v wrote:
Traditionally, the way to enforce the code, was that the building
could not be *occupied* unless it complied. However, you could sell
it to someone who was willing to either fix it up or demolish it, and
it was up to the buyer.

What if granny can't afford the upgrades? She *can't* sell???? This
law seems like it would actually encourage more substandard properties
to be in existance, as the current owners would have to sit on them
as-is, rather than sell them to someone who might be capable of fixing
them up!

You musn't have checked that link:

Buyers

In most cases, the seller makes the code corrections. However, buyers
may obtain a temporary property maintenance certificate if they sign an
agreement acknowledging the work orders and agreeing to make all
required code work within a specific time period.

Housing inspections are aimed at protecting the community's overall
housing stock and avoiding unsafe conditions and major deterioration. A
City housing inspection is neither a home seller disclosure statement
nor a buyer protection program. We always suggest buyers hire their own
private inspector.