Forum Archive

my husband and i are in the process of purchasing a large 7 bedroom freestanding home in brooklyn. it was built in 1901 so it does not have a c of o. but is not in a single-family zone.

we would like to rent out three of the bedrooms in the house, and put in a small kitchen for those bedrooms on the third floor. additionally, there is also a full basement with separate entrance we want to renovate and rent. the basement needs everything, walls, kitchen, bath, larger windows, proper stair…but the rest of the house is in move in condition.

we are completely new to owning a home and being landlords, and would like to do all of this legally, but are getting intimidated by the details of codes, permits, approval process, fees, and time it takes to do everything legally. we’ve also heard that a few of the neighbors rent rooms in their homes to students at a college near by with no trouble. however, i understand if there is a complaint, an inspection might be demanded, and the penalties of doing all the work without permits and the c of o and etc are in the many thousands…and increase daily until corrected.

does anyone have advice on the legal vs. legal situation we are in? especially advice on how to do these two things: a 3rd floor kitchen, and renovate full basement, LEGALLY, but quickly and efficiently?

thanks in advance for your insights!