All Forum Posts by: Alyse Oz

If I’m not changing the way the home was used, do I still need a use permit?    

I’m not sure if previous owners ever got one.  What happens if I don’t get one?  It was a 3 family home and still is.

A contractor I might be working with suggested removing the rusty old fire escape from the home I’m renovating.  He said only buildings that are over 3-family need fire escapes.  What are the requirements regarding fire escapes?  

Do you mean for a ‘Commercial Activity License'? I have an LLC and I think I need a ‘Commercial Activity License' because I plan to rent out my units. Ofcourse I will also need a renters permit.

There are also a lot of permit/license situations to consider in Philadelphia.  There seems to be lots of paperwork designed to the city gets its "application fee".  Here's what I have done so far:

-Commerical Activity License

-Use permit (even though there are no changes to the home!)

When I begin construction, I think I'll need an EZ Interior Non Load Bearing Demolition permit and 

the contractor will get the following permits:

-Plumbing Permit

-Electrical Permit

Once it's all done, I'll need another rental permit to rent it out.  

The above is what I know so far....I'm sure I'm missing a bunch of stuff, which hopefully I'll find out about.

I just purchased a property that is clearly a 3 family home.  It is registered as RM-1, has 3 different apartments, with 3 different mailboxes, separate electrical etc.  Apparently, I am still required to fill out an APPLICATION FOR ZONING / USE REGISTRATION PERMIT

I need this information too .... any luck finding GCs?

How about some information on affordable contractors in Philadelphia .... I need to get my property rental ready .

I just purchased a 3-family investment home in Philadelphia.  There is a man who lives a few houses down.  It's my understanding that the previous owners paid him to take care of the property while it was vacant (security, removing snow, weeds, lawn-care).  When I spoke with the previous owners during closing, they said he is very reliable. He does seem like a capable man and I'd like to utilize his services because I live far away.  Perhaps he can be a sort of superintendent.  I'd like the following from him:

-lawn care, weed removal

-snow removal / salting

-extermination

- initial point of contact with tenants (handy man type small stuff he'll fix - i'll pay for materials) he'll project manage the potential big projects 

What do you think is a fair price to pay him monthly?  What type of contract can I make with him?  Can he just be my contractor, so I'd get him a 1099?  

I just purchased a multi family home that is in need of rehab.  Instead of hiring one major contractor, I was planning on hiring per project because I thought it would be cheaper. For example, one company will do the roofing, another will do electrical etc.  is this a good idea?  I’m using HomeAdvisor but subcontractors aren’t very responsive.  

Also when do I need to worry about permits, like use and occupancy etc.  

Any advice or contractor recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

I have a section 8 tenant in jersey city..... it’s fabulous!  I get my rent every month, like clockwork.  They inspect the property yearly and just direct deposit the rent. I get a 1099 form from the housing authority every year.  I got lucky with my tenant, I never hear from her.  

As a side note I just purchased a property in west philly and am looking for an inexpensive (but good roofer).... any recommendations would be appreciated.