Can I sell a house with code violations in Johnson City, TN?

A code notice does not mean you have to finish the repair list before talking with us. Tell us what the City says and what condition the house is in. We can review Johnson City houses with violations, serious disrepair, or other needed work as-is; you do not fix anything before asking about an offer.

Tennessee law gives cities a process for certain buildings found unfit for people to live in or use. Under that process, after notice and a hearing, a city may order the owner to repair the building or close it. If repairs cannot be made at a reasonable cost, the city may order demolition. If the owner does not comply, the city may do the work itself and charge the cost as a lien on the property. The cost is collected with property taxes; if unpaid, it gets the same penalty and interest as late property taxes. Local rules may also allow charges for work such as mowing an overgrown lot.

This process applies to the buildings and cases covered by the law, not necessarily every code notice. The actual notice, any order, and the City's current record matter. Ask Code Enforcement what remains open, and ask the closing attorney or title company how any charge or lien affects this sale. Selling does not by itself make a lien go away.

Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service summary of Tenn. Code Ann. § 13-21-103

When you sell to us, we're the buyer, so the repairs become our job.

We talk through the house, its condition, and the notice or letters you have. Share the address and the next date or step written on the notice; you can call before making repairs. We review the property and give you a written cash offer within 24 hours.

You can read the written offer and terms before you commit. A title company handles the closing paperwork. An offer or sale does not automatically cancel a City order, case, lien, or deadline, so check those separately with the City and the closing professionals.

Johnson City Code Enforcement is the local office for questions about City code notices. Start with the City's Code Enforcement page or check its code violations list. The City can confirm what is open on a specific property.

When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including Tennessee's realty transfer tax. This does not pay your mortgage, liens, back taxes, or your share of current property taxes.

Compare your own numbers with the Johnson City home-sale net proceeds calculator. Just an estimate — the actual number could be more or less depending on the home's condition.