No permit pulled for renovation? Legal Duplex?

[Candace Ly]

Hello BP! I had two questions regarding a newly listed duplex in Philly. Thanks.

1. It's a turnkey completely newly renovated duplex. I was on L&I and saw that no permits were pulled for renovation/construction. They did have a permit for some electrical work and roof replacement, but not for the renovation SOW. Was the renovation "illegal" then? If so, is there anything that can screw me over?

2. The listing says it's a duplex and I see in pictures that were are 2 electrical meters. It is currently zoned as RSA-3. How can I confirm that this place has a proper variance in place to be a legal duplex? I looked through the zoning permit documents and saw a proposal to become a duplex dated back in 1958. It also looks like the old rental license in 2014 was for a duplex. It states this below.

License type

3202 Rental (2 Units)

[Eric Greenberg]

Quote from @Candace Ly:

Hello BP! I had two questions regarding a newly listed duplex in Philly. Thanks.

1. It's a turnkey completely newly renovated duplex. I was on L&I and saw that no permits were pulled for renovation/construction. They did have a permit for some electrical work and roof replacement, but not for the renovation SOW. Was the renovation "illegal" then? If so, is there anything that can screw me over?

2. The listing says it's a duplex and I see in pictures that were are 2 electrical meters. It is currently zoned as RSA-3. How can I confirm that this place has a proper variance in place to be a legal duplex? I looked through the zoning permit documents and saw a proposal to become a duplex dated back in 1958. It also looks like the old rental license in 2014 was for a duplex. It states this below.

License type

3202 Rental (2 Units)

 Hi Candace,

This is the case quite a lot in Philadelphia both the potentially not pulling permits and the incorrect zoning/variance. Was 2014 the last time there was a rental license or was that the last time it showed it as a duplex? 

I’ve been through a very similar situation with a property. My suggestion is to call L&I and ask them the current use of the property. You could also call the revenue department and ask if they send them refuse trash bills which equate to that building being a multi unit. You are welcome to reach out to discuss in more detail if you’d like.