I need to know what to do about a Chapter 7 in which I gave back the house but the city is going after me for code violations?
Question Details: I need to know what I must do to get the house that I gave back out of my name; I don't even live in that state anymore. I lost my job and could not pay for the house or repairs and upkeep. I never knew that the city would be coming after me for any code violations etc. When I started having the problems with the city I called my former bankruptcy attorney and she said that the bank has up to 6 months from the time of the discharge to put it up for sheriff's sale or do whatever they were going to do with the house. I went on-line the other day and found out that the house was already up for sale.
You are technically responsible for the code violations until the title to the house transfers, either to the lender or a third party.
Since you were unaware of the violations, I assume that the city was never informed of the bankruptcy. Technically, you can not discharge civil or criminal penalties. However, in my practice, I have found that be sending notice of the bankruptcy to the city will cease collection efforts. Whether it helps your credit report is a different matter.
The fact that you are out of state and no longer residing there is irrelevant.
