Selling a Los Angeles Home With Unpermitted Work: Real Solutions for Homeowners

Unpermitted work is more common in Los Angeles than you might think.
Maybe a previous owner closed in a patio without telling the city or you added a bedroom in a hurry.
Now you need to sell and you worry that hidden projects could slow you down or get you fined.
Many sellers call us asking, “Can you sell a house as is in Michigan?” even though they live in California.
The concerns are universal: disclosure, safety, lender requirements, and how long it will take.
This guide explains your options in plain language and shows why an as‑is sale might be the win‑win you need.

What Counts as Unpermitted Work?

Unpermitted work means any renovation, repair, or addition that should have had a building permit but didn’t.
This could be as simple as a deck extension or as major as converting a garage or adding a bathroom.
Experts advise starting by checking the property details at your local building department, which keeps records of permits and plans.
Look closely at remodels like decks, garages, attics, and basements and see if they match the permit history.
Hiring a home inspector who specializes in renovations can reveal differences between the house and what was permitted.
Signs of recent work that doesn’t show up in old appraisals may signal unapproved changes.
Even minor projects might need a permit; a Bay Area guide notes that few items can be built without one.

Why Unpermitted Work Matters in L.A.

Los Angeles County has strict building codes and a robust code‑enforcement system.
The county defines un‑permitted work as any building or structure built, altered, or demolished without required permits.
If an inspector finds unpermitted construction, you could face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day for every day the violation continues.
The city may charge a code‑violation inspection fee of about $356, which can rise to $1,246 if not paid promptly.
Failing to comply can trigger a non‑compliance fee of $660, escalating to more than $2,310 if unpaid.
You may also have to pay investigation fees and permit fees that are doubled when you legalize the work.
If you don’t correct the issue, the case can go to the City Attorney, and you could face fines up to $1,000 or six months in jail.
Beyond fines, unpermitted work often halts appraisals and loan approvals, forcing buyers to walk away.
Buyers and inspectors can see differences between permit records and the actual house, and they will note these discrepancies in their reports.

Your Legal Duty to Disclose

California law requires sellers to disclose known material defects—including unpermitted work—in a Transfer Disclosure Statement.
Failure to disclose can lead to lawsuits for misrepresentation or fraud.
Disclosure isn’t optional; ignoring it could make you liable for repairs, legal fees, or damages.
The Bay Legal firm highlights that sellers must report all known material defects that affect a property’s value or habitability.
If unpermitted work is discovered after closing, the buyer could cancel the sale, sue for damages, or demand that you pay for corrective work.
Being transparent builds trust and reduces the risk of a sale falling apart at the last minute.

Your Options: Fix, Disclose, or Sell As‑Is

Option 1: Obtain Retroactive Permits

You can apply for a permit after the fact.
This involves hiring a contractor to evaluate the work, applying for a permit, and letting a city inspector verify that it meets current codes.
In some cases, inspectors may simply ask you to open walls; in others, they may require partial demolition and rebuilding.
Obtaining permits can maintain your home’s full value and reduce buyer objections, but it can take weeks or months.

Option 2: List the House As‑Is and Disclose Everything

You can list your home with full disclosure that it’s being sold as‑is.
Disclosure tends to defuse many issues and shows buyers you’re honest.
This approach might not affect value if the unpermitted project is small.
For large projects, you may need to lower the asking price because buyers will assume the costs of legalization.
Lenders may refuse financing for homes with code violations, so you’ll attract more cash buyers.

Option 3: Sell to a Cash Buyer or Investor

Instead of listing the home, you can sell directly to a cash buyer who specializes in distressed or unusual properties.
Cash buyers close without relying on mortgage financing.
HomeLight’s guide notes that selling to a cash buyer can produce an all‑cash offer within 24 hours and skip the delays of retroactive permits.
Investors understand the risks and factor the cost of legalization into their offer, allowing you to sell quickly.
In Los Angeles, working with a local company like MaxNet Homes gives you this option without dealing with hidden fees or commissions.

Practical Steps for LA Homeowners

1. Review Property Records.
   Check your home’s original plans and compare them to what’s on the ground.
   Visit the county’s building department or their online portal to look up permit records.

2. Hire an Inspector.
   A qualified inspector can spot unapproved modifications, mismatched materials, or safety issues.
   If you’ve done electrical or plumbing changes, the inspector may require a licensed professional to sign off.

3. Gather Documentation.
   Collect receipts, contractor notes, and any old appraisals that show when work was done.
   These documents help you prove the history of the work and support your disclosure.

4. Talk to a Professional.
   Consult a real estate attorney or experienced agent who knows Los Angeles regulations.
   They can advise whether retroactive permits or an as‑is sale make sense for your timeline and budget.

5. Price Strategically.
   If you choose to list as‑is, consider pricing the property based on permitted square footage, not the unpermitted addition.
   In a hot market, unpermitted work may have little effect; in a buyer’s market, buyers will leverage it in negotiations.
   

FAQs Homeowners Ask

• Can you sell a house as is in Michigan?
  Yes. The same principle applies in Los Angeles—you can sell as‑is, but you must disclose unpermitted work and understand that buyers may discount their offer.

• What are the fines for unpermitted work in Los Angeles?
  Civil penalties can reach $1,000 per day, plus code‑violation fees around $356 that can rise to $1,246 if unpaid, non‑compliance fees of $660, and potential criminal charges.

• Do I have to fix unpermitted work before selling?
  No. You can either obtain retroactive permits, sell as‑is with disclosure, or sell to a cash buyer who will handle the work.

• Will lenders finance a house with unpermitted work?
  Traditional lenders often refuse loans for properties with code violations, so many buyers will need to pay cash or ask you to correct the work.

• What happens if I hide unpermitted work?
  You could face lawsuits for misrepresentation, be required to pay damages, and even have the sale canceled.

Why MaxNet Homes Is the Right Choice

MaxNet Homes is a local Los Angeles cash buyer founded by Tricia Watts, who gained national exposure on HGTV’s “Flipping 101.”
Tricia built the company to give homeowners straightforward options and respectful treatment.
Our team buys houses in any condition—including those with unpermitted work—so you don’t have to worry about city inspections, repairs, or cleanup.
We handle the permits and legalities behind the scenes, leaving you free to focus on your next chapter.
One Los Angeles homeowner wrote that Tricia “came by that same day,” was knowledgeable, transparent, and genuinely cared for her father; she even accompanied him to escrow and closed in under 30 days.
That level of care is why MaxNet Homes maintains an A‑plus BBB rating and hundreds of five‑star Google reviews.
When you need to sell my house fast, we provide a competitive cash offer in 24 hours, cover closing costs, and let you choose the closing date.
We never charge commissions or hidden fees, and we allow you to leave behind unwanted items while we handle the rest.
If you’re curious about your property’s age or want to research its history, check out our guide “When Was My House Built? A Los Angeles Homeowner’s Guide to Finding Out,” which explains how to uncover permit records, historical data, and more.

Ready to Move On?

If unpermitted work is stressing you out, you’re not alone.
Thousands of L.A. homeowners face the same challenge every year, and there are options that keep your stress—and your costs—to a minimum.
Whether you decide to legalize the work, sell as‑is, or take a cash offer, the key is transparency and informed decision‑making.
MaxNet Homes is here to make that process simple and fair.
Reach out today to schedule a call, get a free cash offer, or explore your options with no obligation.
With the right partner, even a complicated property can become a smooth, profitable sale.