Can You Sell a House in Rhode Island with Code Violations?

Owning a home that has code violations can be stressful. Whether it’s an outdated electrical panel, unpermitted work, or safety concerns flagged by the city, these issues can make selling feel impossible.

But here’s the good news: you can sell a house with code violations in Rhode Island—especially to a cash buyer. In fact, many homeowners choose this route to avoid repairs, delays, or fines. Here's what you need to know.

What Are Code Violations?

A code violation happens when your property doesn’t comply with local building, safety, or zoning regulations. Common violations in Rhode Island homes include:

• Electrical or plumbing issues
• Missing permits for renovations
• Structural damage or rot
• Unsafe decks or stairs
• Old windows or lead paint
• Illegal basement units
• Overdue repairs after a city inspection

Some violations are minor. Others can cause the city to issue fines—or even place a lien on your property.

Can You Sell a House With Code Violations in Rhode Island?

Yes, you can—but your selling options are more limited.

Most traditional buyers (and their lenders) want move-in-ready homes with no safety or legal risks. That means your house may not qualify for mortgage financing, and it may fail inspections during a traditional sale.

But cash buyers? They aren’t using bank loans and don’t require the same inspections. That’s what makes them the perfect solution for homeowners with code violations.

Why Cash Buyers Are the Best Option for Code-Violating Homes

At RPS Property Solutions, we specialize in buying homes across Rhode Island in any condition—including those with active code violations. Here’s how we make it easy:

• We buy as-is — no repairs or permits required
• We don’t use financing, so violations aren’t a deal-breaker
• We handle the paperwork and deal with the city, not you
• We close fast, so you don’t rack up fines or worry about open violations

Whether you’ve received a notice from the city or just found out during an inspection, we can make a fair offer—and take the burden off your shoulders.

Can I Still Get a Fair Price?

Even with violations, you can still get a competitive cash offer—especially from a local buyer who understands the Rhode Island market. Our offers factor in the cost of repairs, city compliance work, and your property’s after-repair value. We’re not here to take advantage of the situation—we’re here to offer a real solution.

What If There’s a Lien on the Property?

In many cases, yes, you can still sell. We can work with title companies to resolve liens or violations before closing. We’ve helped other Rhode Island homeowners sell even with:

• Municipal fines
• Open permits
• Safety violations
• Unpaid utility or code fees

Don’t Let Code Violations Stop Your Sale

If you're dealing with code violations and unsure how to sell, you're not alone. These issues can be overwhelming—but they don’t have to prevent you from moving forward.

At RPS Property Solutions, we help Rhode Island homeowners sell fast, no matter the condition of the property. If your home has open violations, we’ll still make you a fair cash offer—and handle the hard parts for you.

Reach out today to get a no-obligation cash offer, even if your property needs serious work. We’re local, honest, and ready to help you move forward.