Skip to content
×
PRO Members Get
Full Access
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime.
Level up your investing with Pro
Explore exclusive tools and resources to start, grow, or optimize your portfolio.
~$5,000+ potential annual savings on vetted partner products
10+ deal analysis calculators with ready-to-share reports
Lawyer-reviewed leases for every state ($99/package value)
Pro badge for priority visibility in the Forums

Let's keep in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter for timely insights and actionable tips on your real estate journey.

By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions
Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated about 11 years ago on . presented by

User Stats

1
Posts
0
Votes
Jonathan Holland
  • Los Angeles, CA
0
Votes |
1
Posts

Owner Didn't Notify on Open Citation

Jonathan Holland
  • Los Angeles, CA
Posted

Hello,

I purchased my first house a year and a half ago. Property has 2 extra units on it. A year later an inspector came over telling me not only none of the units is legal but there is an open citation on the property since 2006 and the previous owner was suppose to get rid of the illegal stair case in the front as well as converting one unit to a garage and building a ramp. We're talking around $70,000 here.

I contacted the seller's realtor (through my realtor) and she dismissed me saying the guy "wasn't real". I'm writing a letter but I've been told I'm wasting my time. I wanted to continue with arbitration, like our contract says but even the arbitration company telling me I have very low chance of getting him from out of state to show up.

After talking to an attorney, he wanted $15K - $25K to help. Said I have a case but it will take a year and a half or so.

I'm stuck. The city is pushing me to do something or the fines will start coming my way. I don't have this type of money to build this and I can't sue the guy. My 8 pages of arbitration contract seems to be one big BS.

Any idea what can be done? I called everyone at this point. I'm totally screwed here. Hope to hear something.

Thank you!