Owner Didn't Notify on Open Citation

[Jonathan Holland]

Hello,

I purchased my first house a year and a half ago. Property has 2 extra units on it. A year later an inspector came over telling me not only none of the units is legal but there is an open citation on the property since 2006 and the previous owner was suppose to get rid of the illegal stair case in the front as well as converting one unit to a garage and building a ramp. We're talking around $70,000 here.

I contacted the seller's realtor (through my realtor) and she dismissed me saying the guy "wasn't real". I'm writing a letter but I've been told I'm wasting my time. I wanted to continue with arbitration, like our contract says but even the arbitration company telling me I have very low chance of getting him from out of state to show up.

After talking to an attorney, he wanted $15K - $25K to help. Said I have a case but it will take a year and a half or so.

I'm stuck. The city is pushing me to do something or the fines will start coming my way. I don't have this type of money to build this and I can't sue the guy. My 8 pages of arbitration contract seems to be one big BS.

Any idea what can be done? I called everyone at this point. I'm totally screwed here. Hope to hear something.

Thank you!