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Is this the place to post about a weird and rare situation? The story evolves around roofing damage and a free tenant that was supposed to re-roof in exchange for free rent. But we could not get the required permit.
I don't feel that we have the grounds to evict so they can coast rent free for several months. I can't get a permit without living there. I can't live there because the house has rent free tenants.
It's *near* the right place, though it may be more government building code related than real estate related... I'm curious *why* you can't get a permit without living there. Says who and why?
This is a Lee County, Florida peculiarity. Said to have the toughest roofing regulations in the nation. So roofing prices are really, really jacked up.
I strongly suspect that large contractors bought off local politicians. No other place has these requirements that I know of. I have done quite a bit of roofing, my grandfather owned Berrick Roofing & Sons.
Truly frustrating beyond description. I could finish the job I started in four good days. Roofing company wanted a minimum of $12,000. Which I do not have since no rent has been collected since Hurricane Irma and several thousand was spent due to other hurricane issues.
I'd like to save my house. Is that unreasonable? Rainy season is rapidly approaching. It will rain everyday.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diana Holbrook
It's *near* the right place, though it may be more government building code related than real estate related... I'm curious *why* you can't get a permit without living there. Says who and why?
Is this the place to post about a weird and rare situation? The story evolves around roofing damage and a free tenant that was supposed to re-roof in exchange for free rent. But we could not get the required permit.
I don't feel that we have the grounds to evict so they can coast rent free for several months. I can't get a permit without living there. I can't live there because the house has rent free tenants.
I don't see why you can't fix your own roof without a permit. You won't be able to get a permit with the county showing it was fixed but you will save your house. If you are in Cape Coral it might be worse than other areas. I heard that city runs itself like an HOA. I would think other more expensive parts of Lee may be a problem too.
You can evict the person. Give them 30 days notice and tell them they have to be out.
You don't have to live in the home to get a roofing permit. A lot of people own rental properties and don't live in them, how else could they ever fix their roof. Someone gave you the wrong info. If you called the city or town call again and get the right answer.
Last edited by LifeIsGood01; 04-23-2018 at 08:39 AM..
You might look at evict.com which is a website run by a law firm in Tampa, IIRC. They can help you through an eviction if that is your immediate goal. If your roof is leaking, I can't imagine a better reason for getting a free tenant out of a house.
As for getting a permit, it is unclear (to me) if you are relying on a contractor for this information or the Lee County building department. I'm not in Lee County but it doesn't sound right to me. Building & Permitting Services has some info but I'd call them, even if you already tried once before, and explain everything so they have a clear picture of the situation. Don't ask them about eviction....that's not their area. Ask about the permit situation and note the name of the person you talked with and date/time you spoke. Getting it in writing via email would be even better. The best approach is to hire a local real estate attorney but that obviously costs money.
We have a similar requirement in Irving Texas regarding new driveways. The owner may make repairs if living there. Otherwise must use City approved contractors.
OP, here’s what i would do. I would set up a temporary space in the house (occupied by your free tenants) with a cot and some personal items for the option of sleeping there (but I wouldn’t sleep there) I would go there a few days before the start of the job and just “be around” a couple of hours each day and maybe even leave my car there overnight. Heck you could take a good book or your laptop and relax in a lawnchair outside. I would continue with being present and leaving my car there the whole time the roofing job is being done. I might even change my mailing address with the USPS for a couple of weeks during that period. And I would photograph and timestamp my sleeping space, my car parked there, etc.
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I'm curious *why* you can't get a permit without living there. Says who and why?
