I have a detached legal two family property in NYC the basement is also rented out as a 1 bedroom apartment (illegal) for a total of 3 units, my question is how can I make this apartment legal and turn the property into a legal 3 family, and is it worth it to do so?
2006-06-29 12:25:50 · 10 answers · asked by ? 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
If it is illegal, you cannot use the law to enforce evictions, sue for back rent, or anything like that. NYC is very expensive, it might be worth it to get it legalized. Why is it illegal? Does it not meet code, or did you just not get the proper permits for it to be legal? Depending on the circumstances, it may cost you quite a bit to get it legalized to pass inspection. But I believe that you can be reported and have to pay a penalty or something if you get caught for renting without the proper permits.
2006-06-29 12:27:53 · answer #1 · answered by Jeannie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First check Zoning laws. It may or may not be possible to make a basement into an apartment, according to the laws in your area.
Then use common sense to make the apartment safe for starters.
Are there any hazards in the basement apartment?
Toxic Mold? Boiler Fumes? Radon? Asbestos? Lead Paint?
Is there a Fire Door? Are there Fire Exits? Are the windows efficient is there adequate heating?
Is the running water clean? Rusty Pipes?
Pretty much ask yourself:
Would I want to live there?
And take it from there.
Call 311 for further assistance.
2006-06-29 12:34:09 · answer #2 · answered by Swampy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most states require you to have a fire exit for a basement apartment to be legal. You'll have to look into the price of having an exit dug/made that goes from the street level to the basement. If you're in NYC that probably won't be easy.
2006-06-29 12:30:01 · answer #3 · answered by jax 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call up city egineer department to find out. They will let you know if it is possible and what is necessary. Like bathroom, Parking, and health codes. If you need work done try to find a contractor that the city is familiar with. Might cost a little more but your able to cut thru a lot of red tape with ease and get the job done.
2006-06-29 12:32:19 · answer #4 · answered by novahank 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at times they're and at times no longer.....it may be terrific to envision with your interior of sight workplaces to be certain if a certificates of occupancy has been registered and standard. If each and every thing is on the up and up....then basement residences are nice as long as this is the the place somebody desires to stay.
2016-10-31 23:01:15 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact your municipal government's zoning bureau, I believe in most cases they handle rental properties and if not they could certainly direct you to the correct department. But it will have to be done through the municipal government.
2006-06-29 12:29:41 · answer #6 · answered by Patrick B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
chk with the city...planning and zoing..they should have guidelines and can advise you. You will also need a Certificate of Occupancy to be legal and the city issues that after you pass their inspection.
2006-06-29 12:29:08 · answer #7 · answered by cheryl h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need 2 things 1 a private entrance 2 it has to have it's own water meter and electrical meter
2006-06-29 12:29:49 · answer #8 · answered by Weapon X 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a permit from the city. It has to conform to certain codes.
2006-06-29 12:30:09 · answer #9 · answered by Smart Dude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you have to go to your city hall
2006-06-29 12:43:00 · answer #10 · answered by Darlene M. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋