Citation threats for my rental properties in Colwyn Darby PA

[Buyan Thyagarajan]

Hi Guys,

I have properties in Colwyn Darby. I have been working on rental applications where the county issued some fixes last year. Unfortunately one of the issues was a major issue like fixing the kitchen hardwood floor which will take substantial time and money. I was not able to get it fixed last year due to lack of quality contractors. The county called me today and threatened me with a citation. I am still working on this issue and am in the process of getting a rental license filled out again. Can you please explain what are the impacts of a citation on my property and How can I manage it? I have a property management company that is handling this but running into issues.  The tenants are impatient and keep calling the county on small issues and the county keeps calling me. 

Here are my questions.

1. What are the impacts of a citation on my rental property and can I defend it in court?

2. How can I avoid huge costs on rental inspections and ensure I get rental licenses for properties?

Buyan

[Joe Norman]

I'm more curious about why your property manager rented this property out without a rental license in place already. I won't presume that they shouldn't have done this, but will state that in most jurisdictions with rental licensing laws thats a big no-no.

To answer your questions generally (not specific to Colwyn Darby, PA because I am not licensed there):

1) Generally the county will not allow evictions or rent collection actions if a unit is being rented without a licenses. Furthermore there could be fines/liens associated with any citations. I'm not sure what you would be "defending in court" if you've known about this issue since last year and have neglected to address it.

2) Get the rental license in place BEFORE you move in a tenant is the biggest takeaway here. As far as avoiding huge costs, thats all in your due diligence before purchasing the property (e.g., inspections).