What Fixes Are Mandatory After a Home Inspection in Miami?

When you buy or sell a home in Miami, a home inspection is almost always part of the process. People want to know what’s wrong with the house before money changes hands. But after the inspection, what repairs are you required to fix? I get this question a lot.

Here’s what you need to know about mandatory repairs after a home inspection in our city.

Are Repairs Always Required?

No, not every issue in the inspection report needs to be addressed before you buy or sell. In most Miami home sales, the inspection is conducted for informational purposes only. The buyer and seller use the report to negotiate who will make the repairs or if the price will be lowered.

But there are some cases when repairs must be made either by law, by insurance, or because of the mortgage lender’s rules.

Mandatory Fixes in Miami

Let’s break down what’s required. Here are the main categories where repairs are usually not optional:

1. Safety Hazards

Any problem that makes the home unsafe will almost always have to be fixed. This includes:

• Electrical issues: Exposed wires, faulty panels, or outlets near water with no GFCI protection.
• Roof leaks: Active leaks that cause damage or create a mold risk.
• Broken stairs or railings: Anything that could lead to a fall or injury.
• Gas leaks: A leaking gas line or broken appliance is a serious safety threat.
• Missing or broken smoke detectors: All homes must have working smoke detectors.

Miami’s building code is strict about safety. Most lenders will not approve a loan if these dangers are present, and no insurance company will cover the home until they are fixed.

2. Building Code Violations

Homes in Miami must meet local and state building codes. If the inspection finds a violation, like illegal room additions, non-permitted electrical work, or unsafe decks, these almost always need to be brought up to code. The city may even refuse to allow the sale until violations are corrected. Common code problems include:

• Unpermitted additions or conversions (garages, porches, bedrooms)
• Outdated electrical panels that are not allowed anymore
• The plumbing is not up to code
• Improper window bars or locked emergency exits

Fixing these problems isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about safety and protecting your investment.

3. Insurance Requirements

To get homeowner’s insurance in Miami, your home must pass a few special checks. Insurance companies pay close attention to roofs, plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning systems.

Insurance will usually demand fixes for:

• Roof damage or age (some companies won’t cover roofs older than 15 years)
• Double-tapped breakers or unsafe wiring
• Polybutylene plumbing (a type of old plastic pipe known to leak)
• Old or missing hurricane protection on windows and doors

Without these repairs, you might not get insurance, and you need insurance to close on most mortgages.

4. Lender (Mortgage) Requirements

If you’re getting a loan, your lender may have their own list of must-fix problems. This can include:

• Major roof damage
• Broken HVAC (heating and cooling)
• Visible mold or water damage
• Termite infestations

Lenders want the property to be “livable.” If the home doesn’t meet this standard, they may not give the loan until repairs are done.

What Isn’t Usually Mandatory?

Many inspection items fall under the category of “nice to have” but are not required by law, insurance, or lenders. These can include:

• Old appliances that still work
• Peeling paint (unless it’s lead-based in older homes)
• Minor cracks in tile or drywall
• Worn-out carpet or faded paint
• Minor plumbing leaks that don’t affect use

Most of these items are up for negotiation between the buyer and seller. Sometimes, the seller will offer a credit for repairs or lower the price instead of fixing these issues.

Who Decides What Gets Fixed?

After the inspection, the buyer and seller can discuss the report and create a list of repairs. In Miami, it’s common for the buyer to ask for the most important fixes. The seller can agree, refuse, or offer a money-back guarantee at closing. The only things that truly must be fixed are those required by code, insurance, or the lender.

What Happens If Problems Aren’t Fixed?

If the repairs are mandatory, the home might not be able to sell until they’re done. The city can halt the sale due to code violations. Lenders can deny the mortgage. Insurance companies can refuse to issue a policy. Sometimes, buyers walk away if sellers refuse to make safety fixes.

That’s why it’s important to know up front what’s required, so you don’t waste time or money.

The Inspection Report: Your Game Plan

After you get the inspection report, here’s what to do:

1. Read the report fully. Look for anything marked as safety, code, or insurance concerns.
2. Talk to your real estate agent. They know what’s normal for Miami sales and can help with the next steps.
3. Ask your lender and insurance agent. They’ll tell you which repairs must be done before closing.
4. Get estimates. For big repairs, get quotes from licensed contractors.
5. Negotiate. Most sales involve back-and-forth discussions about who will fix what or how much credit to apply for repairs.

Final Thoughts: Know What Matters Most

Not every problem on an inspection report has to be fixed before you buy or sell a home in Miami. Focus on safety hazards, code violations, insurance issues, and lender requirements. These are the repairs you can’t ignore. For everything else, use the inspection as a tool to negotiate and make smart decisions.

A careful inspection, combined with knowledge of which repairs are mandatory, helps everyone move forward with confidence and keeps Miami homes safe and sound for years to come.