Common Housing Violations include: roofs that are not weather tight OR substandard or inoperable plumbing, electrical wiring or heating systems OR deteriorated and unsound structures OR open cracks and breaks in foundation walls OR lack of adequate heat and hot water OR holes and rotting boards in exterior walls.
Departmental Process
- When an inspector observes a housing violation, a letter is sent to the owner with details on the housing violation(s) along with the deadline for the repairs to be completed by.
NOTE: The number of days an owner is given to repair the property varies based on the type of violation. There are also special circumstances/emergency situations which may cause this process to be sped up.
- Typically, housing violations follow this general repair/securement guideline:
- Broken Window/Door Violation – allows the property owner 10 days to secure the structure.
- Substandard Housing Violation – allows 30 days to repair the structure.
- Once the time period for repair/securement has passed, the inspector will reinspect the property to see if the violation was repaired.
- If the violation was repaired/secured by owner, the case is closed.
- If the violation is still present:
- Broken Window/Door violation – Code Enforcement will facilitate the board up of the property with a local contractor and bill the property owner for work performed (plus an administrative fee).
- Substandard Housing violation – Code Enforcement will continue to reinspect the property every 30 days.
- The property will be prepared for the hearing process as either a repair or demolition case.
- Property owners will receive tickets and/or civil penalties (up to $5,000 per hearing) if the property continues to remain in disrepair.
- If the property is affirmed for demolition through the hearing process, Code Enforcement will conduct asbestos testing and facilitate the demolition of the property. Code Enforcement will bill the owner of record for the demolition (plus administrative fees).
View the Neighborhood Code Enforcement brochure.
View the Landlord Registration brochure.
574.233.0311
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227 West Jefferson Blvd. Suite 1300 S
South Bend, Indiana 46601
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