Renters
Code B helps ensure the safety of anyone renting property that has unpermitted structures. We work on a completely confidential level, so you can feel entirely safe about calling us.
Tenants might be living in an unpermitted structure or a structure where part of the dwelling is un-permitted. It is illegal for an owner to rent property that has any un-permitted portions. If a tenant is living in an unsafe structure, they may have the right to take legal action and may be entitled to recover a portion of rents paid. (Note: Nothing contained herein shall be construed as Code B giving legal advice; however, we can provide access to third-party legal assistance for those wanting more information.)
Owners generally rent unpermitted structures for the following reasons:
- The owner is unaware that their property has a code violation issue
- The owner is trying to maximize income and avoid added expense.
- By adding extra bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas, owners can increase their rents substantially and avoid being taxed for these improvements.
- The owner is taking advantage of the tenant
In any case, the owner is responsible for ensuring the property is clear of issues prior to leasing.
Here is a list of typical unpermitted structures or construction:
- Garages illegally converted to living space
- One-room additions
- Enclosed patios
- Family rooms
- Large sized decks
- Guest houses
- Second dwellings
- Converted basements/attics
- Illegal multi-family use dwellings
Code violations and unpermitted structures often lead to unsafe living conditions and also negatively impact the surrounding community
Here are a few examples of conditions that may adversely impact the quality of life in our communities as a result of improper construction or from non-compliance. If you are living on a property with the following characteristics, the property may have an unpermitted issue:
- Limited, insufficient or impacted parking
- Unevenly distributed utility payments between tenants sharing common grounds
- Excessive plumbing and electrical problems on the property
- Your address is a number with a ½ or the mail is delivered to one mail box leaving one tenant responsible for sorting the mail and delivering it to other tenants on the property.
- Multiple exterior exits to multiple tenants at one residence
- Multiple kitchens in one residence
- Garage conversions with the front vehicle door still remaining
- Bedrooms with small windows or no windows at all
- Extremely small bedrooms 6’ or less in any direction
- Exposed electrical wiring and/or plumbing lines in areas they could be damaged
- Persistent and/or continuing electrical or plumbing problems
If you suspect that the unit you are living in has a portion that is unpermitted, please complete the form below and submit to our office. Or you may simply give us a call: 619.546.5830. Although it’s Code B’s policy to request the source of the complaint, we keep all source info confidential.
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