Am I being scrupulous regarding this housing code?

[jmstrem]

Hi,

I've always struggled our moral obligations in relation to civil law.

My family is growing and we are tearing down and rebuilding our house. We will need a place to stay for a few months. My sister-in-law has a house with a separate room that does not comply with local housing codes. It has a separate unit not continuous with the rest of the house.

I'm struggling with whether it is morally okay to stay in such a place that is in violation of housing/building laws. These types of units are present all over the city and there is really no enforcement of housing laws unless there is a complaint (which I have never heard of).

I see nothing inherently wrong with staying there, but the housing code issue makes me uneasy, not for fear of the law, but that I am doing something wrong. Am I being scrupulous by being hesitant to stay there? We would really be able to save money by staying there. We need to make a decision soon!!!

Thanks!!!

[Fr. Vincent Serpa]

Hi,

Yes, you are being scrupulous. You didn’t build the structure. Besides, housing codes vary from place to place and can be quite arbitrary. You yourself state that you see nothing inherently wrong with staying there. Go with your reason and forget the feelings.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.