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Can You Sell a House with Open Code Violations in Kansas City?

  • Writer: Alex Mulsoff
    Alex Mulsoff
  • Jun 14
  • 5 min read

Updated: Sep 20

What Missouri and Kansas Homeowners Need to Know


TLDR: Yes, you can sell a house in Kansas City even with code violations. In Missouri and Kansas, properties may transfer as-is, and fines or liens tied to violations are cleared or negotiated through the title company at closing.

Selling a house is rarely simple. But selling a house with open code violations? That can feel downright impossible.


Whether you inherited a neglected property, you’re behind on maintenance, or a tenant left damage you can’t afford to fix, code violations can make you feel stuck.


The good news? You can still sell your house in Kansas City, even with active violations — but the process depends on how you approach it and who you work with.


A house with code violations.

At Riverfront Home Buyers, we help KC-area homeowners sell properties with all kinds of issues, including open code violations, citations, and municipal fines.


Here’s what you need to know.


1. What Are Open Code Violations?

Code violations happen when a property doesn’t comply with local housing or safety regulations.


In Kansas City, these can be issued by local departments for issues like:

  • Roof damage or structural problems

  • Unsafe electrical or plumbing systems

  • Broken windows or unsecured doors

  • Tall grass, debris, or trash on the property

  • Illegal additions or unpermitted work

  • Pest or rodent infestations

  • Vacant property not properly secured


In many cases, the city will issue a warning or citation. If the violations aren’t addressed by a deadline, you may face daily fines, liens, or legal action.


2. Yes, You Can Sell a House with Code Violations

There’s no law that says you can’t sell a house just because it has violations. But most traditional buyers will walk away once they see serious issues — especially if the home won’t qualify for a mortgage.


That’s where a local off-market buyer like Riverfront comes in.


We specialize in buying houses as-is in Kansas City and surrounding counties — even if they have unresolved violations, liens, or city complaints.


You don’t need to:

  • Make repairs

  • Clear out the house


We’ll take care of it all.


3. What Happens to the Violations When You Sell?

When a property has open code violations or fines, those don’t disappear at sale.


One of three things usually happens:

  • You pay the fines or clear the violations before closing

  • The buyer assumes the violations and resolves them post-sale

  • The amount owed is deducted from your sale proceeds at closing


At Riverfront, we review the city file, get a clear picture of the violations, and factor it into our offer. We also coordinate with the title company to make sure any liens or fines are handled correctly.


4. Selling a Distressed or Vacant Property? You’re Not Alone

Many homes with code violations in Kansas City are vacant, inherited, or owned by landlords who are done managing difficult situations.


If your house has been flagged for violations, there’s a good chance it also has:


We’ve seen it all, and we can help you work through it step-by-step. We’re not afraid of mess, mold, or municipal fines.


5. Why Selling As-Is Might Be the Best Option

Trying to fix up a house just to pass inspection can cost tens of thousands of dollars.


And listing with an agent often means:

  • Long delays

  • Inspections and showings

  • Cash buyers backing out after seeing the city file


When you sell as-is to Riverfront Home Buyers, you get:

  • A fair, no-pressure offer based on the current condition

  • No repair requests 

  • A fast, respectful closing on your timeline


We work with local title companies to clear liens, pay off fines at closing, and help you move on without the red tape.



Final Thoughts

Selling a house with code violations in Kansas City can feel intimidating. But you don’t have to fix everything, and you don’t have to go through it alone.


We’re Riverfront Home Buyers—a local, veteran- and family-run team that helps homeowners sell problem properties with honesty and empathy.

Let us help you take the next step.


Call us at 816.448.8164 or fill out this short form to see what’s possible.



FAQ: Selling a House with Code Violations in Kansas City


Can I legally sell a house in Kansas City that has open code violations?

Yes. In Kansas City, MO and surrounding areas, you are legally allowed to sell a house with active code violations. However, most traditional buyers—especially those using financing—will avoid properties with unresolved issues. Riverfront Home Buyers can step in to purchase the property as-is, with or without violations cleared.


Do I have to pay the code violation fines or city liens before I can sell?

Not always. In many cases, fines and city liens can be paid out of your proceeds at closing. Riverfront coordinates with the title company and city departments to make sure everything is settled properly, so you don’t need upfront cash.


Can I sell my house in Jackson County or Clay County with unresolved city violations?

Yes. We regularly help homeowners sell homes with violations in Jackson, Clay, and Platte counties in Missouri, and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. If you’re unsure whether your city’s violations prevent a sale, we’ll look into it for you.


What happens if the buyer inherits the violations?

If agreed upon, the buyer can assume responsibility for clearing the violations after closing. Riverfront will evaluate the situation and make an offer that accounts for any necessary repairs or city costs so you can still sell without delay.


What if the house is boarded up or condemned?

Even condemned homes can be sold under certain conditions. As long as you are the legal owner and there’s a clear title path, Riverfront can help you navigate next steps. We’ve helped owners sell properties in very distressed condition.


How fast can Riverfront close on a house with city fines or violations?

Depending on the complexity of the city file, most closings still happen in 10 to 14 days. We work closely with title and local departments to keep the process moving.


Will I know exactly what violations are on file before I sell?

Yes. Riverfront pulls the code report and explains the city’s findings before you decide anything. We believe in full transparency and help you understand what’s involved.



About the Author

Alex Mulsoff, co-founder of Riverfront Home Buyers, brings deep Kansas City roots and hands-on experience in demolition and construction. With over a decade working in Local 101 trades, Alex understands hard work and honesty. Now leading acquisitions, he helps homeowners navigate inherited or challenging property sales with care, clear guidance, and no pressure.



Reviews:

Riverfront Home Buyers is a veteran-owned, family-run business in Kansas City and a BBB-accredited company with an A rating, trusted by local families across Missouri and Kansas. Click here to read more reviews.


“Working with Alex was so easy to work with and was very understanding of our situation. My husband and I had a rental property that had a bad fire about a year ago. We were unable to sell it and with Alex we were able to move on in less than a month. I highly recommend Riverfront Homebuyers!” - Grace Driscoll


“They helped me sell my house fast ... down to earth.... regular people which was truly appreciated”- Marshall Salter


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