Codes/ Up to Code/ Older Home (Grandfathered)

[Mike R.]

Looking to buy a 2nd vacation home in Big Bear California and got the winning bid on one. A few problems though, since it's an older home (built in 1951) the stairs are not quite up to code (7" wide and a bit steep going to the 2nd floor) and one of the windows in the bedroom is not the proper egress.

It looks as though it has passed the rental program inspection though (waiting to get final confirmation) because it is grandfathered in. 

Do I have to worry about anything else or because it passes the Big Bear rental program, I don't need to worry , as that has me covered?

Basically, I'd hate for something to go wrong (Someone falls down stairs or worse) and they can sue me as it wasn't up to building codes? But again, if Big Bear says its grandfathered in, am I good?  

[Kenneth Garrett]

@Mike R.

Grandfathered means when it was built it was code compliant.  The code have changed over the years and now it doesn't comply if it were built today.  The codes require the owner to maintain the building even if it is out of code by today's standards.   If everyone had to change there building to meet the current code it would never end.  Where would you draw the line.  If you remodel the building and you change something then it must meet the current code in the area you are changing. 

You should be fine.