All Forum Posts by: Patrick Bross

Thanks @Jake Cohen. Question; are you able to expand on the liability component? What are some general pitfalls or things that might go wrong?

@Michael Baum and @John Underwood - see Jake's comment. This is actually the current setup. I am a "co-host" and don't own the listing. Do your words of caution still apply?

I currently own and operate an AirBnB, but also manage another that I do NOT own. Does anyone have advice on how I should set up a legal entity, how I should ask the owner to pay me, etc? Considering both operations and the expectation that I'll be taking on more properties to PM, do I need to treat these wholly separate for tax/legal purposes? Looking for some general guidance to steer me down the path. Would love to hear your opinion. 

Hi BP - would anyone be willing to share a reliable and trustworthy electrician they have worked within the Charleston, SC area? I have a number of services needed on a renovation and need to hire soon. Thank you in advance!

Hey @Mark Mattison - From experience, you're either IN the short term overlay or you're OUT and no in-between. I think the city is still getting their act together from an enforcement perspective, but I can only imagine it's going to get tougher to sneak by them. Depending on the exact location, you could still use AirBnB and get away with 30-night minimum rentals to MUSC students or business folks. 

Good luck!

@Ty Ramjohn - Awesome! 

PS I really appreciated the succinct history breakdown. Easy to digest and gives all the facts. Great work 

Hey BP,

I've got a legal related question for the community. 

A local real estate developer/landlord has filed a civil action suit against what appears to be EVERYONE whoever operated an AirBnB that did not fall within the legal short-term rental zone ("short-term overlay" for those familiar with Charleston) whether you rented it 1 or 1,000 times. The "plaintiff" claims they are following the rules but everyone else isn't, reduced income, ordinance violations, etc, etc. 

Questions:

• Has anyone heard of this before and if so, could you provide some more info?
• Assuming the logical next step is to hire an attorney, what kind (real estate, litigation, etc)?

Please share any feedback you might have on something like this. Thanks!

Hey BP,

Looking for some references local to the Charleston, SC area. I am exploring the idea of adding square footage to my downtown duplex (above the crosstown in the West Side neighborhood). 

Although I am grandfathered in, there have been mountains of building codes over the years making the property non-conforming in more ways than one. I've spoken with the zoning office a few times regarding options but receive different answers each time I call. The common element, however, is I should still be able to make something happen with the right approvals and plans.

In short; I am looking for a contractor/builder/investor familiar with Charleston zoning/building codes, and the politics that go along. Ideally, they would advise on WHAT my options are (working with Board of Architectural Review (BAR), neighborhood, and any other barriers), then ultimately do the work.

Thanks for your support!

Hey BP,

Curious if anyone knows the downtown Charleston fence building laws. I plan to stick build one myself, under 6 ft, and not encroaching on the neighbors property line. Do I need to run plans by the city if building myself? I've read a few different rules in a few different places and thought I was check the forums. If anyone could clear this up or provide some guidance that would be awesome!

I appreciate your comments!

Hey BP,

Quick question about security cameras. I plan to install few on a downtown Charleston, SC duplex I own. Is there anything I need to consider before doing so? Are there tenant rights that by doing so would otherwise violate? I plan to add 3 cameras overlooking to driveway, backyard, and porch (nothing weird...). 

Thanks for the feedback!

Hey all,

Question on how Charleston, SC handles taxes on a duplex. I own a downtown Charleston duplex and reside in one of the units (primary residence). I recently submitted my residency application to retain the more favorable tax treatment but was only granted 50% at the lower rate, and the other 50% at 6%. Is this normal or should I get a break on the entire thing? I ask because my mortgage is escrowed to pay taxes on the rate at which the entire property would be considered primary. 

Any help is much appreciated. Thank you!