Ignoring an Order to Repair doesn’t make the problem go away — it accelerates it.
If a city or municipality has already issued an order in it’s enforcement process, they are no longer asking. They are documenting noncompliance, building a case, and preparing to take action that can cost you thousands — or even result in losing control of the property entirely.

If you’re already behind, this page explains exactly what happens next — and what options you still have before penalties escalate further.

Orders to Repair Are Not Optional

An Order to Repair is a formal enforcement action, not a warning.

By the time this document is issued, the city has already:

• Inspected the property
• Identified violations
• Set deadlines for compliance
• Created a public enforcement record tied to your address

Ignoring it signals to the city that forced compliance may be required.

➡️ If you’re unsure how an Order to Repair differs from earlier notices, review our order repair vs noncompliance guide:

What Happens If You Miss the Repair Deadline?

Once the compliance deadline passes, cities typically escalate in predictable stages:

Common Enforcement Escalations:

• Daily or recurring fines
• Administrative fees added to your balance
• Re-inspection charges
• Legal filings or municipal court actions
• Liens placed against the property
• Contractor repairs performed by the city — billed to you

These costs compound quickly and often exceed the cost of simply fixing the issue — especially if multiple violations exist.

Can the City Repair the Property Without Your Permission?

Yes — and this is where many owners lose leverage.

If violations remain unresolved, the city may:

• Hire a third-party contractor
• Complete repairs without owner consent
• Add the full cost plus administrative fees to your property as a lien

These liens:

• Accrue interest
• Must be paid before sale or refinance
• Can survive ownership transfers in some cases

At this point, you no longer control the repair timeline or cost.

Can Ignoring an Order Lead to Condemnation or Demolition?

In severe or prolonged cases — yes.

Cities may:

• Declare the structure unsafe or uninhabitable
• Condemn the property
• Order demolition if repairs are deemed impractical

Once demolition is ordered:

• The structure may be removed
• Costs are assessed to the owner
• The land may remain encumbered by liens

This is typically the final enforcement stage — and the hardest to reverse.

Why Many Owners Choose to Sell Before Enforcement Escalates

For many property owners, the issue isn’t unwillingness — it’s:

• Lack of funds
• Time constraints
• Contractor availability
• Living out of state
• Inherited or abandoned properties

Selling before fines, liens, or forced repairs occur can:

• Stop enforcement escalation
• Avoid additional penalties
• Transfer the compliance burden
• Preserve remaining equity

This is often the last clean exit before the city steps in.

If you’re holding an Order to Repair and the deadlines are approaching — or already missed — time matters.

We help property owners:

• Navigate code enforcement situations
• Avoid unnecessary fines and liens
• Sell properties as-is, even with open violations

You don’t need to fix anything.
You just need to understand your options before the city makes the decision for you.

👉 Contact us today to discuss your Order to Repair situation privately and without obligation.