Apparently, I bought this bldg 18 yrs ago w/ a "bootleg" (unpermitted) unit. I've had no issues until... the city's "Principal Bldg Inspector" was there today bc I had to get an inspection done in order to get the gas/electricity turned back on in that unit due to having been shut off bc of a unrelated bldg fire. He asked how many units there were before commenting on what the city has listed. He is returning tomorrow as I have to have the plumber who capped the line/did pressure test do it in FRONT of him! (he can't verify the pressure himself?!) And I need to have electrician see which breaker is... & isolate. Should I be worried as he knows about the unpermitted? What should I expect?

In the past it could be the curse of death, but not anymore! As a contractor I have these issues all of the time and I'm located in Los Angeles where the City departments and pan handlers with their hands out for money, fines, fee's and bribes.

In the last unit I worked on for a client they converted a garage and laundry room into a 2 bedroom unit with kitchen, bathroom and den area.

First I had to confirm the structure was sound, it wasn't. They didn't install the right headers over windows and doors. Had to open up the drywall and make those corrections.

Second, they had shared electrical. I had to install a new panel with meter socket and rewire the unit to code. Making the panel hole 150% or more of the units possible load.

Third the heating, water heater and stove used a shared gas meter. I had to split that and install a new meter.

Forth, the plumbing wasn't correct. Using a number system assigned to fixture units, the water line to that area was under sized. I had to run a larger water line.

I had to open up walls, 12" x 12" to show correct wiring, straps, pipes, etc.

Then I had to blow in insulation, because there wasn't any.

Then the inspector came and wanted more. I know, they always do. He wanted a exhaust fan in the bathroom even though there was a window and a hood the vented outside. The kitchen was in the middle of the unit so I had to build a soffit and vent through another area to the outside.

Then I got the permit signed and an updated certificate of occupancy. I added the unit to the City's rent control list and all was good.

The less said the better.

Deanna is right...........

Fee's to get a job done, under the table.

Walking around change for Mayor to approve project modification, $30,000.

Inspectors fee's to approve violation completion, set of times for his Jaguar XJ6.

City fee to get a permit signed off, $200 campaign contribution.

City fee to allow a Townhouse project, $25,000 park fund -- check payable to an LLC.

Fee to get city off an owners back, $250.

Fee for Health Department to close a closed file, $500.

Gee - I don't know.

It has been like this as long as I've owned it.

You guys in the blue states!!!

I've had rentals for 22 years. I have never had an government inspector set foot in a rental while I owned it in that 22 years. Some have been inspected from the curb...

FREEDOM!!!!