minus any existing liens or mortgage payoff.
Are you real estate agents?
No. We’re real estate investors, not licensed agents or brokers, and we don’t list homes. We may buy your property directly or assign our purchase contract to another investor buyer. We’ll always tell you exactly how the deal is structured.
Other situations
Whatever’s going on, we can help.
- Inherited houseHow it works →
- Facing foreclosureHow it works →
- DivorceHow it works →
- Rental with tenantsHow it works →
- Fire damageHow it works →
- Major repairsHow it works →
- Vacant houseHow it works →
- RelocatingHow it works →
- DownsizingHow it works →
- Assisted livingHow it works →
- Hoarder houseHow it works →
- Selling as-isHow it works →
The direct line