Housing Code Violations.. a Sin?

[Opal0427]

I know as Catholics we’re required to follow the laws where we live. And that housing codes are actually municipal laws. So, is living in a house not up to code a sin for someone who can’t afford to get their house up to code?

It seems silly that my home is against the law. Being homeless isnt against the law.
On one hand, I know we’re supposed to die to self and that people in poorer countries have to make decisions like this everyday. Choosing to follow the law even at risk to their families.

Is this an example of Double Effect? Because there are homeless shelters. Technically that’s a possibility.
But that seems wrong.
Am I missing something? Or am I required to leave my home because its technically illrgal?

We dont qualify for public housing, we’re on social security and cant afford an apartment. Our house is paid off. So, no mortgage, but selling it would get almost nothing. Definitely not enough to buy another house. Its probably only worth a new car at most.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

Have you looked into whether your area has any assistance for home repairs? I know some places have programs to help homeowners with limited resources whose houses need repair.

 

[Opal0427]

There is some help, but not nearly enough to get the house up to code. Its an old house. All of the pipes, wiring, outlets, water heater, ac/heater, roof, etc would need to be replaced. Some, like the roof is actually worn out, but most is just that its an old house and they did things differently back then.

So, is it a sin tp live here?

 

[adgloriam]

get their house up to code?

Normally a house gets inspected at one point after construction to get a license. After that there’s not much licensing or auditing of a house, the license is basically good for decades to come. Exceptions to this would be obvious hazards (like a common elevator having to conform to a safety standard). Also, the house has to conform to a standard to be connected to public grid, gas, sewers.

But, after that initial license (or even if you never got the licensing process concluded) usually at a municipal level there’s an understanding not to bother owners unless the house represents an unsustainable risk to them or others.

The standards of building and licensing a new house are also constantly changing. So it’s impossible for older houses to keep up with the constant changes. The standards involved in getting a new license are aimed at making builders opt for modern construction standards at time of construction, new standards (for the most part) aren’t meant to be taken as retroactively applying to older houses.

Choosing to follow the law even at risk to their families.

The first option is to get a roof over their heads. I hope you can put your conscience at peace regarding this because I honestly doubt your house has anything “illegal” in its construction. Think about it: if your house is just “old” and thus has nothing illegal to it there’s no point in worrying and it’s best to have peace of mind. (in which case there is no sin )

God bless @Opal0427

 

[Opal0427]

Thank you for clarifying.

 

[1ke]

I think you are confused about the requirements of housing codes.

When codes change, existing homes are not required to go back and retrofit and update.

You aren’t violating any laws nor is your house “illegal”.

You would only be required to update to code if you started doing renovations. For example when we renovated our house we had to install a number of smoke detectors to meet that code because we didn’t have the kind that were hard wired into the electrical system.

Now if your home is unsafe it is prudent to make the repairs necessary to make it safe for yourself and others. That may mean bringing some specific things up to code.

 

[tafan2]

Building codes are for new construction and remodels. Unless a dwelling has been condemned by the city, I doubt if there is anything illegal about living in it because it is not up to code.