All Forum Posts by: Jason Cooper

I'm in the process of obtaining a Rental License for a triplex that I recently acquired. The prior owner did not secure a rental license or a certificate of occupancy for the property. In my efforts to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, I encountered a requirement for a zoning permit. However, my application for this permit was rejected. The denial was based on the following reason:

"The proposed use Visitor Accommodations is prohibited in the RM-1 Zoning district per table 14-602-1".

At this juncture, it seems my next step is to appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustments. I'm currently researching how to effectively navigate this appeal process.

A bit more context:

• The property has a zoning permit dated 1/16/1956, which includes a variance recognizing it as a three-family unit.
• I do not possess a building permit that explicitly authorizes use as a three-family dwelling.

I'm seeking advice tailored to the Philadelphia, PA area, particularly regarding this situation. If anyone has contacts or resources that could help streamline this process, I would greatly appreciate your sharing them.

I am attempting to acquire a Rental License for a 3-unit apartment complex. The previous owner did not have a rental license or a certificate of occupancy. While trying to apply for Certificate of occupancy, I am required to get a zoning permit. I applied for the zoning permit but was denied, with the following comment: 
"The proposed use Visitor Accommodations is prohibited in the RM-1 Zoning district per table 14-602-1". 

I am supposed to appeal to the zoning board of approvals at this point. I am currently looking online to learn how to move forward there. 

Additional information: r
Zoning permit from 1/16/1956 with a variance granting this as a 3 family unit
I have no building permit saying this allows this as a 3 family

I am asking for any advice specifically for Philadelphia, PA. If you have any contacts for anyone who can help me expedite this process, please feel free to send them my way. 

@Nathan Gesner @Colleen F. @Adam Martin Thank you all for your replies. 

This situation has gotten messy and it looks like there were a few things that should have been done before closing. 

Currently:

- I am required a rental suitability certificate and a rental license before I can charge any rent. If I do charge rent, I am subject to daily fines until completed. I require an activity license number before I can get the rental suitability certificate and a rental license. I applied for this the day of closing. 

- The seller sent me a text on Dec. 30 stating that they would be moving out in 2 weeks or less. Last night (Jan 2), he text me that he'll be out in 2.5 weeks, and he will put an offer on a house later this week. I know better that unless you are paying cash and you have not yet submitted an offer on a house, he will NOT be closing in 2.5 weeks. 

Is there a way to retroactively collect the rent on a lease?

I just closed on my first multi unit 2 days ago. One of my tenant just told me that he is unemployed. This tenant was currently on a month to month lease, but the seller showed up to the closing without a lease or a deposit. 

I have to get the tenant sign a lease. I have a feeling this situation is a lot more complicated than I am expecting right now. Anyone been through this scenario and have any advice to offer would be greatly appreciated. 

Colleen, Thank you for the response! 

I will be settling on a 3 unit property in another week, where the seller will continue to reside for a few months so they can find their next property. There is an existing tenant that will be living there on a month to month basis. It doesn't seem like the current seller has a written lease with the tenant. The seller is telling me that he used the tenant's security deposit for repairs. 

The steps I am looking to take are: 

From the seller: Get a deposit and a lease for the time I have agreed to allow them to stay. 

For the existing tenant: Request a deposit and a lease for a month to month basis. I am expecting to raise the rent for this apartment. I am thinking of giving the tenant 2 months notice of this increase to allow them to prep for finding a new place if they do not agree with the new price. 

Is this the proper way to go about this? Is there anything that I may be missing?