How fast can you close on my house?

We can close in as little as 7-21 days depending on funding and title work. You choose the closing date that works best for your timeline.

Do I need to make repairs before selling?

No. We buy houses in any condition - as-is. No repairs, no cleaning, no staging required. We handle everything after closing.

Are there any fees or commissions?

No. There are no realtor fees, no commissions, and we cover all closing costs. The offer we make is the amount you receive.

What types of properties do you buy?

We buy single family homes, townhouses, rowhouses, condos, multifamily properties, duplexes, triplexes, land, and infill lots in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida.

Do you buy houses in foreclosure?

Yes. We specialize in helping homeowners avoid foreclosure with a fast cash sale. We can close quickly to help you protect your credit and walk away with cash.

Can you buy my house if it has problem tenants?

Yes. We buy tenant-occupied properties including those with problem tenants. We handle the tenant situation after closing so you can move on stress-free.

Do you buy inherited or probate properties?

Yes. We specialize in buying inherited and probate properties. We understand the process and can work with your attorney or handle properties still in probate.

What if my house has code violations or liens?

We buy houses with code violations, liens, title issues, and other problems that make traditional sales difficult. We handle the resolution as part of the purchase.

Howard County Code Violations: DILP Notices, Rental Licensing & Hoarding

In Howard County, code enforcement is managed by the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP). Unlike other counties that rely on “Red Tags,” Howard County uses a formal legal process that can quickly escalate to the District Court of Maryland.

For 2026, the County has intensified its enforcement of Rental Housing Licenses. If you are renting out a property (even to a relative) without a valid license, you are exposed to civil citations and legally unable to collect rent in court.

This guide explains the 2026 Civil Citation process, the risks of “Unlicensed Rental” enforcement, and how to sell your house to a cash buyer to resolve DILP cases immediately.

The 3 Most Common DILP Violations

Howard County inspectors focus on violations that impact safety and neighborhood standards, particularly in Columbia and Ellicott City.

1. Rental Housing Violations (The “Accidental Landlord” Trap)

The Rule: Every dwelling unit rented to a third party must have a valid Rental Housing License. This requires a specialized inspection for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and egress windows.
The Consequence: If you are caught operating without a license (often reported by a disgruntled tenant), you face civil fines of $250 per day. worse, you cannot file for eviction in District Court if your license was not active when the lease began.

2. Hoarding & Nuisance Abatement

The Issue: The County targets properties with “unsanitary conditions” or excessive clutter that creates a fire hazard. This is often enforced through the Community Hygiene Program or fire safety codes.
The “Clean & Lien”: If you fail to abate the nuisance, the County can petition the Court to enter the property, remove the debris, and charge you for the cost. This bill becomes a tax lien on the property.

3. Unpermitted Construction

The Issue: Finishing a basement or building a deck without a permit is a common violation in Ellicott City.
The Fine: DILP issues a “Stop Work Order” and can impose civil penalties. To fix it, you must apply for “after-the-fact” permits, which may require tearing down drywall to expose the framing for inspection.+1

The 2026 Civil Citation Schedule

Howard County uses a Uniform Civil Citation system. Unlike a simple ticket, these are legal summonses that can require you to appear in District Court.

Violation Type	Initial Fine	Repeat Offense	Legal Status
Rental w/o License	$250 / day	$500 – $1,000	Civil Debt
Property Nuisance	$100 – $500	$1,000	Court Judgment
Animal/Zoning	$50 – $250	$500+	Lienable

Warning: If the County takes you to District Court to enforce an abatement order, they can seek a judgment of up to $5,000 plus the cost of the cleanup.

Your Options: License, Abate, or Sell?

Option 1: Obtain the License (The Compliance Route)

For Rentals: You must pay the license fee, schedule a DILP inspection, and fix every deficiency found (e.g., hardwired smoke detectors, handrails).
For Construction: You must hire a licensed architect to draw plans for the work already done and pay double permit fees.

Option 2: Stand Trial in District Court

You can elect to stand trial for a Civil Citation.

The Risk: If the judge rules against you, the fine becomes a formal judgment. If unpaid, this judgment can lead to wage garnishment or liens against your other assets.

Option 3: Sell “As-Is” (The Private Solution)

If you are stuck with a non-paying tenant you can’t evict because you lack a rental license, selling to a cash buyer is the only way to break the cycle.

We Buy Howard County Houses with Violations.

We Buy “Unlicensed” Rentals: We buy properties with tenants in place. We assume the responsibility of obtaining the Rental License and handling the tenant situation.
We Buy “Hoarder” Homes: We purchase properties with significant clutter or hygiene violations. You walk away without cleaning a single thing.
We Pay Court Judgments: If you have a DILP judgment or civil citation, we pay it off at the closing table.

Important Contact Information

Dept. of Inspections, Licenses & Permits (DILP)
- Address: 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
- Phone: (410) 313-2455
- Website: howardcountymd.gov/inspections-licenses-permits
Rental Housing Licensing
- Phone: (410) 313-2455 (Option 4)

Stop The Legal Fees. Sell Your House Today.

If you are facing a District Court summons or fines for an unlicensed rental, fill out the form below. We provide fair cash offers for properties with DILP violations in Howard County.

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Areas We Serve in Howard County

We help homeowners with code violations across the county, including:

More Resources for Howard County Homeowners

Looking for a standard sale? Visit our main page for We Buy Houses in Howard County.
Facing Eviction? If you have bad tenants and code violations, visit our guide on Eviction Process in Howard County.
Behind on Taxes? See our guide on Tax Delinquency in Howard County.
Inherited a House? Visit our guide on Probate & Inheritance in Howard County.
Back to Main Guide: Return to our overview on Code Violations & Red Tags.

Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice regarding District Court hearings or rental laws. We recommend consulting with a Howard County real estate attorney.