All Forum Posts by: Jean Mercer

Advertise that you accept Section 8 renters ( those receiving some city vouchers to help them with their rent).  I find these, for the most part, to be good people who are for one reason or another  down on their luck.

Home Inspections only look at what is visible, electric and plumbing are hidden behind walls. Even if the work was done up to code - if no permits and city inspectors signed off, they have no way of knowing if it was done correctly.

I am currently dealing with a duplex that was converted to a 4-plex without permits and in a residential area zoned only for single residences and/or duplexes.  This was reported to the city and they are making me convert it back to a duplex and bring all systems up to todays codes.I was required to move all renters out (No income for months).  I was required to put in a 1 hr. firewall (from attic to basement) and have had to open up all walls to reveal the plumbing so any drains etc. not up to code can be corrected.  Everything requires a separate permit and the work has to be by licensed contractors.  This ordeal has been expensive.  My advice would be to know the zoning and verify that all work was permitted!

Do not try to operate it as a non-conforming rental.  If someone reports you it will be expensive.  Not only can they make you tear out a second kitchen and anything else that makes the unit rentable ( this will require a Demo Permit) and (if the area is not zoned for a duplex unit)   there can be penalties as well.  If it is zoned for a duplex or AUD (Accessory  Dwelling Unit, i.e. mother-in-law unit) You will have to get Permits and bring it up to todays codes.  I speak from experience!  This cn get expensive either way.