If there’s a house in your neighborhood that looks unsafe, maybe the roof is caving in or it hasn’t been lived in for years, you might be thinking about reporting a house that should be condemned in Georgia. But what does that actually mean? And what happens after you file a report?

In this post, we’ll explain how to report a property that’s in bad shape, what the city does about it, and what homeowners can do if their property is on the verge of being condemned. If you’re a property owner stuck with a home in rough condition, this guide can help you understand your options, including how to sell your house for cash with no repairs or cleanup needed.

What Is a Condemned House?

A condemned house is a property that local officials have officially declared unsafe to live in. This decision isn’t made lightly, it usually happens after the city or county inspects the home and finds serious health or safety issues. Once a house is condemned, no one is legally allowed to live there until the problems are fixed, or, in some cases, the house may be torn down.

Why Would a House Be Condemned?

There are several reasons why a home might be considered unfit to live in. Some of the most common include:

• Severe mold or water damage – Mold can spread quickly and make people sick, especially those with allergies or asthma.
• Structural problems – If the roof is caving in, the foundation is cracked, or the floors are sagging, the home could collapse.
• Lack of basic utilities – Homes without electricity, plumbing, or heat aren’t just uncomfortable, they can also be dangerous.
• Pest infestations – Rats, termites, or roaches can carry diseases and damage the structure of the home.
• Fire or storm damage – If a fire or major storm has left the home unstable, it might be unsafe to enter or live in.
• Hazardous materials – Old homes sometimes contain dangerous substances like asbestos or lead paint, which can be harmful to your health.

If a property has one or more of these issues and no steps are taken to fix them, it may be condemned by the local government.

Who Decides If a Home Is Condemned?

In Georgia, each city or county has a building department or code enforcement office that’s in charge of keeping properties safe. These departments have trained inspectors who check homes for code violations and health hazards.

When someone, like a neighbor, tenant, or even the homeowner, reports a property, the city will schedule an inspection. If the inspector finds major issues, they’ll create a written report. Based on that report, the city can send out official notices and take the next steps to condemn the property if needed.

What Happens Once a Home Is Condemned?

Once a house is officially labeled as condemned:

• No one can live there. The city will usually post a sign or notice on the property, and if people are living there, they’ll be asked to leave.
• The owner is responsible for fixing the issues. They’ll be given a list of repairs and a deadline. If they don’t take action, the city may take legal steps to have the house demolished.
• The property may lose value quickly. Once condemned, it becomes very difficult to sell the home through traditional methods, and fines or liens may start to add up.

Can a Condemned House Be Saved?

In some cases, yes. If the damage is fixable and the owner has the money and time to make repairs, the city might allow the home to be brought up to code. But this isn’t always realistic, especially if the repairs are expensive or the owner lives out of town.

That’s why many people in this situation look for faster options, like selling the home for cash to companies like Golex Properties. We specialize in buying homes in “as-is” condition, even ones that are at risk of condemnation or already condemned.

Is a condemned house always torn down? Not always. If the owner can fix the problems, the city may lift the condemnation once everything is up to code. But if the damage is too severe or ignored, the city may move forward with demolition.

Does a condemned house mean you lose your property? No, not right away. You still own the home, but you can’t legally live in it or rent it out. However, if you don’t address the violations, the city may fine you or even place a lien on the property.

Can you still sell a condemned house? Yes, but not through the usual route. Most buyers can’t get a loan for a condemned home, and real estate agents typically won’t list them. Selling to a cash buyer like Golex Properties is often the best solution because we buy homes in any condition, with or without tenants.

How to Report a House That Should Be Condemned in Georgia

If there’s a house in your neighborhood that looks unsafe or abandoned, you might be wondering if you should report it, and how. Maybe the roof is falling in, there are broken windows, or it’s attracting pests and illegal activity. Whatever the case, reporting a house that should be condemned in Georgia can help protect your community and improve neighborhood safety.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to do, who to contact, and what happens next.

Step 1: Contact the Local Code Enforcement Department

Your first move is to reach out to your local code enforcement office or building department. Every city and county in Georgia has one. These departments are responsible for making sure buildings meet safety and housing standards.

You can usually find their contact information on your city or county’s official website. Many cities even offer online forms where you can report the problem without needing to call. If you prefer, you can also file a complaint by phone or email.

When you contact them, try to provide as much information as possible, including:

• The full address of the property
• A clear description of the problems (e.g., collapsing roof, boarded-up windows, no utilities, signs of fire or storm damage)
• Photos, if it’s safe to take them, these help inspectors understand the situation faster

You don’t need to live next to the house to file a report. Even concerned neighbors, tenants, or property managers can submit a complaint if they believe the home is unsafe.

Step 2: File an Official Complaint

Once you’ve spoken to code enforcement or filled out the online form, your report becomes part of the city’s official records. They may open a case and assign an inspector to take a closer look at the property.

This part of the process may take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how busy the department is and how serious the complaint sounds. If the house poses an immediate danger, like the risk of collapsing or a known fire hazard, the city may move more quickly.

Step 3: The City Will Send an Inspector

After the complaint is filed, a city or county inspector will be scheduled to visit the home. Their job is to check whether the house violates any building codes or poses safety risks to the public or potential occupants.

Here’s what they’re usually looking for:

• Structural damage (roof, walls, or foundation problems)
• Lack of utilities like running water, electricity, or heat
• Fire damage or storm-related destruction
• Infestations (rodents, termites, or other pests)
• Mold, sewage issues, or other serious health hazards
• Signs that the property is abandoned or illegally occupied

If the inspector finds serious problems, they’ll write a report and make recommendations to the city. Based on what’s in that report, the city can take the next steps.

What Happens After the Inspection?

Once the inspection is done, there are a few possible outcomes depending on what the inspector finds:

1. A Warning or Repair Notice Is Sent to the Owner

If the issues can be fixed, the city may send a formal notice to the homeowner. This notice gives the owner a specific deadline to make the necessary repairs to bring the home up to code. In many cases, the city will give 30, 60, or even 90 days for the repairs, depending on how serious the issues are.

2. The Home Is Officially Condemned

If the house is considered unsafe to live in and the damage is too severe to fix easily, or the owner doesn’t respond to the repair notice, the city can condemn the property. Once that happens, no one is allowed to live there. The city may post a notice on the front door or windows warning that the building is not safe.

3. A Timeline for Repairs or Demolition Is Set

Sometimes, the city may offer one final chance for the owner to fix the problems. If they don’t act, the city may begin the process of demolishing the home. In most cases, this comes with added costs, which are billed to the homeowner.

Can I report a house anonymously? Yes. Many code enforcement offices in Georgia allow anonymous complaints, especially for safety reasons. You’re not required to give your name if you don’t feel comfortable.

What if the house is occupied by tenants or squatters? You can still report it. If the living conditions are unsafe, tenants or uninvited occupants could be at risk. The city will investigate regardless of who’s inside.

How long does the process take? It depends on the city and how serious the condition is. Some cities move quickly if there’s a safety risk, while others may take weeks to complete the full inspection and notice process.

What happens if the owner ignores the notice? If the owner doesn’t respond or make repairs, the city may issue fines, place a lien on the property, or start the legal process to demolish the home.

Why Reporting Makes a Difference

Reporting a house that should be condemned in Georgia does a lot more than just help clean up the neighborhood, it helps keep people safe. When a home is falling apart or no longer meets basic living standards, it can be a real danger to everyone nearby.

A house that’s structurally unsafe could collapse without warning, putting neighbors or passersby at risk. Damaged homes can also become fire hazards, especially if there are exposed wires, broken gas lines, or flammable materials inside. On top of that, abandoned or neglected homes can attract criminal activity, squatters, or pests, making the whole area feel less secure.

So even if the home isn’t yours, reporting it helps protect your community. If you’re a landlord or property owner and your house is getting close to this condition, reporting or addressing the issue quickly can help you avoid big problems down the road.

You might think that once a house is close to being condemned, there’s nothing you can do. But that’s not true, you still have options. One of the fastest and simplest solutions is to sell the property to a professional cash home buyer, like Golex Properties. We specialize in buying homes in bad condition, even ones with code violations or tenants still living inside. Instead of spending thousands on repairs or dealing with legal notices, you can sell the house “as-is” and walk away with cash in hand.

What Happens After a House Is Condemned?

So, what actually happens once the city steps in and officially condemns a property? Here’s a breakdown of what to expect if you’re dealing with, or own, a condemned house in Georgia:

1. The Home Must Be Vacated Immediately

If anyone is living in the home, whether it’s tenants, the owner, or unauthorized squatters, they’ll be required to leave right away. The city will post a bright-colored notice on the property, usually taped to the front door or windows, stating that the building is unsafe and cannot legally be lived in.

Can people keep living there anyway? No. Once a home is condemned, staying inside is illegal and dangerous. If someone refuses to leave, the city can get law enforcement involved.

2. The Owner Must Choose: Repair or Demolish

After the home is condemned, the owner has two options:

• Fix the Problems- The city will issue a list of violations that need to be addressed. If the homeowner decides to make repairs, they’ll have to hire contractors, pull permits, and go through follow-up inspections. This process can take months and cost tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes more than the home is even worth.
• Do Nothing and Risk Demolition- If the owner doesn’t respond, or if the city decides the home is beyond saving, they may move forward with demolishing it. In most cases, the city will send a final notice before this happens, but once demolition is approved, it’s hard to stop.

Does the city pay to tear it down? Not usually. The cost of demolition is sent to the homeowner, and if they don’t pay, a lien can be placed on the property.

3. Legal and Financial Trouble Can Add Up Quickly

When a home is condemned, things can snowball fast. The city might:

• Charge daily fines for every day the violations go unresolved
• Add inspection, court, or legal fees
• Place a lien on the property to recover the cost of demolition or cleanup
• Start legal action that could lead to foreclosure or seizure

These charges can make it almost impossible to sell the home on the traditional market. Most buyers and banks won’t touch a home with open violations, liens, or a history of being condemned.

Can you still sell a condemned house? Yes, but usually only to a cash buyer who specializes in distressed properties, like Golex Properties. We don’t need the home to be in perfect condition. In fact, we buy homes exactly as they are, condemned, damaged, tenant-occupied, or just plain messy.

Take Control Before It’s Too Late

If you’re dealing with a condemned home, or you think your property is heading that way, it’s important to act fast. Waiting too long can lead to more fines, legal issues, and expensive surprises. Whether you’re trying to protect your community by reporting a house that should be condemned in Georgia, or you’re the owner of that home, knowing what to expect helps you make smart decisions.

At Golex Properties, we work with homeowners across Georgia who are dealing with tough situations just like this. If you’re ready to skip the stress and get a fair cash offer, we’re here to help.

Can You Sell a Condemned House?

Yes, you can sell a condemned house, but it’s not always simple. In fact, if you try to go the traditional route, you’ll probably run into some roadblocks.

Most real estate agents won’t list a condemned home, because they know it’ll be hard to find a buyer. And even if someone wants to buy it, banks won’t approve a mortgage for a house that isn’t livable. That means you’ll need a cash buyer, someone who can purchase the home outright, without relying on bank financing.

If your home has been officially condemned or is close to it, trying to fix it up first may not be the smartest move. Repairs can get very expensive, especially if you’re dealing with structural damage, mold, or serious code violations. On top of that, the city may give you a deadline, which adds more stress and pressure.

So, what can you do?

Why Selling for Cash Might Be the Best Option

When your house is falling apart, you don’t have to face it alone. Selling for cash is often the fastest, easiest, and least stressful solution, especially when you work with a company like Golex Properties.

At Golex, we specialize in buying homes that are in poor condition, including ones that are already condemned or close to it. We work with homeowners across Georgia who just want a clean break and a fair cash offer without the hassle of repairs, cleaning, or lengthy waiting periods.

Here’s how we make it easy:

No Repairs Needed

You don’t have to fix anything. We buy houses exactly as they are, even if there’s damage, code violations, or trash left behind. We’ll take care of it after the sale.

Fast Closings

Time matters when you’re dealing with fines or city notices. We can close in as little as 7 days, which means you can avoid the long wait that comes with traditional sales.

No Fees or Commissions

Since we’re not agents, there are no commissions to pay. You keep more of the final offer. Plus, we don’t charge hidden fees or closing costs.

We Buy Homes with Tenants

Still have renters in the property? That’s not a problem for us. We’ll handle the legal process of taking over the lease or relocating tenants, so you don’t have to get involved.

Real Talk: What If You Own the House That’s About to Be Condemned?

Let’s be honest, owning a house in bad condition can feel overwhelming. Whether you inherited the property, it’s been sitting empty for years, your tenants damaged it, or you live out of state and can’t manage repairs, the situation feels impossible.

No matter the situation, you’re not stuck.

Instead of waiting for the city to take action, you can take control by choosing to sell. When you work with a trusted cash home buyer like Golex Properties, you can stop worrying about fines, repairs, or demolition orders. You’ll get a fair cash offer, and we’ll handle the hard parts, like paperwork, inspections, and even cleanup.

Will anyone really buy a condemned house?

Yes! While most buyers avoid condemned properties, professional cash buyers like Golex Properties specialize in homes with serious damage, code issues, or even city violations.

What if I owe money on the house or there are liens?

We can work with you to understand the situation and make an offer that factors in outstanding debts. In many cases, we can help resolve liens or coordinate with your lender to complete the sale.

I don’t live in Georgia anymore. Can I still sell the house?

Absolutely. We work with out-of-state owners all the time. We can handle everything remotely, from the offer to the closing.

What if the house is already condemned?

You can still sell it. We’ll evaluate the property and make a fair cash offer based on its current condition, even if the city has issued a condemnation notice.

Can tenants report a home that should be condemned?

Yes. If you’re renting and living in unsafe conditions, you can contact your local code enforcement office.

Will the city take my house if it’s condemned?

Not right away. You’ll still own the home, but the city can take legal action if you ignore repair orders or leave it abandoned.

What if I live out of state?

No problem. Golex Properties works with out-of-state owners all the time. We can handle everything remotely and help you close quickly.

Ready to Move On? You Have Options

Reporting a house that should be condemned in Georgia is an important step in keeping neighborhoods safe. But if you’re the owner of that home, it can be a stressful experience. The good news? You don’t have to deal with it alone.

At Golex Properties, we make it easy to sell your home, no matter what condition it’s in. Whether it’s falling apart, has code violations, or still has tenants, we’re here to help.

Don’t wait for more fines or stress. Click here to get started with Golex Properties and find out how easy it is to sell your home for cash, fast.