Without CC and Mods, the options are pretty limited on what is causing this and how to fix it.
1st. Backup your Saves and Tray.
Then. Do a Game Repair.
If the Game Repair doesn't work, you can try a Soft Uninstall.
(To Do This: Remove your User Settings Configuration, Saves, Tray, and Screenshots (if important) from TS4 folder. Then delete the entire folder. (Make sure the location is: Documents/ElectronicArts/TheSims4 <--- Start your game as usual from the EA App, it will reinstall, but take less time VS a complete uninstall.
If a Soft Uninstall doesn't work, the only other option is to completely uninstall and reinstall.
Don't worry, you shouldn't lose your playtime hours, but make sure you create a backup of your Saves, Tray, Screenshots, and User Settings Configuration because YOU WILL LOSE THOSE if you don't.
If that doesn't work, report it as a Bug over in the Bug Forums.