We are asked frequently about buying rental property or single family houses in Bemidji and using them for rental property. Today we heard from Jerry Linke, building inspector with the City of Bemidji and he gave us a rundown on the process and whether or not additional houses can be used for rentals in Bemidji.
The good news is from what he said, as long as the house meets the requirements for being a rental, it can be converted and used for a rental. Keep in mind that there are fees involved in this process. A list of fees involved can be viewed here. See the following from the city website for the process.
As far as a duplex, if it is grandfathered in and used currently as a duplex, it can stay that way. For people wanting to convert a single family home into a duplex, it would need to be located in an area zoned accordingly. If it is zoned correctly, then it would also need to fit into the other regulations.
How to Secure a Rental Permit:
Following are the activities associated with securing and maintaining a rental permit:
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Register the property – request an application from the Building Office.
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Please refer to the City’s fee schedule for applicable rental license fees.
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No new rental unit can be occupied (rented) until it is registered and inspected.
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An appointment will be made, and an inspection for compliance will be conducted, with deficiencies identified and correction orders issued.
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Follow-up inspection(s) will be conducted by the City, and additional fees will be imposed for more than two inspections.
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Pay the inspection fee(s) as billed. Fees: Refer to the application form. You will be billed after all corrections are complete.
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The Rental Permit will be issued after compliance is verified by an inspection and the fee(s) are paid. The Rental Permit is good for three (3) years from the inspection date.
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Prominently display the Rental Permit in the rental or public area of a multiple unit.
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Maintain the property in compliance during the term of the permit.
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Renew your Rental Permit 60 days prior to its expiration.
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The City Inspection Department must be notified in writing within seventy-two (72) hours after having transferred or otherwise disposed of a rental unit. The new owner or resident agent shall have ten (10) days to re-register the units after acquiring them.
A sample checklist can be viewed here to see what is involved in the inspections.
So, keep in mind that homes still can be converted into single family rentals in Bemidji. Most likely, new duplexes would be out of the question in the city limits. Questions on buying or selling a rental, give us a call or email us directly.
