Hey there, Scranton homeowners! 🏠

Ever found yourself in a pickle with a condemned property? We get it, it’s a tough spot. But don’t fret! We’ve got the lowdown on how to bring your property back to life in Lackawanna County, PA.

Why’s My Property Condemned? 

First things first, let’s figure out why your property got that dreaded “condemned” label. A quick call to the code enforcement or a ‘right to know’ request should clear things up. Here’s where you can find them. Some usual suspects include:

• Structural issues (think: leaning tower of Pisa vibes)
• Missing basic utilities (running water, electricity)
• Unsanitary conditions (no one likes a dirty home)
• Fire hazards (nope, not the BBQ kind)Illegal occupancy (more than just uninvited in-laws)

The Bond – Your Golden Ticket

Before you dive into the rehab process, there’s this thing called a bond. It’s kinda like a security deposit. The bond amount? Roughly $10k. But here’s a pro tip: You can use a third-party company to handle the bond, and you’ll only pay a fraction of it. Sweet, right? It’s called surety company.

The Road to Redemption: A Step-by-Step Guide

You will need to work with a licensed contractor who is licensed in the city of Scranton.

An occupancy permit will need to be issued before the condemned status is lifted. That means, everything has to be up to code.

• Knowledge is Power: Dive into the City of Scranton’s Condemned Property Policy. Get to know it, live it, love it.
• Paperwork, Paperwork: Before swinging that hammer, you’ll need to submit an affidavit to the big guys at the Department of Licensing, Inspections and Permits. This includes all the nitty-gritty details about you, your property, and your grand plans.
• Prep Work: Secure that bond we talked about. Get a nod of approval from the Bureau of Zoning. And remember, the City’s got eyes everywhere—they can inspect anytime!
• The Final Countdown: Once your property’s all spruced up, schedule a final inspection. The last step? Snag that certificate of occupancy. It’s your property’s golden ticket back to the land of the living.

Bond 101

The bond’s not just a formality. It’s there to have the City’s back, just in case things go south. If your contractor bails or does a shoddy job, the City can claim against the bond. So, choose wisely! And remember, once everything’s up to code and approved, the bond’s released.

A Few Bonding Tips:

• Shop around. Get quotes from different surety companies.

• Ensure your surety company’s legit in Pennsylvania.

• Understand your bond terms. No surprises, please!

• Be ready with your financial deets. The surety company will want to see them.

So, there you have it! Your roadmap to reviving your condemned property in Scranton. It’s a journey, but with a little elbow grease and this guide, you’ll be on your way to property redemption in no time!

Happy rehabbing! 🛠️🏡