The Village of Hempstead says a 2-family residence at 81 & 83 Front Street in Hempstead was "unfit" to live in.

Officials tell News 12 that the property owner has been fined for more than 20 code violations since 2000.

The violations include illegal electrical and plumbing work and not having the proper permits for apartment rentals.

The village says it's now taking legal action.

"Anyone who has been issued a violation notice they are given a certain amount of time correct that violation. We are not allowed within the law to make them move out of the residence or enforce it any other way. but what the law would allow," explained Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr., of the Village of Hempstead.

Saturday's fire left 18 people, including five children, homeless. Officials say the property will remain closed until the violations are corrected and inspected. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.