The 3-unit building next to my house changed owners last year...apparently the new owner never walked onto the side facing my house and saw this huge crack before buying it.  He has screwed around with it a little (he basically just chipped out a few bricks, creating some of the more conspicuous gaps) but hasn't called anyone in to do any real repairs. 

 

 

Yes. Call the city. It's bullshit that someone would have a property in this shape and not be doing something about it. A crack that goes from foundation to roof is a sure-fire way of making a building collapse.

http://cagismaps.hamilton-co.org/csr/cincinnati/serviceRequest

or

 

Call 513-591-6000.

 

The hotline is staffed weekdays (except holidays), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

I would talk to the owner before calling the city, as a courtesy. At least tell him that you are going to call the city so he isn't surprised.

Jesus, who buys a building without inspecting it for stuff like that? All these people who do things without thinking first make life hell for those of us who think first.

I got a call from the city's inspector today.  They're citing the property owner for the crack and a variety of other issues.  The guy told me "I'm familiar with this guy, we deal with him all over town...". 

 

We'll see what happens.