How to Lift a Condemned Status on Your Property in Scranton, PA
Reviving Your Scranton Home: Lifting the Condemned Status
Dealing with a condemned property in Scranton, PA is a tough situation — but it's not hopeless. With the right steps, the right contractor, and the right paperwork, you can bring a condemned property back to life. Here's how to navigate the process.
Why's My Property Condemned?
First things first — find out exactly why your property received that label. A call to code enforcement or a Right to Know request will get you the official documentation. Common reasons include:
- Structural issues (think: leaning tower of Pisa vibes)
- Missing basic utilities (running water, electricity)
- Unsanitary conditions
- Fire hazards
- Illegal occupancy
The Bond — Your Golden Ticket
Before you start renovations, you'll need to secure a bond — essentially a security deposit that protects the City if your contractor bails or does substandard work. The bond amount is roughly $10,000, but here's the good news: you can use a surety company and only pay a fraction of that amount upfront.
You'll also need to work with a licensed contractor who is licensed specifically within the City of Scranton. An occupancy permit must be issued before the condemned status is lifted — meaning everything must be brought up to code.
Bond 101 — A Few Bonding Tips
- Shop around. Get quotes from different surety companies.
- Ensure your surety company is licensed in Pennsylvania.
- Understand your bond terms — no surprises.
- Be ready with your financial details. The surety company will want to see them.
The Road to Redemption: A Step-by-Step Guide
Knowledge is Power
Dive into the City of Scranton's Condemned Property Policy. Get to know it before you do anything else.
Paperwork First
Before swinging a hammer, submit an affidavit to the Department of Licensing, Inspections and Permits. Include all details about you, your property, and your renovation plans.
Prep Work
Secure your bond through a surety company. Get approval from the Bureau of Zoning. Note that the City can inspect at any time during the process.
The Final Countdown
Once your property is renovated and code-compliant, schedule a final inspection. Pass it, and you'll receive your certificate of occupancy — the golden ticket back to normal status.
Don't Want to Deal With the Renovation Process?
If lifting the condemned status feels like more than you want to take on, House Buying Solutions buys condemned and distressed properties in Scranton as-is. We handle the rehab ourselves — you walk away with cash and the problem behind you.
Get a Cash Offer As-Is
We buy condemned and distressed properties in Scranton.
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