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Should towns be able to fine new homeowners for code violations incurred before they purchased the home?

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In Farmington, a family is facing possible fines of $550 per day from the town for code violations related to their new home, as the previous owners finished the attic and basement without proper permits.

As a remedy, the family must return the attic and basement to an unfinished condition to allow for an inspection by a code enforcement officer or hire an engineer to certify it. According to the family, they were unaware of any code violations at the time of the purchase.

According to the town, neither the realtor nor the new homeowners pulled any files related to the home, which they argue is negligence on their part.

However, those against the fine argue that the current homeowners should not be held punitively responsible for the negligence of the previous homeowners.

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.

 

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