Real estate laws are meant to keep transactions fair and communities well-regulated, but some local and state laws are downright bizarre. From outdated regulations to strangely specific zoning rules, here are some of the weirdest real estate laws you probably didn’t know existed.

1. No Ice Cream on Sundays? (Alabama)

In Alabama, there is a law that reportedly prohibits carrying an ice cream cone in your back pocket on Sundays. While it might seem random, this law was originally designed to prevent horse theft, as thieves would use ice cream to lure horses away from their owners. Though rarely enforced, it remains on the books!

2. No Clotheslines Allowed (Some U.S. States)

Believe it or not, many homeowners' associations (HOAs) in states like California and Florida have banned outdoor clotheslines. Some communities consider them unsightly, even though they are an eco-friendly way to dry clothes. However, several states have started passing "Right to Dry" laws to override these restrictions.

3. The Haunted House Disclosure Rule (New York)

If you’re selling a house in New York, you might need to disclose if it’s haunted! In Stambovsky v. Ackley (1991), a court ruled that a seller who publicly advertised a home as haunted couldn’t later deny it to a buyer. If a ghostly reputation is widely known, the seller must disclose it!

4. You Can't Build Tall Buildings in D.C. (Washington, D.C.)

Unlike other major cities, Washington, D.C., has strict height restrictions for buildings. The 1910 Height of Buildings Act ensures that no structure can be taller than the U.S. Capitol. As a result, D.C. lacks the skyscrapers found in most urban centers.

5. No More Than Two Toilets Per Building? (Vermont)

A quirky Vermont law once stated that a house could not have more than two bathrooms unless it was connected to a public sewer system. This law was aimed at controlling water usage but is rarely enforced today.

6. You Can't Sell Your House Without a Lawful Front Door (Texas)

In Texas, real estate laws require a house to have a legally defined front door before it can be sold. That means no creative interpretations of entryways!

7. No Obstructing the View of the Mountains (Colorado)

In some parts of Colorado, zoning laws protect scenic views, preventing homeowners from constructing buildings that block mountain vistas. If you're buying property in the Rockies, be mindful of local view ordinances.

8. Illegal to Rent to More Than 3 Unrelated People (Many U.S. Cities)

In college towns across the U.S., cities enforce "brothel laws," which limit the number of unrelated individuals who can live together in a rental. Though intended to regulate student housing, these laws can create challenges for roommates looking to split rent.

9. You Can’t Die in a House for Sale (France & Spain)

In certain parts of France and Spain, there are obscure laws stating that a person cannot legally pass away in a house that is actively listed for sale. While it sounds bizarre, this regulation ensures legal clarity in property transactions.

Final Thoughts

Real estate laws can range from practical to just plain weird. While many of these laws are rarely enforced, they still exist in legal codes across the U.S. and around the world. If you’re buying or selling a home, it never hurts to check local ordinances—you might just uncover a law as strange as the ones on this list!

🏡 Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s make sure your transaction follows all the right (and not-so-weird) rules! Contact me today for expert guidance.