There are a lot of uninhabitable houses out there. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, about one in four homes is considered “uninhabitable.” And if you’re one of the unlucky people who owns an uninhabitable house, you know that it can be tough to sell. But don’t worry – we’re here to help! In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you should do if you want to sell your uninhabitable house. We’ll provide tips on how to make your home more appealing to buyers, and we’ll also provide a list of what makes a house uninhabitable and how to get your home ready for sale. So don’t wait – read on for tips on how to sell your uninhabitable house!
What Happens When a House is Deemed Uninhabitable
If a house is deemed uninhabitable in Pennsylvania, the owner has to take action. This generally means that the house is not safe to live in, and the owner needs to find a way to fix the issue. If the problem is not fixed, the house may be condemned by the city.
This can be a major issue for homeowners, as they may need to find a new place to live. In some cases, the owner may be able to stay in the home if they can fix the issue. However, this is not always possible, and homeowners may need to find somewhere else to stay.
If you are in this situation, it is important to take action. You may need to find a new home, and you may also need to find a new job. You should also consult with an attorney to discuss your options.
Uninhabitable House Laws
Pennsylvania has a few laws surrounding uninhabitable houses. If a house is determined to be uninhabitable by a local government, the owner has a certain number of days to fix the issues. If the issues are not fixed, the local government can condemn the property and take legal action to have it sold or demolished.
There are also laws in place to protect tenants living in uninhabitable houses. If a landlord does not fix issues that make a property uninhabitable, the tenant can file a complaint with the Department of Labor & Industry. The department will investigate and may take legal action against the landlord.
If you’ve gotten notice that your property is uninhabitable your best course of action is to seek legal advice. An experienced real estate attorney can help you understand your options and the legal implications of any decisions you make.
Reporting an Unlivable House
If you’re a homeowner and you’ve discovered that your house is unlivable, it’s important to report it to your local government. In some cases, the government may be able to help you fix the problem, but in other cases, you may need to find a new home.
What to do if a house is condemned?
The first step is to call your local building department and ask for help. They can tell you what steps you need to take to make your house livable again. They may also be able to refer you to other government agencies that can help.
In some cases, the government may order the property owner to fix the problem. If the property owner doesn’t fix the problem, the government may do it themselves and bill the property owner for the cost.
If you’re having trouble getting your local government to help you, there are also national organizations that can provide assistance. The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) is a good place to start.
If you intend to sell the property you may be able to forgo bringing the property up to code and instead, disclose the condition of the property to potential buyers. Cash home buyers in Philadelphia buy houses in poor condition and don’t require repairs. You may be able to speak to your local government about your intentions to sell in order to receive a waiver on having to make repairs before selling.
Tenants’ Rights for Uninhabitable Houses
If a house is uninhabitable, the tenant has certain rights. The landlord must make all necessary repairs to make the house habitable again and must pay for any costs associated with those repairs. If the landlord does not make the necessary repairs or makes repairs that are not up to code, the tenant has several options.
The tenant can withhold rent until the repairs are made, or until the landlord pays for damages caused by the uninhabitability of the house. The tenant can also move out of the house and sue the landlord for damages. Finally, if the tenant is still living in the house, they can sue the landlord for rent abatement, which is a reduction in rent due to the fact that the house is not habitable.
If you’re a tenant, before taking matters into your own hands make sure you seek legal advice. Usually, it’s best to start by sending the landlord a certified letter stating what needs to be repaired and how they must make those repairs. This will give the landlord an opportunity to do the repairs before more drastic measures are taken.
If you’re the owner of a rental property that is uninhabitable you need to keep your tenants’ rights in mind. Also, don’t forget to give proper notice if you plan to sell the rental property.
Definitions of Uninhabitable Living Conditions
Uninhabitable living conditions in Pennsylvania generally refer to a property that is not fit for human habitation. If a property is determined to be uninhabitable, the owner may be ordered to repair the property or vacate it.
Common issues that would deem a property uninhabitable:
- Lead paint
- Asbestos
- Vermin infestation
- Structural issues
- Foundation issues
- Black mold
- Hoarder conditions
- HVAC system issues
- Electrical issues
- Water and sewer issues
- Pest infestation
- Safety hazards such as fire, falling objects, etc.
If you find yourself in the position of owning a property that is unfit for human habitation, it can be difficult to determine the best option for you. Do you repair it and rent or sell it, or do you vacate the property? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are options available to you and it is possible to sell a house fast in Willow Grove, Chester, or Aston.
What to Do If Your House is Uninhabitable
If you have an uninhabitable house, there are a few things you can do.
- Make all the necessary repairs and renovations.
This is often the most costly and time-consuming approach, but it can also be the most rewarding as you can sell your home for a large profit. However, if your home is in a state of disrepair or the repairs are too costly for you to afford, then this might not be the best option for you.
- Try selling it as-is.
Finding a buyer willing to take on the poor condition of the property can be challenging. You could also try and find a buyer who is willing to fix it up, but that can be difficult as well.
- Abandon the house.
You can always consider abandoning the property or letting it go into foreclosure. Abandoning a property would mean that you are no longer the legal owner of the house and it would go to the bank or some other party. Foreclosure is similar but a bit more complicated, but it could also be a way of letting the property go. However, a foreclosure on your credit can have years of ramifications.
- Work with a real estate agent.
This will likely require you to make repairs and bring the property back up to code. Also, you’ll need to plan for the extra expense of realtor commissions that can affect any profits you hope to make.
- Sell your house to a cash buyer.
Cash buyers are specialized companies that buy properties. Selling to a ‘we buy houses Pennsylvania‘ company is an easy way to sell an uninhabitable house. The company will purchase the property as-is and make necessary repairs after closing. This is a great option if you don’t have much time or money to spend on the property.
No matter how you choose to sell your uninhabitable house, it’s important to remember that there are a lot of options available. Be sure to research your best option and consider the pros and cons before making a decision.
Final Takeaways
When you’re trying to sell an uninhabitable house, it’s important to choose the right buyer. A local cash homebuyer is often the best option, as they can close quickly and don’t require any repairs or inspections. In addition, they typically offer a fair price for homes in any condition.
If you’re interested in selling to a local cash homebuyer, contact us today. We’re always looking for new properties, and we can typically close on a sale within just a few days. No matter what condition your house is in, we’ll make you an offer that’s fair and reasonable.
Call Us!