Selling a home in Chicago is tough enough—but if your property has code violations or outstanding liens, you may feel completely stuck. The good news? You can still sell your house. And in many cases, you can do it without paying for costly repairs or clearing every issue yourself.

What Are Code Violations and Liens?

A code violation means your property doesn’t meet the local building or safety standards set by the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. Common violations include:

• Broken or unsafe stairs

• Electrical or plumbing issues

• Overgrown yards or illegal additions

• Lack of smoke detectors

A lien, on the other hand, is a legal claim placed on your property due to unpaid debts—this can include property taxes, contractor bills, or unpaid utility fines. The Cook County Recorder of Deeds keeps track of most public liens on properties in the area.

Can You Sell a House With Code Violations in Chicago?

Yes. While traditional buyers may be hesitant or face issues securing financing, cash buyers—like Express Property Solutions—are more flexible. We buy homes as-is, which means we’re familiar with city violations and are willing to take on the work and responsibility.

In fact, selling to a cash buyer is often the fastest and easiest solution when your home doesn’t meet code.

What About Selling With a Lien?

Selling a home with a lien is trickier, but still possible. In Illinois, you can’t transfer clear title unless the lien is resolved. That means you either need to:

1. Pay off the lien at closing, using proceeds from the sale, or

2. Negotiate with the lienholder to reduce the amount owed

The key is transparency. Buyers—especially experienced investors—will be able to work with you if they know what to expect. For legal guidance, the Illinois State Bar Association provides helpful resources on property rights and liens.

Your Options: What to Do Next

If your Chicago home has code violations or liens, here are your main paths:

• Fix the issues and list traditionally — This could take months and thousands of dollars in repairs and fines.

• Try to sell on the open market — You’ll need to disclose all known issues, and many buyers will walk away.

• Sell to a local cash buyer like Express Property Solutions — We specialize in distressed properties and can often close in as little as 7 days.

Why Work With Express Property Solutions?

We know Chicago, and we’ve helped homeowners throughout Cook County sell properties with liens, city violations, and other complications. We buy houses as-is and handle the paperwork so you don’t have to deal with stress, repairs, or negotiations.