Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a tough situation. My mom had a run-in with the police, and now they've called in code enforcement to inspect our house. We're living in a century-old home, and I have some concerns about what they might be looking for. Are there specific things we should check to ensure we're compliant? I've even taken some pictures of areas that might raise flags. Thanks for any insights!
3 Answers
Just to clarify, code enforcement and police are different, and CE usually only acts on serious complaints. If the cops just had a bad experience, that shouldn't cause issues unless there's a valid code violation. Stay calm and follow the rules; they can't just barge in unless they have a very good reason!
First off, don't let them in unless they have a warrant! If they knock, just ignore it or act like no one's home. They can ask for entry, but without a legal reason or paperwork, they can't come in legally.
They're primarily looking for safety hazards, so check on things like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and also make sure you have proper egress in bedrooms and solid core doors where necessary. If anything was remodeled without a permit, that could be a red flag too, but they can't cite you for issues that were already there before you moved in.
Got it! I was worried about the smoke alarms we have and a few outlets that are iffy, so I'll make sure to address those before they come.
That's solid advice! Just make sure you stay cool and don't get pressured into letting them in. Always best to know your rights!