Living on someone else’s property, whether you’re a tenant, relative, or roommate, can be complicated if the property owner isn’t following the rules. Code violations aren’t just an issue for landlords or title holders. If you’re living in the home, you may also feel the impact. And in places like Wyomissing and throughout Lehigh County, local governments are strict about enforcing building and safety codes.
If you’re caught in the middle of a code dispute, it takes an experienced real estate attorney to guide you and protect your rights. Let’s explore the process and your legal protections against code violations.
What Counts as a Code Violation in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania communities, local governments adopt their own building and housing codes. These rules are designed to ensure that properties meet minimum standards for safety, health, and zoning compliance. Common violations include:
- Unsafe electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems
- Unapproved additions or basement apartments
- Overcrowding or illegal dwelling units
- Missing smoke detectors or emergency exits
- Accumulated trash, mold, or rodent issues
Townships in Lehigh County and boroughs like Wyomissing typically follow the International Property Maintenance Code or a local version of it. If a building doesn’t meet these standards, a regional inspector or code enforcement officer can issue a violation notice.
What Happens When a Violation Is Found?
Most code violations come to light through:
- Tenant complaints
- Neighbor reports
- Routine property inspections
- Municipal licensing reviews
Once a violation is confirmed, the local code department usually notifies the property owner, not the occupants. The notice includes a list of violations and a specified deadline for their correction. Depending on the severity, the owner may have a few days or several weeks to resolve the issue.
If the owner doesn’t act, things can escalate quickly:
- Fines and daily penalties may be assessed
- The property could be posted as “uninhabitable” or condemned
- Utilities might be shut off in extreme cases
- Eviction proceedings could follow for occupants, even if the problem wasn’t their fault
How This Could Affect You as a Resident
Code violations can create uncertainty, especially when you’re not the owner. If you live on a property that’s under review or has failed inspection, you may face:
- Sudden utility outages
- Orders to vacate, sometimes on short notice
- Health risks from unsafe conditions
- Legal disputes over whether your housing situation was valid
For example, a tenant in Wyomissing living in an unlicensed basement apartment may be forced to leave, even if they’ve paid rent faithfully for months. The municipality may consider the space unfit for occupancy, and the owner may be fined or face a lawsuit if corrective action isn’t taken.
What You Can Do If You’re Caught in the Middle
If you’re living on a property with code violations, you have a few options:
- Request transparency: Ask for a copy of the violation notice from the owner.
- Contact the local code office: Confirm whether the property is under enforcement.
- Document everything: Keep records of your communications with the owner and take photos of the property’s condition.
- Speak with a real estate attorney: A lawyer can explain your rights, especially if you’re facing relocation or if your lease is in jeopardy.
Living on a property that doesn’t meet local code can feel stressful and uncertain—but you don’t have to handle it alone. Whether you’re in Lehigh County, Wyomissing, or elsewhere in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Kozloff Stoudt’s real estate attorneys are here to help protect your housing stability. If you’re experiencing a code-related issue, contact our office for a confidential consultation.