All Forum Posts by: Chris Nocera

@Alex Deacon By HACP, I mean Housing Authority of City of Pittsburgh...same as section 8.  This is a city property and I am dealing with Pittsburgh Section 8, not Allegheny County.

@Anthony Angotti I had very little issue with my inspection.  We failed a few things on the first inspection, but very minor stuff that was fixable in a days work.  They came back out almost immediately and reinspected and passed us.  I got ahold of the inspection manager at the HACP office to specifically ask him about the situation you mention...where they come up with a new list of items the 2nd time around...he informed me that they cannot do this and I should not expect that to happen.  Perhaps they have become a little more reasonable lately in regards to the inspection process.  I get the sense that they are really struggling to keep landlords as they are offering several incentives/perks for landlords.  Also, when you look at the listings, there are very few section 8 properties available.  I've gotten 100 calls for one 3-bedroom home.

@Alex Deacon Can you provide any insight on a timeline for HACP drafting leases.  I'm going through the process for the first time and we completed inspection without much issue.  Now they just need to draft the lease, which they said has a 30-60 day timeline.  If it took 30 days that would put the entire process at about 75 days, which is quite long.  Any longer than that and I'll be hesitant to do this in the future.  I'm hoping the norm to draft a boiler plate lease is closer to a week or two.

@Dominic Lucarelli I found this old thread as I was looking at a triplex in Mckeesport for rental (possibly section 8).  What are your thoughts on Jersey St?

I should have mentioned that although I am located in SoCal, my properties are in Pittsburgh, PA, so I'm dealing with their housing authority and inspectors

@Alex Deacon.  I found this old thread as I am navigating my first section 8 lease/inspection. Not sure if you are still managing section 8 properties in Pittsburgh, but I was wondering if you have any more insight than already provided in this thread. The first inspection was flagged with largely minor things like weather stripping (which was already there, but I guess not good enough), caulking tub, interior doors that take too much force to close/latch, etc. In your experience, if all of these issues are addressed, should I expect a pass on the next inspection or will he provide a list of new items (I've heard this can happen). Any inspectors to be more weary of than others? Any other handy advice regarding getting through these inspections?

I found it odd that the inspector will only mail the report...no email. So, now I have to wait for the report to provide my contractor to ensure we've addressed everything. Is that normal? I've already reached out to HACP to see if they can provide a copy.

@Sam T. I found this old thread as I am navigating my first section 8 lease/inspection.  Not sure if you are still managing section 8 properties in Pittsburgh, but I was wondering if you have any more insight than already provided in this thread.  The first inspection was flagged with largely minor things like weather stripping (which was already there, but I guess not good enough), caulking tub, interior doors that take too much force to close/latch, etc.  In your experience, if all of these issues are addressed, should I expect a pass on the next inspection or will he provide a list of new items (I've heard this can happen).  Any inspectors to be more weary of than others?  Any other handy advice regarding getting through these inspections?

I found it odd that the inspector will only mail the report...no email.  So, now I have to wait for the report to provide my contractor to ensure we've addressed everything.  Is that normal?  I've already reached out to HACP to see if they can provide a copy.

In a prior post I had mentioned acquiring an abandoned property.  I've talked to the city's real estate office and they recommended requesting a Treasurer's Sale, which I have done.  The property will be up for sale at the next auction.  The person at the real estate office mentioned that if nobody bids at the upset price, as the requestor, I can acquire a deed to the property for basically nothing.  I would assume there is additional process beyond the Treasurer's sale if there are no bidders, but he didn't give details.  Can anyone confirm or does anyone have experience with this process in Pittsburgh?

The councilwoman's office got back to me and mentioned that the city is not in the habit of acquiring abandoned properties for sale, but if they have an interested buyer, they will.  So, we shall see if they bring it to sheriff sale for me.

@Charles Coaston I found this thread from years ago as I am interested in purchasing a property at sheriff sale.  Can we touch base on what you have learned?  Using your sources, I've determined that there is a tax lien on the property (reason for sheriff sale), but I'm having trouble determining if their is an outstanding mortgage.

@Miranda Micire Found this info on the website you recommended.  Thanks!

Condemned 4/29/19 2 Story Frame Single Family Dwelling

Corrective Action Required
This structure is condemned and must be made safe. Must obtain building permit to remove violations Must abate violation under building permit.