Can You Sell a House With Open Permits in Rhode Island?
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Trying to sell your home is already a process — and when open permits are involved, it can feel like hitting a brick wall. If you're a Rhode Island homeowner wondering whether you can sell a house with open permits, the short answer is yes — but it’s not always simple.
Let’s explore what open permits actually mean, how they can affect your home sale, and what you can do to move forward with or without resolving them.
What Are Open Permits?
An open permit typically means a contractor or homeowner started work on a property — such as electrical upgrades, plumbing changes, or structural alterations — but never officially closed the permit with the town or city’s building department.
In Rhode Island, each municipality has its own permitting system, but one thing is consistent: an open permit stays attached to the property, not the person who started it. That means if you're selling a home in Providence, Cranston, Warwick, or anywhere else in the state, open permits could create headaches for both you and your buyer.
Are You Legally Allowed to Sell With Open Permits in Rhode Island?
Yes, you can sell a house with open permits in Rhode Island. There’s no state law that outright prohibits it. However, open permits can cause delays, reduce buyer interest, and even complicate the closing process if a lender requires all permits to be resolved before funding a loan.
Buyers working with banks may be especially hesitant, as unresolved permits can suggest unfinished or uninspected work. It’s a red flag that could lower your sale price — or kill the deal entirely.
How to Find Open Permits on Your Rhode Island Property
Before listing your home, it’s smart to check with your local building department to see if any permits are still open. In Rhode Island, these records are usually accessible online or by request. Some towns, like East Providence or North Kingstown, may require a physical visit or written form to obtain a full permit history. Be sure to check:
- Electrical work
- Plumbing and HVAC upgrades
- Additions, decks, sheds, or garages
- Roofing or structural work
What Are Your Options?
If you discover you have open permits, you generally have three options:
- Close the Permits Yourself
You or the contractor who pulled the permit may be able to schedule a final inspection and close it out — if the work was completed properly. - Negotiate With the Buyer
Some buyers may be willing to take on the responsibility, especially if the home is priced to reflect the risk. - Sell to a Cash Home Buyer in Rhode Island
If you're looking to avoid delays, inspections, or complications, a trusted local cash buyer like RPS Property Solutions can purchase your home as-is — even with open permits.
Selling As-Is to RPS Property Solutions
At RPS Property Solutions, we buy houses throughout Rhode Island in any condition — whether there are open permits, code violations, or unfinished projects. You won’t need to deal with paperwork, inspections, or permit issues. We make it easy for you to:
- Sell fast without fixing anything
- Skip the stress of closing permits
- Get a
fair, no-obligation cash offer
- Close in days, not weeks
Whether your home is in Providence, Pawtucket, Johnston, or anywhere else in the Ocean State, we can help you sell it without hassle.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can sell a house with open permits in Rhode Island — but it’s important to understand how those permits can affect the sale process. Traditional buyers may be wary, and open permits can delay or complicate closing.
If you're ready to sell your Rhode Island home quickly, with or without open permits, RPS Property Solutions is here to help. We buy houses as-is, with full transparency and no fees.
Ready to Sell Without the Stress?
Get in touch today for a fast, fair cash offer. No repairs. No red tape. Just a simple way to move forward — even if open permits are holding you back.
